General Motors doesn’t call the new 2013 Malibu Eco with e-assist a hybrid, and although that is what it is, I would call it a “soft hybrid”. It is an interesting setup and sort of complicated, yet the transitions between the different sources of power are seamless.
In simple terms, e-assist starts with a 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter engine. In addition, it has a hybrid battery in the trunk that powers a 15-horse electric motor. The electric motor doesn’t power the car, but instead assists the engine with additional horsepower when needed, and runs some of the accessories, especially when the car
