Ford prices Auto Start-Stop system in non-hybrid 2013 Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost model at $295
02 April 2012
Ford is offering the Auto Start-Stop system on its new non-hybrid 2013 Fusion equipped with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine (earlier post) for $295. Auto Start-Stop saves fuel use when the car is standing and running at idle. Savings vary depending on driving patterns, but owners who spend most time in heavy urban areas and city traffic will benefit up to 10%. On average, Auto Start-Stop improves fuel efficiency by about 3.5%.
The Ford Auto Start-Stop system includes a 12V battery designed for long lasting service with no additional maintenance; a 12V enhanced starter motor to provide seamless engine starts once a driver removes his or her foot from the brake pedal; and a voltage quality module to assures vehicle accessories function normally when the engine is off.
We expect the average Fusion driver with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Auto Start-Stop will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving.
—Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager
A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates that congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5% of all the gasoline used. Studies show drivers encounter an average of 10 to 15 red lights and stop signs on a typical 20 mile commute, which can add 5 to 15 minutes of idle time and wasted gas. Some communities—such as Denver, Colo. and Ann Arbor, Mich.—are also considering ordinances banning excessive engine idling.
Ford is making Auto Start-Stop available for non-hybrids in the US with the new 1.6-liter EcoBoost-powered Fusion.
On sale this fall, the new Fusion offers a choice of two EcoBoost-powered gasoline engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Fuel-economy includes:
- 2013 Fusion 1.6-liter EcoBoost: projected 37 mpg highway
- 2013 Fusion Hybrid: projected 47 mpg
- 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: projected 100 MPGe-plus rating
Is the AC included in the "vehicle accessories function normally when the engine is off"?
Posted by: ToppaTom | 02 April 2012 at 04:58 AM
probably not
Posted by: Herm | 02 April 2012 at 05:47 AM
Regardless... the aggressive downsizing, turbocharging and other efficiency measures represent real progress. They are bound to go company-wide, then industry-wide.
Engine-off A/C operation requires electric A/C, which is part and parcel of the move to eliminate belt-driven accessories to reduce parasitic loads. It will soon be standard on every vehicle with an alternator big enough to run it, which will probably include most things with idle-stop.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 02 April 2012 at 07:21 AM
Heat and AC stay on, but in Eco mode. Your glass is half full.
Posted by: Ziv | 03 April 2012 at 07:52 AM
At under $300, it should become standard equipment on all cars and light trucks. TT may not like it, but it could/should be mandated, in the national best interest. A retro-fit program could reduce crude oil import by 5+% (and pollution by almost the same amount) very quickly while creating many thousand local jobs. It would be a quick boost for the national economy.
The nation cannot wait for naysayers, the Oil industries and their lobbies to support this measure. It is not in their interest to do so.
Posted by: HarveyD | 03 April 2012 at 08:08 AM
I say what Harvey said. I'd just add, at 300 bucks and with a savings of $1100 over time, what are we waiting for? It's like we prefer to be stupid. Are any of you sure we aren't totally brainwashed by oil company interests? Please, somebody tell me that the consumer would reject a car that costs $300 dollars more, yes, that $300 dollars is going to make the difference in them buying or not buying a car.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 03 April 2012 at 09:28 AM
@Harvey - I am sort of with you on the standard equipment.
What could possibly go wrong ???
I have one on a Fiat 500, and it takes a bit of getting used to. If you are not careful, it does not kick in and you have to double clutch.
So if all the old people had these, they might spend quite a bit of time stuck at the lights waiting for something to happen.
Apart from that, it is a great idea, and for $300 a bit of a no-brainer.
I am not sure you could retrofit them to existing vehicles, however.
Posted by: mahonj | 04 April 2012 at 05:52 AM
BMW has one that uses a standard starter and the power steering pump goes off. You can implement it correctly or not, that is what can go wrong.
Some people may not like the car stalling at every intersection, if you can turn the feature off, they might accept it, but most will not want to pay for it.
What little fuel you might save versus the hassles may come under the heading of "nanyism", where the state knows best, something like low flush toilets to save water.
Posted by: SJC | 04 April 2012 at 08:48 AM
Great idea, I'm grateful Ford included this to the line-up even as an choice. Auto Service in Virginia
Posted by: Account Deleted | 22 October 2012 at 02:52 AM