Technology is at the forefront of the new generation of automobiles. Consumers and regulators alike are calling for greater efficiency and lower emissions, and innovative utilization of technology will be the only way to deliver on those demands. This is precisely why automakers like Mazda are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to reassess their policies involving fuel-saving stop-start technology.

The EPA currently currently inhibits automakers from fully testing stop-start technology and bringing it to market in the U.S. This feature is used outside of the U.S .to shut off the engine when the driver applies the brakes. When the driver releases the pressure on the brakes, the engine will start again.

Mazda and other automakers are limited by the EPA’s city-mode test, which provides automakers with only a modest .1 or .2 miles per gallon gain in start-stop testing. Meanwhile in Japan, different regulations help this technology yield 33 to 37 mpg in city driving.

With an extra $500 cost to consumers for this technology, it isn’t currently available on Mazda vehicles as it simply wouldn’t be worth it. However, with new EPA rule changes expected in 2010, stop-start technology could become available with a higher rating soon.

* * *

Stay current with stop-start technology here on this blog.