Overview
- The EPA finalized a rule on Thursday eliminating off‑cycle credits that had encouraged start‑stop technology, as part of repealing the 2009 Endangerment Finding and related vehicle greenhouse‑gas standards.
- The technology remains legal, but without federal credits manufacturers are expected to scale back its use or adjust default settings rather than promote it as a standard feature.
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the feature as unpopular and said the overhaul will reduce new‑car prices, citing an average savings of about $2,400 per vehicle.
- Automakers including Stellantis and Ford welcomed the move as supporting customer choice, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said it aims to keep consumer options and a long‑term path to cleaner vehicles.
- Environmental and zero‑emission advocates signaled legal and policy challenges, noting studies showing start‑stop can deliver roughly 7% to 26% fuel‑economy gains depending on driving conditions.