Total global sales for light-duty stop-start vehicles (SSVs) are expected to grow from 19 million vehicles in 2015 to nearly 59 million by 2024, according to a new report from Navigant Research.
The report says the basic stop-start system is gradually evolving into one piece of a multifaceted approach to improving fuel economy in light-duty vehicles. Enabling an automatic engine stop to avoid idling for long periods requires that other systems are also electrified and made more efficient. The report says this spurs the development and implementation of ancillary systems, such as air conditioning, power steering and brake assistance, that are only activated when required, rather than being a small but constant drain on engine output.
The report says the addition of electrical components also means that better use can be made of energy recovered from regenerative braking, which leads to demand for more onboard energy storage.
The report adds that North America has been a target market for stop-start systems since the technology was embraced in Western Europe, but initial rollouts were met with a wave of consumer resistance. Manufacturers are now faced with refining system performance to appeal to American drivers.
The report says this experience is further evidence that knowledge of local tastes and preferences is vital to the implementation of any automotive technology. Smoother and faster operation is key to stop-start systems gaining acceptance in North America, the report concludes.Â
This Navigant Research report analyzes the opportunities and challenges present in the global market for light-duty SSVs. The study examines the major components of stop-start systems, with a focus on the technologies used for energy storage, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries and ultracapacitors. More information can be found here.
