These new eco stop/start cars. by Tootall


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Tootall
I have been thinking about this subject for a little while now, you know the ad "our new range of eco cars uses smart technology so when you come to a standstill the engine will stop and when you reapply the accelerator the engine automatically re-starts"

Now this type of system must over time put a lot of strain on the battery and startermotor if you think of how many times you come to stop on a normal journey.
Ex-Longbridge track monkey.

Posted 07 Jun 2010, 18:20 #1 

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Duncan
Tootall wrote:I have been thinking about this subject for a little while now, you know the ad "our new range of eco cars uses smart technology so when you come to a standstill the engine will stop and when you reapply the accelerator the engine automatically re-starts"

Now this type of system must over time put a lot of strain on the battery and startermotor if you think of how many times you come to stop on a normal journey.


Yes and no.

The starter motor, for sure. They have to have specially developed starter motors to last many more starts.

The battery, not neccessarily. Often this technology is linked with recuperation or regeneration. No not the Dr Who kind, but a scheme where when you put the brakes on, the alternator works harder to stuff extra juice into the battery, helping you slow down in the process. The effect is fairly small, but does help to ensure the battery is well topped up ready for the next start.
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Posted 07 Jun 2010, 18:39 #2 


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