Buick announced that standard equipment in the 2013 Regal will be eAssist. Look for this technology to expand throughout General Motors products.
The eAssist technology utilizes a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the trunk, a small electric motor connected to the engine and sophisticated computer software to control all the aspects of running the engine and transmission. The eAssist system gives the engine an electrical boost via an electric motor at low speeds and on inclines. This enables improved fuel economy. The EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the 2013 Buick Regal is 36 mpg.
The battery weighs about 65 pounds. Since it is mounted in the trunk space has been reduced a bit but there is still plenty of room for luggage, soccer balls and whatever else you want to haul. Also, the rear seat folds down so you can slide longer items in and still close the trunk.
At 65 pounds the battery pack is much smaller than the 700 pound battery in the Nissan Leaf. Of course the battery in the Regal does not have to do as much as the battery in the Leaf or Prius but the increase in fuel economy and the lower cost of the eAssist technology is a great benefit to the carmaker and consumer.
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