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The engine start-stop technology has become a common feature in many modern vehicles, yet many car owners are still unclear about how it works. When people first buy a car, they often hear terms like "start-stop" or "engine idle stop," but may not fully understand what these technologies entail. In fact, the system is designed to save fuel and reduce emissions by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarting it when needed.
In today’s busy cities, traffic jams are a daily occurrence, sometimes causing cars to sit for minutes or even hours. During these times, the engine runs in idle mode, which produces more pollution than when driving normally. To address this issue, energy-saving technologies were developed, and the start-stop system emerged as a solution. Introduced quietly in the 1970s, this technology was initially used to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions during traffic congestion.
As environmental regulations became stricter, automakers began integrating start-stop systems into their vehicles on a large scale. This technology is now considered a key selling point for many car manufacturers. But how exactly does it work? And what has been its evolution over time? This article will explore the history, working principle, and current application of engine start-stop technology, offering insights into its past and present development.
**What is Automatic Start and Stop Technology?**
Automatic start and stop technology refers to a system that automatically turns off the engine when a vehicle comes to a complete stop, such as at a red light or in heavy traffic. Once the driver is ready to move again, the system automatically restarts the engine. The process is seamless and typically occurs without any input from the driver beyond pressing the brake pedal.
When the driver presses the brake, the engine shuts off after a short delay—usually around two seconds. If the driver continues to press the brake, the engine remains off until the brake is released. At that point, the engine starts immediately, allowing the driver to accelerate without delay. This function is known as the D-stop mode and helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions during idling.
**How Does the Engine Start-Stop Technology Work?**
The basic principle of the start-stop system involves using an advanced battery and starter motor. The battery is charged through an energy recovery system or the vehicle’s generator. When the vehicle stops due to traffic or a red light, the system checks several conditions before shutting off the engine. These include the vehicle being in neutral, the wheel speed sensor showing zero, and the battery having enough charge to restart the engine.
Once these conditions are met, the engine automatically turns off. When the driver releases the brake or moves the steering wheel, the system quickly restarts the engine. With the help of efficient battery technology and optimized engine management systems, the start-stop function can operate smoothly even in cold weather, with minimal warm-up time.
**History of Automatic Start-Stop Technology**
The concept of engine start-stop technology dates back to the 1930s, with practical applications emerging in the 1970s. Toyota was one of the early pioneers, testing a similar system on the Crown sedan. When the vehicle stopped for 1.5 seconds, the engine would shut off, improving fuel economy by up to 10% in Tokyo's busy traffic.
In the 1980s, Volkswagen introduced start-stop technology on the second-generation Polo. Later models, including the third-generation Golf and Lupo, also featured the system, though sales were limited due to high costs. BMW also adopted the technology, using enhanced starter motors to handle frequent starts and stops.
France’s Citroën launched its own version of the system called “start-stop,†which was installed on the C2 and C3 models. This system combined an electronically controlled ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) with an automatic transmission, significantly improving fuel efficiency.
**Current Application of the Start-Stop System**
Today, many car models come equipped with start-stop technology. European brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Porsche have widely adopted the system. In the U.S., Ford plans to implement start-stop in 70% of its models by 2017.
China is also following this trend. According to industry experts, by 2019, 30% of new cars sold in China are expected to be equipped with start-stop systems. This means that nearly one in three vehicles will have this technology, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in urban areas.