Search the Community

GM says the new systems will only add $500 to the cost of a 2016 Silverado 1500 crew cab in 1LT trim. GMC will add it to its 2016 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab 2WD model with the SLT Premium Plus package. That truck will have a beefy Eaton locking rear Diff. and a 9,400 pound trailer rating. Silverado eAssist models will be matched to the 5.3L V8 and the Sierras will as well or with the 6.2L V8. Here is what GM says the trucks with eAssist can do: Electric Power Boost: The on-board electric motor provides up to 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of supplemental power during acceleration and passing. The electric motor also enables the Active Fuel Management system on the 5.3L V-8 engine to operate in 4-cylinder mode for longer periods, resulting in additional fuel economy benefits. Stop/Start capability: Added fuel savings are achieved by seamlessly turning the engine off when stopped at a traffic light or in congested traffic and turning the engine back on when the accelerator is pressed. Regenerative Braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system. Coupled with active cylinder management and aero enhancements the eAssist trucks will add 2 MPG to the all the mileage numbers of the trucks that get it. So figure for the 5.3L trucks 18 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway and a Combined 20 mpg rating. GM is also not slinging any BS. This is a trial run and the trucks will all start out in California. If it works out it will expand. If not the program will be ended. What are your thoughts?

The Malibu Hybrid is more like the Accord Hybrid than the Camry Hybrid. The newest generation of hybrids use multiple electric motors. Instead of just recapturing energy from braking like early hybrids, the Malibu, Accord, and some others use the gas engine much less. The vehicle is usually propelled by an electric motor and the gasoline engine acts like a generator much of the time it is in use. In other reporting I have calculated the cost of energy to run an EV in the California and Massachusetts markets vs. the cost of a 50 MPG gasoline powered car. Because electricity is costly in these markets, and gas is cheap everywhere, the gas-powered vehicle can match the per-mile cost of an EV now. Smart buyers looking for a green car that comes with no range-anxiety may realize that the Chevy Malibu is the perfect mix of real-car usability and a cost per mile for fuel around five or six cents.

Chevrolet has been leaking small details about the new (2016) Volt for the last month but this is the first time we've seen a completely undisguised photograph of the vehicle. This photo was posted to Facebook by a GM employee late last night. What we know about the second generation Volt so far: All new Voltec extended range system Increased electric range New battery pack is 30-lbs lighter and increases capacity by 20% by volume Two motor drive unit operates 5-12 percent more efficiently and weighs 100-lbs less All new 1.5L gasoline engine will act as range extender New charging system will use electric rates and GPS to determine location for best charging time and settings to use New charging status indicator will allow for quick reference without entering vehicle New charging cord is 25ft longer for increased access Look for more details and photos of the new Volt to surface soon!