Use of Stop-Start Systems Surges in U.S. Light Trucks

The penetration rate of automatic stop-start engine systems grew to 36% of non-electrified light trucks sold in the U.S. during the 2018 model year, according to the Dept. of Energy.

This compares with a 20% installation rate in 2017 for pickups, SUVs and vans, and less than 1% for the segment in 2012. In non-hybrid passenger cars and crossover vehicles, stop-start installations have jumped from about 1% in 2012 to 21% last year.

The fuel-saving technology, which turns the engine off when a car stops, has long been standard in most hybrid vehicles. Start-stop systems typically can provide greater benefits in large vehicles with less efficient engines. As a result, applications in trucks have outpaced those for cars for the past three years.