EPA ends credits for auto start/stop systems — too many reports feature the wrong system

Auto start/stop

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new rule finalized in February 2026 that eliminates all “off-cycle credits”, which includes credits tied to auto stop/start systems.

But it’s important that the system in question is properly understood.

Off-cycle credits

First a word on off-cycle credits. These are systems innovative, energy-saving technologies that standard two-cycle testing ignores, such as engine heat recovery, active aerodynamics, and the start-stop ignition systems in question.

The problem we see here is that in at least two examples, reports have featured a photo of an engine start/stop button (right), not of the start stop system!

The second image (far right) shows the separate button above the start/stop button that is the auto start/stop system off button.

They do share the start/stop nomenclature, but we can all rest assured that keyless or push button start is not going anywhere.

Note that the first image at the top right shows an auto start/stop off button separated from the start button, which is common in the industry.

The auto start/stop system

Auto engine start/stop systems (that’s its symbol to the right) shut down a vehicle’s engine when the vehicle is stopped.

This shuts off emissions at stop signs and street lights and saves the fuel that would be needlessly burned while idling. They are controlled by the use and then release of the brake pedal.

In the announcement, the EPA called the system nearly “universally hated”, but this seems more like opinion currently held within the circle of administrators in the EPA.

Do the systems harm your vehicle?

The system is not without its detractors, and we too wondered if there would be additional wear and tear on starters in particular. However, everything we’ve found suggests today’s starters are more than capable of handling the load.

And for those who believe that engines will suddenly suffer from a lack of oil, you can rest assured that your engine remains well oiled for the minute or two that the engine is off. And you will save fuel!

Not to mention the reduced emissions.

Will the systems actually go away?

The short answer is no. They were initially developed for hybrid vehicles which will operate off its battery with the engine off until the high-voltage battery needs to recharge. So the systems have been around for literally decades.

And hybrid vehicles are more popular than ever!

To be sure, we’ve driven vehicles with auto start/stop systems that were slow to respond and others that did not offer an opportunity to turn the system off. But the majority of these systems are well designed and actually do include an off switch.

Sadly, we have an EPA more inclined to harm rather than protect the environment. Whether auto makers choose to remove these systems remains to be seen, and most reports suggest that the use of the systems (outside of hybrids) is effectively dead.

We suspect many will prefer to hold on to their environmental bona fides.

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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