In this era of the coexistence of environmental protection and efficiency, every technological innovation in the car carries expectations for the future. Automatic engine start-stop technology, once regarded as a model of energy saving, is often labeled as a "chicken rib", so many car owners put it on the shelf at the first moment on the road. But what is the truth? Let's demystify the automatic start-stop and hear what engineers have to say.
When you wait at the traffic light, the engine quietly turns off, and then you press the accelerator and it wakes up instantly, this is the wonderful experience brought by automatic start-stop technology. However, why is this technology, which aims to save energy and reduce emissions, misunderstood by many car owners? It's time to make a name for it!
Automatic start and stop
Historically, the idea of automatic start-stop was first introduced in the 30s of the 20th century, and Toyota applied it to the Crown in the 70s, followed by the Volkswagen Polo. It wasn't until 2006, when BMW popularized it on a large scale, that the technology really entered the public eye. Its emergence is a deep insight into the future energy-saving trend of automobiles.
As for whether automatic start-stop can really save fuel, China Automotive Technology and Research Center has given the answer with data: in theory, this technology can achieve fuel savings of 7% to 27%. This means that even in the midst of urban snail-like traffic, every short stop can add a significant deposit to the planet's green account. Of course, under congestion and wading road conditions, turning off the automatic start and stop at the right time can better reflect the driving wisdom.
Worried about frequent start-stop injuries to your engine? Engineers tell you that this concern is actually a bit unnecessary. The automatic start-stop works in the hot start state when the engine temperature is high, when the oil has been fully flowed, and the degree of wear is much lower than that of cold start. BMW's engineers are even proud to reveal that their engines are designed to withstand up to 50,000 cold starts and 230,000 hot starts with a service life of up to 20 years. Automatic start and stop, but become the invisible guardian of the engine.
As for the "additional requirements" for the battery and starter motor for automatic start-stop, car manufacturers have long foreseen. Purpose-built reinforcements, such as reinforced engagement gears and more durable solenoid coils, make these critical parts more than capable of handling the challenges of frequent starts and stops. Although the battery for automatic start and stop is expensive, it can challenge it in 60,000 charging and discharging cycles, far exceeding the limit of ordinary batteries.
Despite the many benefits of automatic start-stop, why is it still undesirable in China? On the one hand, it is the collision of driving habits and psychological factors. In the already anxious traffic jam, frequent starts and stops undoubtedly add to the psychological burden. On the other hand, there is the difference between the tuning of the vehicle and the quality of the accessories. Some vehicles suffer from a lack of optimization or low durability of accessories, resulting in a discounted user experience and even additional repair costs.
BMW has set an example in this regard, with its automatic start-stop system being almost silent. Intelligently identifies a variety of unsuitable start-stop scenarios, such as low temperature, high heat, steep slopes or intense driving modes, to ensure that passengers' comfort and safety are always online. Such a design makes people have to sigh the delicate mind of the engineer.
Epilogue:
To sum up, automatic start and stop is by no means a simple "chicken rib". It is more like a misunderstood hero, silently shouldering the heavy responsibility of energy conservation and emission reduction, only to be occasionally burdened by imperfect tuning and driver's prejudice in the process of implementation. In the future, with the continuous optimization of technology and the improvement of consumer awareness, automatic start and stop is expected to truly become an indispensable green companion for every vehicle. It's time for automakers to listen to their engineers and make every technology work for a better driving experience, not just a "test-to-test" for regulations.
There may still be a long way to go in the journey of energy saving and emission reduction, but at least now we know that it carries an engineer's vision for the future of the car. Let's take a fresh look at this technology, and maybe the next time the red light comes on, you'll choose to let it continue to work and contribute to the blue sky and white clouds of the earth.