[bballr4567]

With the upcoming eAssist from Buick its made me really think about what it would do for our semi-fuel efficient vehicles. If we could see the MPG gains from the Lacrosse and Regal would you put down the cash to get it?

Remember, the Lacrosse gets 19/30 with the I4 and we supposedly get 22/32. Also, the system is only expected to run about $1500-2000 because its tied into other extras that come along with it. IE, you get more base products.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/2012-buick-lacrosse-eassist-achieves-up-to-37-m/

If you are opposed to the a battery operated system, post why and what would you suggest?

 

[NoobNox]

I chose "depends". It depends on how much of a price premium it would be versus a normal gas engine model with the same options, ($5k could buy quite a few tanks of gas) and also how well the hybrid drivetrain is implemented. Another thing to consider is how expensive would it be to maintain an out of warranty hybrid? You can't just take them to any neighborhood garage if there are major problems..

 

[bballr4567]

Most hybrid vehicles have a longer warranty on the actual hybrid components.

However, the eAssist is just a battery that is attached to a special drive gear in the transmission. It just gives a power boost. Its honestly not that complicated.

Also, like I said, you are looking at a $1500-2000 bump up in price. That would only raise our payments about $40 a month. Of course, its all dependent on how far you drive but we would recoup the costs in about two and a half years if I did my math right.

 

[Nukedog]

I drive 48 miles per day Mon thru Fri. if GM could make a Li-ion based Nox/Terrain that is similar to a Prius in performance and mileage and price it $26 to $28k they would sell enough to pay Canada and US Gov off.

That Cruze isn't gonna get it done and neither will the Volt.

People want the room of a Crossover or even a small truck like the Colorado (but reliable and attractive) and those would sell all day long as hybrids...

 

[NoobNox]

Even though I chose "depends"...I think the Equinox/Terrain platform is the perfect candidate for a hybrid powertrain option. Since the "e-Assist" Regal shown at the Chicago Auto Show uses the 2.4 Ecotec and a small electric motor, it seems this same powertrain could be applied to the Nox/Terrain without much fuss. Of course a hybrid Nox/Terrain would likely have to be 2WD only since I doubt the 15hp electric motor would be enough to power four wheels even at low speeds....or defeat the purpose of having a hybrid if the electric motor goes unused most of the winter.

 

[bballr4567]

The eAssist really doesnt move the car too much however it does help and the 70+ TQ is what really helps.

Not really going to disagree with you Nukedog but the Cruze sold over 13k units last month despite it only being the 4th month on sale. That is higher than all but 2 months for the Equinox. Got to remember that the Cruze is about $4-5k cheaper than the comparable Equinox.

 

[RNOX]

With the upcoming eAssist from Buick its made me really think about what it would do for our semi-fuel efficient vehicles. If we could see the MPG gains from the Lacrosse and Regal would you put down the cash to get it?

Remember, the Lacrosse gets 19/30 with the I4 and we supposedly get 22/32. Also, the system is only expected to run about $1500-2000 because its tied into other extras that come along with it. IE, you get more base products.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/2012-buick-lacrosse-eassist-achieves-up-to-37-m/

If you are opposed to the a battery operated system, post why and what would you suggest?

Only $1500 - $2000. To me that is alot of money .. Unless you live in canada where everything seems expensive ;D

 

[bballr4567]

Yea, its a lot of money but if you average it out over a 5 year loan (give an average of $1750 for costs) and its $30 a month. The boost from the base I4 to the eAssist in combined mileage is expected to be 7-9 MPGs. You really dont have to drive a lot to save some money.

 

[RNOX]

Yea, its a lot of money but if you average it out over a 5 year loan (give an average of $1750 for costs) and its $30 a month. The boost from the base I4 to the eAssist in combined mileage is expected to be 7-9 MPGs. You really dont have to drive a lot to save some money.

I don't look at what it costs over 5 years. That's salesman talk (And thats if you take out a loan). This thinking is what puts people into debt. Only $30 for that over 5 years and $20 for that. It adds up. I n=know someone whenever they bought a big item "If icharge it it's inly $x a month". She had major financial problems.

 

[bballr4567]

So, if you spend $30 a month and you save $50 in gas, how is that a bad thing?

Im not talking about things like Navigation, sunroof, leather seats and other things that are nice to have but something that will legitimately save you some money.

 

[RNOX]

So, if you spend $30 a month and you save $50 in gas, how is that a bad thing?

Im not talking about things like Navigation, sunroof, leather seats and other things that are nice to have but something that will legitimately save you some money.

How do you come to those figures? Also .. We all know how accurate the savings or mileage are on cars. If you do a lot of mileage it may save you more than what it costs. I'd like to know what it costs to repair and maintain. I'd love to know what it would cost to replace a battery.

 

[bballr4567]

I already showed you how much it would cost over the lifetime of a car payment. Using $1750 for the costs of the system and a 5 year loan.

I think I used 15,000 miles to get the savings of $50 a month. When I was driving my TDI, I was saving over $120 a month in fuel compared to our Malibu with I4.

Do the math using your own numbers and find out when it breaks even and what not. Its dependent on way too many variables but I used some common sense.

 

[mmarges]

This is what the market needs...a crazy super fuel efficient car.

Remember those 3 cylinder Chevy Sprints. Well I had one when I was back in college, a 1989 Sprint. This car got me 5.8L/100km or 40miles/gal...and this was 22 year old technology.

Can you imagine a 3 cylinder desiel hybrid in a small compact car like this...nothing fancy just a small and simple fuel efficient commuter car...I imagine 3L/100km or 78miles/gal would be achievable with a setup like this.

 

[Nukedog]

The eAssist really doesnt move the car too much however it does help and the 70+ TQ is what really helps.

Not really going to disagree with you Nukedog but the Cruze sold over 13k units last month despite it only being the 4th month on sale. That is higher than all but 2 months for the Equinox. Got to remember that the Cruze is about $4-5k cheaper than the comparable Equinox.

They may be selling like hotcakes (somewhere) but i still haven't seen one in FL yet. I would take a Corolla all day long over a Cruze - especially after the Cavalier / Cobalt debacle.

 

[bballr4567]

They may be selling like hotcakes (somewhere) but i still haven't seen one in FL yet. I would take a Corolla all day long over a Cruze - especially after the Cavalier / Cobalt debacle.

Break up 13k over 50 states and then over all the cites in those states. You can never judge how well a car is selling by just your regional area and what you see there.