AAA tests show 5-7% city mileage gain with automatic engine stop-start

[MetroMPG]

Looks like the AAA is trying to educate motorists about the benefits of stop/start.

Their study also busts the misconception that stop/start isn't on American cars because the systems don't register enough of a beneift in EPA testing.

AAA put three automatic stop-start vehicles through the Environmental Protection Agency’s “urban” cycle, which simulates a commuting trip covering 11.04 miles at an average speed of 21.2 miles-per-hour. The simulation is part urban driving – including frequent stops – and part highway driving. This test was selected to ensure that the stop-start systems had an opportunity to work as they would on a normal commute.

• A 2013 Ford Fusion,
• a 2014 Mercedes Benz CLS550
• and a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu were tested.

The AAA research was conducted with the Auto Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center.

Source: AAA

They estimate annual fuel savings of $179 for consumers, based on 15,000 miles a year in a vehicle that averages 20 mpg with fuel prices at $3.65 per gallon.

Notably, they also point out the savings "do not include other factors relative to ownership costs of vehicles equipped with automatic stop-start systems, such as potentially higher costs to replace the upgraded battery or starter typically used in these vehicles."

[Fat Charlie]

Do you think AAA will ever do a study on the savings for "manual engine shutoff without coming to a stop," or EOC as we call it here?

[Xist]

I thought we did not have start-stop because Americans would not put up with the injustice of their air conditioning turning off.

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Do you think AAA will ever do a study on the savings for "manual engine shutoff without coming to a stop," or EOC as we call it here?

It really seems like if you purchase a car that turns off your engine (or shifts to neutral), you are environmentally-friendly, but if you do it yourself, you are evil, insane, and putting everyone's lives at risk!

Everyone! Even if they are miles away!

[Fat Charlie]

Ooh, sorry. I'll have to buy another new car so that I'm not imperiling you guys any more. And the puppies, I've got to stop risking all those puppies' lives.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Xist

I thought we did not have start-stop because Americans would not put up with the injustice of their air conditioning turning off.

It's not impossible to get a 12-volt Danfoss-type compressor to keep the air-conditioneer operating with the engine off, just like in any hybrid.

It really seems like if you purchase a car that turns off your engine (or shifts to neutral), you are environmentally-friendly, but if you do it yourself, you are evil, insane, and putting everyone's lives at risk!

Going "green" is nowadays more a matter of bragging rights or marketing than any other thing.

[nemo]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

And the puppies, I've got to stop risking all those puppies' lives.

Don't forget the wolves.

[Daox]

We mainly don't have start/stop because the EPA testing doesn't reflect any benefit. During the testing, there is no sustained periods where the vehicle is stopped and idling (or not). Its just speed up/down.

The A/C thing can be remedied by a little extra cost. Heat exchanger manufacturers have incorporated phase change material (wax) into the heat exchangers to 'store cold/heat' for a limited amount of time. I think in the article I read it was 30 seconds. The additional cost was pretty minimal.

[Cobb]

Myself and several insight owners see more like a 10% savings with auto stop.

[Xist]

Well, people do not want their AC cutting out, and if they wanted to pay extra for better mileage, they would purchase a hybrid!

For the puppies? Wolves?


Wolf puppies!

[Cobb]

If you had actually driven a hybrid you would know the same applies to the heater. At least some cars like the Civic and prius can run the ac on battery power for a few minutes before the engine needs to refire.

Me? I use recycle for air flow and let off the brake every so often so the engine runs a little, then reapply brake and auto stop restarts.