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More than Half of Light Duty Vehicles Sold Worldwide Will Have Stop-Start Capability by 2021,


fuel gauge

Restrictions on fuel consumption and emissions are driving the market’s growth, report concludes March 25, 2014 05:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

BOULDER, CO--March 25, 2014: Stop-start vehicles incorporate a simple yet valuable feature: they eliminate idling by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and then restart it automatically when the driver releases the brake. Stop-start technology, which offers some of the fuel economy benefits of hybrid vehicles at a fraction of the cost premium, is being incorporated into new light-duty vehicle models at a rapid pace. Click to tweet: By 2021, according to a recent report from Navigant Research, more than half of all light-duty vehicles sold worldwide will incorporate stop-start capability.

“The newest stop-start systems coming to market incorporate some drive assistance, which classifies the models that use them as true micro hybrid vehicles”

“The newest stop-start systems coming to market incorporate some drive assistance, which classifies the models that use them as true micro hybrid vehicles,” says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “Micro hybrid technology enables large vehicles to be designed to run leaner without sacrificing drivability, and small vehicles to be set up for limited electric-only operation.”

The primary driver for manufacturers to incorporate stop-start technology is tightening restrictions on fuel consumption and emissions in most countries, according to the report. Vehicle manufacturers must achieve specific average fuel economy targets in order to avoid financial penalties in many countries. Automakers are also responding to consumers who increasingly want better fuel efficiency in the vehicles they buy.

The report, “Stop-Start Vehicles”, analyzes the opportunities and challenges present in the global market for light duty start-stop vehicles (SSVs), also known as micro hybrids, idle stop vehicles, and a variety of other names branded by automakers. The report examines stop-start component systems, including the technologies used for energy storage. Global forecasts for light duty SSV, lead-acid battery, lithium ion battery, and ultracapacitor sales by world region extend through 2022. The report also provides a detailed analysis of the benefits, drivers, and market barriers for SSVs and profiles key market players. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.