GM is removing start/stop technology from some of its popular full-size SUVs due to the ongoing shortage of chips. This follows the removal of cylinder deactivation technology from some of its trucks, which was also due to the chip shortage. GM Authority first reported the news, but we just confirmed everything with a GM spokesperson.
The following 2021 model year vehicles will be affected: Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500. Only versions of those vehicles built with the 5.3-liter V8 or 6.2-liter V8 and mated to the 10-speed automatic will have the technology removed from them. Only vehicles produced on or after June 7 will be affected.
“By taking this measure, we will be able to continue production of our much-demanded full-size SUV and pickup trucks as the industry continues to recover and strengthen,” GM said in a statement.
Those who end up purchasing one of these vehicles without start/stop technology will receive a $50 discount off the MSRP for their issues. Losing this fuel-saving technology can be a major drawback for some, but we know many people turn it off anyway. Not having to push the button every time to deactivate start/stop could actually be a positive if you’re part of the camp that already does.
On the other hand, GM says that “most of the affected vehicles will experience a small reduction in fuel economy.” We don’t have revised window decals in hand to know how each model will be affected, but any 1 mpg reduction will be quite impactful for vehicles rated as low as these trucks already are. Any drop will be seen in the city’s mpg rating, so consider the type of driving you’ll be doing before buying. When it comes to greenhouse gas compliance, GM says it doesn’t expect it to affect the company’s average fleet score. It also plans to add start/stop to these models as soon as possible, but no retrofit will be done to adapt the technology to vehicles already built without.
“Our supply chain organization continues to make progress by working with our supply base to mitigate the short-term impacts of the semiconductor situation,” GM said. “GM continues to use every available semiconductor to build and ship our most popular and in-demand products, including our highly profitable large trucks and SUVs for our customers. However, the semiconductor situation remains fluid worldwide.”
There is no timetable for when the start/stop technology will be added back to these models. GM also declined to provide estimates on how many of these trucks will eventually be produced without start/stop.
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