Hong Kongs bans engine idling at stops

[Raymondjram]

Good for Hong Kong. I shut my S-10 off at stop lights all the time. It has used up 1 starter and 2 batteries in 270K miles.

I fear that it would take a BIG solar panel to run the AC in a car. It might look like a winged sprint car, LOL. If even that would do it.

I estimate that an A/C compressor needs about 10 HP or less, so fitting a compressor that runs on an electric motor will save gas, and allows the engine to be shut off and keep the A/C running on battery power for a few minutes. Newer GM vehicles has a battery monitor that will prevent a full discharge, so this will work to save gas for those who need to keep their A/C on while stopped. If the monitor shuts the compressor, then restarting the engine for a few minutes will recharge the battery for another cool down period.

In my case, I am happy to keep the blower on even with the engine off, since it takes minutes for the interior temperature to rise high enough to need the compressor on again. So I save gas as I can tolerate 90F in a vehicle without any bother, and I live in sunny (and hot) Puerto Rico.

[Steverino]

I think we are seeing the slow progression from wasteful fuel designs to smart cars that conserve fuel, recapture brake energy, etc. Yes, there will be those that scream that their "freedom" to be wasteful is being impinged, but in general efficiency creeps into most things, particularly when it comes to consumables.

Was there ever a time someone proudly boasted about how much toner their inkjet printer wasted when *not* printing? Cars that waste gas when not moving are in the same league in my mind.