The Trump administration is reportedly pushing to make new cars less fuel-efficient by banning automatic engine start-stop systems, a technology designed to save petrol when vehicles are idling. The move, attributed to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, comes at a time when American motorists are facing some of the highest fuel prices in years, a situation critics have linked to the administration's own energy policies.
Start-stop technology automatically shuts off a car's engine when it comes to a halt, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it when the driver releases the brake. The system is widely fitted by manufacturers as a cost-effective way to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in urban driving. Removing it from the market would likely increase average fuel consumption across new vehicles, according to automotive engineers.
The reported proposal has drawn sharp criticism from industry observers and consumer advocates, who argue that the policy runs counter to the administration's stated goal of energy independence. With petrol prices already straining household budgets, making cars less efficient would add to the financial burden on drivers, they say. The timing of the move has also been questioned, as it appears to prioritise regulatory rollback over consumer interests.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has not publicly detailed the reasoning behind the reported plan, but the administration has consistently framed such regulatory changes as efforts to reduce government overreach and lower the cost of vehicle production. Supporters of the move argue that start-stop systems can be intrusive, causing noticeable vibrations and hesitation when the engine restarts, and that some drivers find the feature more annoying than beneficial.
However, the environmental and economic implications are significant. The technology is one of the simplest and most effective tools automakers use to meet corporate average fuel economy standards. Eliminating it would force manufacturers to rely on more expensive hybrid or electric powertrains to achieve the same efficiency targets, potentially raising the sticker price of new vehicles. Alternatively, it could lead to a relaxation of fuel economy rules, which would lock in higher petrol consumption for years to come.
The proposal is the latest in a series of moves by the administration to unwind vehicle regulations introduced under the previous government. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency signalled it would revisit tailpipe emission standards, arguing that stricter rules placed an undue burden on the automotive industry. Taken together, these actions point to a broader strategy of deregulation that prioritises industry flexibility over environmental and consumer protections.
For now, the start-stop ban remains a reported plan rather than a formal rule. Any change to federal motor vehicle safety standards would require a public comment period and could face legal challenges from environmental groups. But the direction of travel is clear: the administration is willing to sacrifice fuel efficiency to deliver on its promise of cutting red tape, even as American drivers feel the pinch at the pump.