Could you imagine if every driver stuck in rush-hour traffic in downtown Toronto or Montreal suddenly decided to shut their engines instead of idling unnecessarily? We're talking about thousands and thousands of cars and trucks that would produce virtually no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, noise pollution would stop being a problem. You think this is far-fetched? Well, no! This scenario could very well present itself by 2020.
In a previous article ("Idling and CO2 emissions", September 2007), I mentioned how small golf karts had the particularity of completely shutting down when they come to a full stop and, as soon as the brake pedal is released, their engine magically spring back to life. Back then, I also wrote: "If manufacturers can make hybrid vehicles and golf karts that produce zero emissions at idle, why can't they do the same with regular vehicles? If someone has a logical and credible explanation, it will be my pleasure to include it in my next feature."
Well, now I have my answer. Automakers can create such non-hybrid vehicles that still include some of the fuel-saving technologies of hybrids like Start-Stop engines. Cases in point: the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Saturn Aura and Vue Green Lines, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and BMW 3-Series Cabriolet, among others.
Hybrid or not?
The three American models are not true hybrids. They're powered by a 2.4L, 4-cylinder Ecotec engine with the assist of an electric motor acting as a starter/alternator. Nevertheless, it works! If you're stuck in traffic and you keep the brake pedal depressed, the 4-cylinder will remain silent. During all this time, no one can accuse you of polluting the air. What's more, you're saving precious fuel -- and money. And to top it all off, the Aura Green Line and Malibu Hybrid both retail for less than $28,000, so they're hybrids that most can actually afford.
As for the B-Class (B150 and B170), the new generation of which is set to make its debut in South Africa this June, it will not only use a flex-fuel engine (gasoline, diesel, natural gas), but also a start-stop device. The latter shuts the combustion engine when the clutch and brakes are applied (with the manual transmission). Autobox-equipped models will see their engines stop operating as soon as drivers hit the brake pedal. To start the engine again, all they have to do is to let go of the clutch (manual transmission) or brake pedal (automatic).
In a previous article ("Idling and CO2 emissions", September 2007), I mentioned how small golf karts had the particularity of completely shutting down when they come to a full stop and, as soon as the brake pedal is released, their engine magically spring back to life. Back then, I also wrote: "If manufacturers can make hybrid vehicles and golf karts that produce zero emissions at idle, why can't they do the same with regular vehicles? If someone has a logical and credible explanation, it will be my pleasure to include it in my next feature."
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| Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid |
Well, now I have my answer. Automakers can create such non-hybrid vehicles that still include some of the fuel-saving technologies of hybrids like Start-Stop engines. Cases in point: the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Saturn Aura and Vue Green Lines, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and BMW 3-Series Cabriolet, among others.
Hybrid or not?
The three American models are not true hybrids. They're powered by a 2.4L, 4-cylinder Ecotec engine with the assist of an electric motor acting as a starter/alternator. Nevertheless, it works! If you're stuck in traffic and you keep the brake pedal depressed, the 4-cylinder will remain silent. During all this time, no one can accuse you of polluting the air. What's more, you're saving precious fuel -- and money. And to top it all off, the Aura Green Line and Malibu Hybrid both retail for less than $28,000, so they're hybrids that most can actually afford.
As for the B-Class (B150 and B170), the new generation of which is set to make its debut in South Africa this June, it will not only use a flex-fuel engine (gasoline, diesel, natural gas), but also a start-stop device. The latter shuts the combustion engine when the clutch and brakes are applied (with the manual transmission). Autobox-equipped models will see their engines stop operating as soon as drivers hit the brake pedal. To start the engine again, all they have to do is to let go of the clutch (manual transmission) or brake pedal (automatic).
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| Mercedes-Benz B170 |