Discussion on:

No more idling: Ford to offer 'start-stop' feature on Fusion

What about my AC during that off time???

Are aftermarket start-stop devices available? We have some very slow sequencing traffic lights in this neck of the woods, and an aftermarket device would help.

The engine only stops if it has reached running temp and the AC has brought the cabin to the desired temperature. Other power loads can rely on battery like they have always done.
Back to topic: As a European, I am surprised this feature is considered newsworthy. The whole BMW range and most of giant VW have it, and the same can probably be said of many others (haven't done the research). There is so much you Americans can do to improve the efficiency of your great country!

I think what Ford is doing is fantastic. Their 2013 Fusion Hybrid is reportedly going to get 47 MPG city and 44 Highway. That is jaw-dropping efficiency for a sedan of its size. Alan Mullaly has steered Ford (no pun intended) in the right direction and continues to build on its recent success. The engineers at Ford should be commended for their efforts to save consumers gas and provide another example of American ingenuity.

Unless you idle for more than a minute, you're not really saving gasoline. What's more, there are other issues.

Air conditioning, heater, radio, turn signals,etc, all use electricity, not to mention the current draw of the starter, and that a hot engine recently shut off may be harder to start in some cases. Let's hope you have a massive battery in that car.

The amount of gas saved by not idling 35 seconds at a red light may not be worth the expense of extra battery capability or more frequent replacement. You may actually use more gasoline if you idle for short periods of time.

Saving 10% sounds like a pipe dream. You will save a few drops.

and that is why we shouold be moving to all electirc drive with onboard power generation range extender (ICE or turbine driven)
and change all the accessories to electirc type.

what about the old canard that, on average, starting consumes more energy than idling.