WASHINGTON — New cars might soon stop shutting off at every red light. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to roll back mandates that pushed automakers to install start-stop technology, calling the regulation a “mistake that needs fixing.”
“Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy,” Zeldin said. “EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it.”
Start-stop systems were originally designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off a vehicle’s engine when it comes to a stop, then restarting it when the driver lifts their foot off the brake. The EPA under previous leadership encouraged automakers to install the technology to meet stricter environmental standards.
The Positives:
Advocates for the technology have pointed to measurable benefits. Start-stop systems can slightly boost fuel economy—by about 3% to 10% depending on driving conditions—and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in heavy traffic. For city drivers, where stop-and-go traffic is common, those savings can add up over time. Some automakers argued it was a relatively simple and low-cost way to help meet federal fuel efficiency targets without expensive overhauls.
The Negatives:
Despite the environmental intentions, start-stop technology quickly became one of the most unpopular features among drivers. Common complaints include a noticeable lag when restarting the engine, rough or jarring transitions, added wear and tear on starters and batteries, and the annoyance of feeling the car “die” at every stoplight. Many also questioned the true environmental benefit, given the minimal gas savings compared to the inconvenience and mechanical issues it introduced.
Critics have long said the feature felt more like a regulatory checkbox than a true innovation—and Administrator Zeldin agrees. His announcement signals a major shift in how the EPA plans to balance environmental goals with consumer satisfaction.
What Happens Next:
Zeldin said the EPA will begin the process of revising the federal rules that encouraged widespread adoption of start-stop systems. It’s unclear whether future emissions standards will still allow automakers to use start-stop tech voluntarily, but it will no longer be necessary to meet government mandates.
Consumers frustrated with the constant stopping and starting may soon have more choices when shopping for a new vehicle—without having to dig deep into complicated settings to try to disable the system.
“This is about common sense,” Zeldin said. “We can protect the environment without forcing drivers to hate their own cars.”
