Out of all of the features that come installed in modern vehicles, automatic start-stop technology ranks right near the bottom of the list for most buyers. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin has been open about his disdain for the ostensibly fuel-saving setup, going as far as to say he would eliminate it on behalf of the Trump administration back in May 2025. It appears that the environmental agency is finally ready to make some sort of official move in that regard, with Zeldin taking to social media on Tuesday to hint at a major announcement coming this week.
Start-stop is a fairly self-explanatory bit of technology: the system works to save fuel by turning off a vehicle’s engine when it is either coming to a stop or has stopped. The system then restarts the engine when a request for motive power is made. The systems are most effective in stop-and-go driving situations, such as in a dense city or a particularly cluttered freeway. The EPA previously supported the system’s effectiveness, noting that they could improve fuel economy by as much as by as much as five percent.
That said, the use of these systems has never actually been mandated for automakers here in the States. Companies have instead opted to install the systems on all of their vehicles to receive off-cycle credits from the Feds. Virtually every new vehicle on sale in the country today also allows drivers to turn the feature off via a hard button, as well.
Still, that apparently isn’t keeping the EPA from making a move against the system. “Countless Americans passionately despise the start/stop feature in cars,” Zeldin said in a post on X. “So many have spoken out against this absurd start-stop-start-stop-start-stop concept. The Trump Admin has heard your calls and the announcement you have been waiting for is coming THIS WEEK. Stay tuned!”
Of course, we’re not exactly sure what the plan is here from the EPA. They could simply eliminate the off-cycle benefits that automaker’s currently receive for using start-stop, but whether or not that would effectively eliminate the feature is unknown. It’s possible that the systems could be made easier to defeat for longer periods, such as between multiple key cycles, as most owners complain about having to turn off the system upon every vehicle restart. Either way, it’s important to remember that the EPA is currently not forcing automakers to use the systems, anyway.
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
