GM’s eAssist Headed To Equinox, Terrain

[nsap]

GM’s eAssist Headed To Equinox, Terrain
The already popular crossovers will only get more popular.
www.GMInsideNews.com
October 6, 2011
By: Nick Saporito

General Motors recently set a new fuel economy bar in a couple sedan segments by mating their new light electrification system, eAssist, to an already fuel efficient four-cylinder engine. The relatively simple, yet high tech system has led to sizable fuel economy gains with little added costs. According to multiple GMI sources, two of GM’s most popular crossovers will be next to be electrified.

GMI sources state that GM has now decided to bring eAssist to the very popular Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers. According to the information both crossovers will get electrified for the 2014 model year and sport the same system used by the current eAssist sedans.

GM originally had planned to hold off on electrifying the small utes until their next redesign, which is slated for later this decade. Instead, GMI is told GM recently changed their minds and has decided to implant the current eAssist in them sooner.

The logic behind the move is less about fuel economy and more about manufacturing. Because the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is launching exclusively with the eAssist system, GM knows that the eAssist variant (dubbed Malibu Eco) will see a sizable decline in demand once the car’s all-new 2.5-liter engine is made available later in 2012 as a cheaper alternative.

In an attempt to ward off sharp spikes and declines in eAssist production, GM has decided to just go ahead and expand the technology to the Equinox and Terrain. Of course the fuel economy gains will also be welcomed perks of this logistical decision.

The eAssist system utilizes a small electric motor and lithium ion battery pack to generate fuel economy increases of 20-percent city and 32-percent highway on the Buick LaCrosse and Regal. During stops the system allows the gas engine to shut off entirely, while the electric motor can also assist the gas engine under light loads.

Assuming the Equinox and Terrain see similar percentage increases from today’s ratings, they could wear highway ratings of up to 38 MPG.

The move could also explain why rumors have surfaced that GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee plant will be producing the Equinox and Terrain. Currently produced in Ingersoll, Ontario; the plant has seen five increases in production to keep up with demand. Adding eAssist and even higher fuel economy ratings is likely to only exacerbate GM’s supply problem with the two crossovers.

Expect the electrified Equinox and Terrain to launch sometime in 2013 as 2014 models. The Equinox is expected to carry the name “Equinox Eco.”

[demonspeed]

A welcomed addition that is sure to bring even more sales.

[EJD1984]

This is GREAT news!!

Hopefully it'll be available with the awd models as well.

Now all we need is a performance (2.0 turbo) variant of the vehicles, and the Equinox/Terrain model lineup will be complete.

[solman98]

Nice to see this going forward.

[zete]

Brilliant move.

[FenwickHockey65]

38 MPG Equinox/Terrain?

Total and complete dominance of this market.

[Variant]

So this generation is going to last longer than the last? They are going to wait another 2 years before introducing this technology? When the hell will the next generation come out then?

[nsap]

So this generation is going to last longer than the last? They are going to wait another 2 years before introducing this technology? When the hell will the next generation come out then?

I expect an MCE between now and the time eAssist launches. They won't be totally unchanged.

The next generation will be a total gut job. New chassis, everything. 2016 MY I think.

[Masospaghetti]

GM really hit a home run with the eAssist system and is finally capitalizing on its strengths - flexibility (easily integrated into different powertrains with minimal re-engineering) and low cost.

The competition really doesn't have anything comparable. Regular hybrid systems are too integrated into a particular powertrain to be expanded over entire product lines quickly like eAssist can.

[All Star]

Damn....38 MPG?

That beats a full on hybrid Ford Escape which is much smaller.

[BerettaZ]

Nice. A logical replacement for our Vue "Hybrid" just in time...

[K-1]

And now everyone sees the genius of the BAS system - easy portability. Can't wait for this to spread across the lineup. Eagerly awaiting an eAssist Verano hatch... just do it.

[jckjds]

Excellent move by GM. Although, I wish GM would get the point that fuel economy leadership = sales, and lots of them. GM should be moving to create eAssist models in more of the vehicle categories, including large cars and large SUVs.

The Lambdas desperately need a high mileage option. Diesel or eAssist are natural fits. I'm hoping that GM has something in the works for the next gen lambdas that are due out in a couple of years. With more stringent CAFE requirements sneaking up, I would certainly think they have a plan to get the mileage of larger SUVs up substantially in the next generation.

eAssist Cadillacs could help make Cadillac the progressive world-brand that it seeks to be.

And how about an eAssist Regal GS (or some performance car). Some of us want sporty cars, but feel a social responsibility not to overuse gas. GM could really fill a niche with a Regal GS that gets similar fuel economy to base mid-sizers, but looks great and substantially outpeforms the average ho-hum sedan. How hard can it be to pair eAssist to the 2.0? Given that the next gen 2.0 will be the "engine of choice" going forward, it would behoove GM to develop that engine as the next eAssist-equipped option.

[Dr. Show-Me]

GM is putting a $2,000 price tag on the eAssist system, which to me is a total profit center, because the actual costs are significantly lower. I'm guessing the cost is under $500, leaving $1,500 additional GM profit. No wonder they are moving forward on eAssist.
EAsssit is a good idea in its own right, but it also represents CAFE-demanded fuel economy increases' in cost and complexity, as we go toward $40,000 Cruzes, $75,000 Suburbans, $60,000 ATS, and $100,000 Escalades.
CAFE represents some of the worst government meddling in our system ever, but where are the protests? Where are the voices of reason?

[spd98]

38 MPG Equinox/Terrain?

Total and complete dominance of this market.

I agree. I hope there is a minor refresh to go along with it.