Start-Stop systems are beginning to trickle down and become more of a mainstay in modern powertrains, although, the most refined technologies stay reserved for some of the industry’s most luxurious of brands.
Cadillac will begin shipping out its 2016 CTS and 2016 ATS vehicles with a new start-stop technology incorporating ultra capacitors to augment battery power, which it says is an industry-first technology.
The ultra capacitors provide quick bursts of power for vehicles to operate when the vehicle is in the “stop” portion of the start-stop tech. Currently, vehicles run on regular battery power to keep accessories running while the car sits idled.
Adding the technology to start-stop systems can tremendously increase the life of the traditional battery, as it works less to keep essential functions running, according to Green Car Reports.
The technology has been developed by global supplier, Maxwell, which states General Motors will be the first to adopt the technology.
The ultra capacitors will arrive as standard on the 2016 Cadillac ATS and 2016 Cadillac CTS, excluding the V-series of both vehicles.
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The usage of ‘ultra-capacitors’ in place of conventional batteries might be the way of the future as EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles like Cadillac’s ELR and Chevy Volt may do away with the more expensive battery for an ultra-capacitor which can be recharged quicker as well as being lighter.
I took home my new 2016 ATS with the 3.6L LGX engine on September 3rd. The start/stop technology is a nice feature and really works well.
Can you tell when it shuts off or turns back on?
Next up, flux capacitors!
As a step to move towards a system that can possible replace the battery as we know it, sure, great to see….but using a reason as it prolongs current batteries longer? I have my vehicles an average of 4 years, and outside of the ones purchased as used years ago, never have had to replace a battery in the time I owned it; and the ones on the used vehicles were to do with the alternator and charging system, not the battery itself.
I’d venture to say that the capacitor would have more of a chance of needing repair (being a new technology etc) then worrying about the battery and its longevity itself, especially in the life of a luxury sedan..
I’m still not sure how well the stop/start technology works? How fast does it work off the lights? Any lag time? And does it reduce the life of the starter? I would hate to gain a minute amount of fuel mileage at the expense of having to replace a starter every few years. I’d like to hear more comments from anyone that has a stop/start vehicle.
of course not, how could it? after all the starter is just re-starting the engine every time you completely stop. over and over and over. really don’t see any extra wear with that happening!
Disgusting , SHAME on GM AUTHORITY….I went to the internet to get the 2016 specs on the Cadillac ATS . The first three sites were Car and Driver(complete with specs). I then hit the GM Authority site (fourth listed) and guess what….specs will be available soon . SOON ??? That is the best you can do….perhaps GM Authority should change it’s name to GM Possibilities !!