Drivers could see popular car feature go extinct as Donald Trump takes aim at net zero measures (0.01276595744680851)
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52687435%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3D" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p>Donald Trump's administration is considering scrapping regulations that require automatic stop-start systems in vehicles, according to the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency.</p><p>Lee Zeldin suggested the technology, which turns off engines when cars are stationary to reduce emissions, could be eliminated despite its widespread adoption.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>The feature has become standard in modern vehicles worldwide as emissions standards have tightened.</p><p>However, it divides opinion among drivers, with many finding the system frustrating despite its environmental benefits.</p><p><em><strong>Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing</strong></em> <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><strong>[email protected]</strong></em></a></p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="A stop/start button in a car and President Donald Trump" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f88aced5c669a09398432e0f95c2cafd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="fc9e1" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/a-stop-start-button-in-a-car-and-president-donald-trump.jpg?id=60204784&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><p>Stop-start systems automatically switch off a car's engine when it comes to a complete stop, such as at traffic lights.</p><p>The engine restarts when the driver signals they want to move again, typically by pressing the brake or clutch pedal.</p><p>The technology aims to reduce pollution caused by stationary vehicles. According to the Royal College of Physicians, idling is linked to 40,000 deaths per year in the UK.</p><p>Writing on social media platform X, Zeldin criticised the technology, saying: "Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy."</p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d84c90fcdcf184a3713c831229037aa2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="29f45" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/environmental-protection-agency-epa-administrator-lee-zeldin.jpg?id=60204777&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p>He added: "EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we're fixing it."</p><p>The potential change aligns with President Trump's broader deregulation agenda, which he has described as a plan to "unleash prosperity through deregulation".</p><p>An executive order signed by the president in January requires agencies such as the EPA to scrap at least 10 regulations for every new one they introduce.</p><p>This "one-in, ten-out" approach represents one of the most aggressive deregulation efforts in recent American history.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p>Stop-start systems were first introduced by Toyota in the 1970s and have gradually become more widespread as environmental standards for vehicle emissions have grown stricter.</p><p>Regulators around the world have increasingly favoured the technology as part of efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.</p><p>Car manufacturers have adapted their designs to accommodate the technology, with some including more robust batteries specifically designed for frequent engine restarts.</p><p>Some motorists question whether the technology risks using more fuel, wearing out the battery or increasing engine wear and tear.</p><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/elderly-drivers-warning-dvla-checks" target="_blank">Elderly drivers could have 'keys taken off them by a family member' amid calls for DVLA to act</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/rachel-reeves-car-taxes-cost-hikes-roads-northern-ireland" target="_self">Rachel Reeves car taxes clobber millions with cost hikes on roads not 'fit to drive on'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/driving-licence-restrictions-ban-passengers-road-accidents" target="_self">Driving licence restrictions to ban passengers supported as three in four motorists risk road accidents</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Stop/start car button" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7eae2107ebe0ea8dd0a5fa9ee024f946" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="cf578" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/stop-start-car-button.jpg?id=60204786&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><p>However, the RAC dismisses these concerns as myths, citing research showing stop-start systems can improve fuel economy.</p><p>The motoring organisation also notes that cars equipped with the technology use sensors to ensure it only activates when it won't damage the engine.</p>
