President Donald Trump has cancelled a tax credit for car manufacturers that incentivizes them to install an automatic start/stop feature in vehicles.
This move from the Trump administration is part of a broader rollback of environmental regulations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This “auto stop-start” feature shuts off gas engines when cars are idle, such as when they're stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, as an effort to reduce emissions and save on gas. However, this feature has been “universally hated” by consumers according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with reports saying how the feature only serves to make cars more expensive for consumers, and increases wear on a car’s engine components.
According to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the rollback will help save consumers an average of $2,400 when they purchase a new car.
“There will be no more climate participation trophies awarded to manufacturers for making Americans' cars die at every red light and stop sign,” Zeldin said.
Zeldin also released a statement on X, telling disgruntled drivers to “stay tuned” for the rollback.
“Countless Americans passionately despise the start/stop feature in cars. So many have spoken out against this absurd start-stop-start-stop-start-stop concept. The Trump Admin has heard your calls, and the announcement you have been waiting for is coming THIS WEEK. Stay tuned,” Zeldin wrote on social media.
Automakers have applauded Trump, with many sharing that they are in full support of the move.
In a statement, Ford commented that it appreciated the effort "to address the imbalance between current emissions standards and customer choice." Stellantis, the company responsible for many Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler products, claimed the decision "enables us to continue offering Americans a broad range of cars, trucks and SUVs – including BEVs, REEVs, hybrids and efficient internal combustion engines – that they want, need and can afford."
