Buick Regal hybrid

[JTsyo]

Looking at Buick's webpage I see a hybrid version of the Regal is coming this fall. What's odd is that it gets 37 highway/ 26 city. Usually hybrids do much better in city conditions (ie FFH - 36/41). Think this might mean it has a very small battery so you don't get that much time with the engine off. Of course these aren't EPA numbers so it might just be GM measures differently.

 

[LTC8K6]

It's just a recycled version of the earlier Malibu mild hybrid. It's now called eAssist, and it will be standard on some GM sedans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAS_Hybrid

 

[DesiPower]

Looking at Buick's webpage I see a hybrid version of the Regal is coming this fall. What's odd is that it gets 37 highway/ 26 city. Usually hybrids do much better in city conditions (ie FFH - 36/41). Think this might mean it has a very small battery so you don't get that much time with the engine off. Of course these aren't EPA numbers so it might just be GM measures differently.

In my personal experience, I have Camry Hybrid, when I drive in city, stop-n-go traffic during peak traffic hours, I mostly get below 30. When I drive on Interstate highway (sometimes I have to drive to another location about 50 miles away) I easily get 40+ mpg if I cruise at 65 - 70. When I drive in city with little or no traffic I do get 35 plus... if I am extra cautious and really push it, then some times I will get 40+ in city

 

[KentState]

This is a much cheaper hybrid system that could be on many cars.

 

[angry hampster]

This is a much cheaper hybrid system that could be on many cars.

But there is ZERO point to buying one of these, at least on the consumer's end.

The 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid had an MSRP of $25,555. Aside from the hybrid system, it featured exactly ONE additional option compared to the base-model LS -- auto climate control. It was rated at 26/34mpg. At 15K miles/year and $3/gallon, this car would cost you $1500/year in fuel assuming 30mpg mixed driving.

The 2009 Malibu LS had an MSRP of $21,605. So you are paying $3905 more for auto climate control. It was rated at 22/30mpg. At 15k miles/year and $3/gallon, this car would cost you $1730.77/year in fuel assuming 26mpg mixed driving.

Difference in yearly fuel costs: $230.77. At this rate, it would take roughly 17 YEARS for the fuel savings to make up the price difference between the two models.


Since the Buick is an entry-luxury model, I expect its price variations to be even worse, making it further unjustified. Mild hybrids are a tremendous waste of cash.