Editing Integrated Motor Assist (section)

===Start-stop functionality===
The IMA system also provides [[start-stop system|start-stop]] capabilities. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the gasoline engine automatically shuts off to reduce idling emissions and fuel consumption. The electric motor restarts the engine quickly when the driver releases the brake pedal (or, in manual transmission models, engages a gear). IMA-equipped vehicles also include a conventional starter motor as a backup, allowing the vehicle to operate without the high-voltage hybrid system active. In such cases, the car functions like a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. However, since the IMA system also replaces the alternator, prolonged operation would eventually discharge the 12&nbsp;volt accessory battery, requiring an external recharge.