The Trump administration says it’s going to eliminate stop-start technology requirements for cars, with EPA chief Lee Zeldin calling the technology «absurd.»
Car and Driver wonders how a change in policy on this scale would actually work, considering most of the nation’s newer vehicles already have the tech onboard.
Here’s what six major automakers said when we reached out.
As part of a sweeping policy change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that it’s «eliminating» engine stop-start systems from American roads. How will this regulatory change play out on American roads, where millions of cars are already in operation with this system in place? Only time will tell, but we wanted to know what the automakers have to say about this recent decision. So we asked.
Hyundai’s statement was the most specific we received, pointing out that the EPA’s rule changes simply remove incentives for automakers to use this technology, rather than banning it: «Start‑stop technology has never been federally mandated, and the EPA’s recent action removes regulatory incentives associated with it rather than prohibiting its use. Hyundai continues to comply with all applicable emissions regulations and regularly evaluates vehicle technologies based on customer feedback, regulatory requirements, and overall efficiency. At this time, we will continue to assess future developments as regulations evolve.»
Ford’s statement was less specific about how these policy changes could affect its vehicles but appears clearly in support of the change: «We appreciate the work of President Trump and Administrator Zeldin to address the imbalance between current emissions standards and customer choice. Ford has consistently advocated for a single, stable national standard that aligns with customer choice, the market, societal benefit, and American job growth.»
Many others did not have anything to share about this issue. «We can’t comment on that right now. Still too new to know anything about it,» said a Subaru spokesperson. General Motors’ response was similar, saying, «We don’t have anything to share at this time.»
Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all deferred to a statement made by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a collective made up of 42 automakers that has previously petitioned President Trump about EV policy changes. Honda said; «We do not have anything to share at this time. Please reach out to AFAI if you have additional questions.»
John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said:
«Today’s action is consistent with EPA’s earlier announcement that it intended to repeal the endangerment finding and correct some of the unachievable emissions regulations enacted under the previous administration. I’ve said it before: Automotive emissions regulations finalized in the previous administration are extremely challenging for automakers to achieve given the current marketplace demand for EVs. The auto industry in America remains focused on preserving vehicle choice for consumers, keeping the industry competitive, and staying on a long-term path of emissions reductions and cleaner vehicles.»
This variety of responses proves that it’s too early to make sweeping judgments about the effects that this policy change will have on the cars we drive. But we will keep an eye out for any resulting modifications that these automakers will make—or not make—to their U.S.-market vehicles in the future, in response to this current EPA administration’s fight against stop-start technology.