Chevrolet MALIBU 2013 Getting To Know Manual page 18

eASSIST OPERATION
A compact electric assist system called eAssist has been integrated with the highly
efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to provide an
electric "boost" to help conserve fuel. eAssist includes a small, but powerful, electric motor
rated at 15 kilowatts. It replaces the typical alternator found on most engines. eAssist also
uses a small, advanced 115-volt lithium-ion battery located in the trunk.
Auto Start/Stop
While driving, when the brake is applied and the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the
automatic engine start/stop system may turn off the engine, referred to as an Auto Stop. In
Auto Stop mode, the tachometer gauge will read AUTO STOP. The audio system, climate
controls and other accessories will be powered by the high-voltage battery. The engine will
restart immediately when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is applied.
After parking the vehicle and turning off the engine, the tachometer gauge will read OFF.
Conditions that may cause the engine to remain running or restart when the vehicle is
stopped include:
• The engine, transmission or high-voltage battery is not at the required operating
temperature.
• The outside temperature is less than –4º F (–20º C).
• The shift lever is in any gear other than Drive (D).
• The high-voltage battery state of charge is low. It will automatically recharge as the
vehicle is driven.
• The climate control system requires the engine to run based on the climate control or
defog setting. Using the eco air conditioning mode will result in more frequent and
longer Auto Stops than the comfort air conditioning mode.
• The Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
Regenerative Braking
When braking or coasting, the electric motor acts like a generator to charge the high-
voltage battery. This "regenerative braking" process captures kinetic energy that would
otherwise be lost and stores it in the high-voltage battery. This electrical energy can then
be reused.
Note:
Next Generation Transmission
The eAssist system employs a next generation six-speed transmission with sophisticated
algorithms that continuously store information about your driving style, such as accelera-
tion and braking.
Over the first 250–400 miles, some transmission shifts may be more noticeable. As the
vehicle is driven in a variety of city and highway driving conditions, eAssist will use its
on-board processing power to quickly "learn" your driving habits to deliver a seamless
driving experience.
18
(ECO MODELS ONLY)
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
See In Brief in your Owner Manual.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.