Bosch System Stops Engine Whenever Vehicle Coasts

Stop-start systems save fuel by shutting off the engine when a vehicle stops for a traffic light, then instantly restarting it when the driver hits the gas.

A more advanced approach from Robert Bosch GmbH also stops the engine at cruising speed whenever the vehicle can maintain the desired pace coasting down gentle inclines or deliberately coasting to a lower speed as traffic slows.

Bosch says its tests show that combustion engines run needlessly about 30% of the time. The company estimates that its system, which detects when the vehicle is coasting and stops the engine until the driver presses the accelerator again, could reduce fuel consumption 10%.

The Bosch system combines enhanced software with existing sensors and a beefed-up starter motor. The design could be fitted to virtually any piston-powered vehicle, according to the company.

Vehicles equipped with double-clutch transmission already return the engine to idle when the accelerator pedal is released. Bosch's system enhances the fuel savings by switching off the engine entirely which also helps the vehicle coast longer before power flow must be resumed.