Ford has announced that all 2017 F150 pickups with an EcoBoost engine will have Start/Stop technology come standard.
Ford introduced Start/Stop tech with the current F150 powered by the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, but starting with the 2017 model year, all F150 pickups with any of the EcoBoost engines will feature this fuel-friendly upgrade.
“EcoBoost already powers F-150’s best-in-class towing,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Now, with every EcoBoost-equipped F-150 mildly electrified with standard Auto Start-Stop technology, customers’ fuel efficiency is expected to improve as well.”
How Start/Stop Technology Works
Now the first time you go out with a vehicle with Start/Stop technology can be a little disconcerting. The first time I drove a Ford with the tech was on ride and drive event with the Fusion in Santa Monica on highway One during rush hour. So the first time the engine turned off while stopped, an unpleasant feeling of being at the wheel of the broke down rat trap I put together from grave yard parts I drove to Cali in high school came all over me. (At the time I did not know the car had Start/Stop tech). Once I lifted my foot off the brake and unto the gas pedal Everything can back to life. I was happy camper with the ride the Fusion gave me during the ride.
So Start/Stop technology is as simple as it sounds. It is a system that works with the braking system to save the gasoline burned when the Ford F150 is sitting still in traffic. When you come to a complete stop with the truck in drive and rear-drive mode, the engine quickly shuts itself off. As soon as you begin to lift your foot off of the brake pedal, the system detects it and starts the engine back up incredibly quickly. Really, as quickly as you can move your foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal to drive away, the engine is back up and running – ready to go.
Now in more extreme driving situations – such as towing, hauling or driving in four wheel drive – the 2017 F150 will automatically disable the system.
Studies have shown that a tremendous amount of gasoline is wasted idling in traffic. When these vehicles are idling, they are not only wasting gas, but they are also contributing to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Start/Stop technology cuts down on that negative impact!
