eAssist essentially pairs a small electric motor with the Regal’s 182 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic gearbox to boost acceleration during high load situations and help reduce fuel consumption. The electric motor also acts as the car’s alternator-generator, topping up the batteries when needed and running ancillary features like the air conditioner. The system also features a regenerative braking system to help charge the car’s air-cooled 115 volt lithium battery pack.
Unlike a full hybrid system, eAssist cannot power a vehicle on electric power alone. Not surprisingly, the electric motor only adds about 15 horsepower during high load situations and the system can generate up to 20 horsepower from its regenerative brakes. eAssist can, however, shut down the vehicle’s engine when stationary or when coasting to a stop and almost instantly restart it once the accelerator pedal is depressed.
2012 Buick Regal with eAssist
The new 2012 Buick Regal with eAssist will go on sale this fall, following its debut tomorrow at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. In the meantime, you can follow our complete coverage of the show by clicking here.
For more details, check out John Voelcker extensive report over at GreenCarReports.