EPA killing auto start stop?

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May 14, 2025
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14 comments
EPA killing auto start stop

The dreaded auto start stop feature in newer vehicles looks like it is on the chopping block according to new EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

EPA killing auto start stop?

This new development comes from a post on X where Zeldin declared the agency was looking into eliminating the credit for automakers to implement the feature.

The feature turns a vehicle on/off at long stops such as in stop and go traffic or at stop signs. This can save a small amount of fuel and emissions with longer stops. Critics point to long-term concerns on wear and tear over items such as the starter.

As Zeldin correctly points out, this feature wasn’t an EPA mandated item, rather automakers received a credit for using the systems in their vehicles. Most automakers adopted this feature for the credit making a wildly used feature and as part of the credit it had to be activated each time the vehicle was started.

Removing this credit will likely mean this feature could disappear in future vehicles depending on when they are redesigned and if the automaker chooses to make this change.

Our take

Auto start/stop is just dumb. Does it destroy starters? Nope. Does it save that much fuel? Nope. It is just unnecessary and an inconvenience. The EPA was trying to force the issue here and that never works. The real answer is a hybrid powertrain that turns off anyway without the owner noticing achieving the same perceived benefits of auto start/stop with much greater results. This technology will go away like the dodo bird and be forgotten about as the hybrid technology becomes more mainstream.

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testerdahl

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The dreaded auto start stop feature in newer vehicles looks like it is on the chopping block according to new EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. EPA killing auto start stop? This new development comes from a post on X where Zeldin declared the agency was looking into eliminating the credit for automakers to implement the feature. Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy. EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it. pic.twitter.com/zFhijMyHDe — Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) May 12, 2025 The feature turns a vehicle on/off at long stops […] (read full article...)

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Fightnfire

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The dreaded auto start stop feature in newer vehicles looks like it is on the chopping block according to new EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. EPA killing auto start stop? This new development comes from a post on X where Zeldin declared the agency was looking into eliminating the credit for automakers to implement the feature. Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy. EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it. pic.twitter.com/zFhijMyHDe — Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) May 12, 2025 The feature turns a vehicle on/off at long stops […] (read full article...)

This is the same stuff TK's garage posts about. I do think CARB, auto start stop and many others are on their way out.

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testerdahl

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This is the same stuff TK's garage posts about. I do think CARB, auto start stop and many others are on their way out.

My issue with him is he runs with everything being fact instead of here's what he said and what we know today.

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Fightnfire

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My issue with him is he runs with everything being fact instead of here's what he said and what we know today.

I just find him annoying but he seems to have some inside people at stellantis specifically and does have a really good track record of predicting things that they do.

I also think he's on the mark when it comes to what's going to happen with EPA changes and CARB specifically. Which is that it will be a step-by-step dismantling overcoming legal hurdles along the way.

He did a video recently about where he thinks CARB will focus their efforts next and that's on brake dust and as silly as that sounds I actually found it really interesting. Because I think he's correct.

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testerdahl

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I just find him annoying but he seems to have some inside people at stellantis specifically and does have a really good track record of predicting things that they do.

I also think he's on the mark when it comes to what's going to happen with EPA changes and CARB specifically. Which is that it will be a step-by-step dismantling overcoming legal hurdles along the way.

He did a video recently about where he thinks CARB will focus their efforts next and that's on brake dust and as silly as that sounds I actually found it really interesting. Because I think he's correct.

Its funny I mentioned his name to some Stellantis folks and said he did a video about his sources. They lit up and wanted the link to that video. Sounds like they have a leak somewhere.

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Hilux

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Dusdaddy

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Its funny I mentioned his name to some Stellantis folks and said he did a video about his sources. They lit up and wanted the link to that video. Sounds like they have a leak somewhere.

That is funny that they don't already know what is said on every video out there. You'd think they'd have someone in a room, watching every bit of media on current issues or recent releases just to see what's being said. There is a video out there right now from DONSLIFE that is claiming to have info about the recall from a GM insider. Sounds like you need to start building a cadre of informants within the manufacturers like the CIA. You can pay them off with some good bourban.....lol

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testerdahl

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That is funny that they don't already know what is said on every video out there. You'd think they'd have someone in a room, watching every bit of media on current issues or recent releases just to see what's being said. There is a video out there right now from DONSLIFE that is claiming to have info about the recall from a GM insider. Sounds like you need to start building a cadre of informants within the manufacturers like the CIA. You can pay them off with some good bourban.....lol

I can’t imagine having the time to watch everything. I mean there are probably what a few dozen videos dropped everyday on each brand, plus at least 10 website posts per day. Then, you have to figure they only have time to watch at night after work or on weekends. Hell, I don’t even watch or read everything. It is impossible.

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Fightnfire

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Donslife is a really good channel just don't expect truck reviews. His thing is DIY vehicle mods. From wraps, to swapping infotainment screens. He's really good at step by step stuff. They have a recalled Escalade, Sierra AT4 and a new Corvette.

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TheDo114

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I just find him annoying but he seems to have some inside people at stellantis specifically and does have a really good track record of predicting things that they do.

I also think he's on the mark when it comes to what's going to happen with EPA changes and CARB specifically. Which is that it will be a step-by-step dismantling overcoming legal hurdles along the way.

He did a video recently about where he thinks CARB will focus their efforts next and that's on brake dust and as silly as that sounds I actually found it really interesting. Because I think he's correct.

Brake dust will be te next major focus. All of the recent studies coming out about brake dust seem to indicate that it's really really bad for human health.

I'm happy if they get rid of auto stop/start. It seems to be causing a lot battery issues and I'm not sure the little amount of fuel and emissions it saves is able to compensate for all of the extra batteries needed.

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Dusdaddy

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I can’t imagine having the time to watch everything. I mean there are probably what a few dozen videos dropped everyday on each brand, plus at least 10 website posts per day. Then, you have to figure they only have time to watch at night after work or on weekends. Hell, I don’t even watch or read everything. It is impossible.

Automated with AI search engines looking for key words. My old company actually did this to identify poor reviews to get on top of issues.

Edit: Let me add, the search part was automated. A human from CS still had to watch it.

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