2013 Ram Uses Stop-Start to Save Fuel
Big pickup is the first to get the technology, plus a beefed-up electrical system.
Ford made news earlier this week by adding stop-start technology, which improves fuel efficiency by shutting off the engine when a vehicle comes to a complete stop, to the Fusion. Yesterday at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, Ram announced that the feature will be included as option on certain 2013 Ram 1500 models -- a first for fuel-guzzling pickups. Ram says the new system improves fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent, or an increase of about one mpg during city driving. Stop-start kicks in automatically and doesn't require the driver to do anything. Electronics such as the radio, gauges and climate controls remain on, and the engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake. The system monitors the brake-pedal position and vehicle speed over time to determine the appropriate situations to shut off the engine to avoid constant on/off cycling in heavy stop-and-go traffic. And a system-disable switch on the dash lets drivers turn off the feature should they desire.
Ram also beefed up the electrical system to keep up with the demands of the stop-start system.
The starter, alternator and battery have been upgraded -- including a high-durability starter, heavy-duty flywheel teeth and a stronger starter solenoid -- to compensate for the increased loads placed on the components. The battery has an 800-amperes capacity and the alternator cranks out 220 amps. System voltage is continually monitored through a battery sensor. If the battery’s charge is reduced, the truck will discontinue stop-start until the battery is recharged to an acceptable level.
Ram also says the new starter was subjected to more than 300,000 on/off cycles, to make sure the engine shuts off only when it’s supposed to.
Start stop seems like a good idea in general, but I am guessing the first generation of this product will be allot like the first generation of most products. You will want to own it when the 2nd or 3rd generation comes out.
I have 5 going on 6 kids with my wife, we are going to be driving what most consider to be gas guzzlers for a long time. Finding small ways to save on gas consumption is important. But in our case since we are usually buying vans and cars that are 8-12 years old my new car is a 2002, being able to find ways to save gas in these vehicles is my priority.
The reality is that despite Comrade Obama lying to us (again) about us only having 2% of the world's oil reserves, we actually have three times the total known reserves that Saudi Arabia has. In fact, they are now predicting that the U.S. may actually have 40% of the world's known oil and natural gas reserves and will become a net exporter of oil. Enough oil to power us for the next 250 years at our current consumption rate. Efficient vehicles are fine, but this start/stop technology is added cost and complexity we don't need.
I am not the biggest proponent of this feature,mostly because of the heavy stop/go traffic scenario, however this was a good presentation of what Dodge is doing to alleviate some of the concerns consumers may have about stop/start.
Dodge seems to have put in the extra effort here and not just slapping it on and saying "me too".
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