Ford to Spark Stop-Start Market in the U.S.: Matter Network

Matter Network’s John Gartner says Ford is atop a wave of auto manufacturers that will bring technology that eliminates idling to North America. Stop-start technology, which has long been a feature of hybrids, will appear in Ford vehicles starting in 2012. Matter Network (www.matternetwork.com) is a U.S.-based provider of information and solutions to environmental and social challenges.

By adding an enhanced battery and upgraded starter, vehicles can turn off the engine when the brakes are applied or the vehicle comes to a stop. The total cost of a stop-start system can be as low as US$300 or US$500 or more if a regenerative braking system is also added. Vehicles with stop-start are not considered hybrids because they do not have an electric motor to assist in propulsion.

Ford has not said which models will add stop-start technology, which is used widely in Europe by Ford and most other automakers in that region. Ford claims to have 244 patents related to stop-start technology, which is currently incorporated into the Ka, Mondeo, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX vehicles in Europe. Ford will move the technology to other markets after North America.

Ford Powertrain Communications Manager, Richard Truett, expects the addition of stop-start technology to add 1-2 miles per gallon to the company’s vehicles. He said by 2015 up to 90 per cent of Ford’s nameplates would have stop-start functionality. Truett said the company is “taking the long term view on fuel prices,” expecting them to trend higher, and stop-start technology is “low-hanging fruit” for reducing fuel costs.

The full report can be accessed at http://www.matternetwork.com/2010/12/ford-spark-stop-start-market.cfm.