Alongside more standard features, integrated safety technology, and connectivity options, fuel efficiency has quickly become a major selling feature for new vehicles. With that in mind, Chevrolet has announced that they have added Volt technology to the 2016 Malibu hybrid.

Under the hood drivers will find all-new direct-injection 1.8L 4-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit slightly modified from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt drive unit powers the Malibu Hybrid. The drive unit provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration, for 182 horsepower (136 kW) of total system power.

An 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the Hybrid system. The advanced lithium-ion based chemistry can power the Malibu hybrid at up to 55 miles per hour on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine will automatically come on at higher speeds and high loads when necessary to provide additional power.

Besides the Volt drive unit, the Malibu Hybrid also shares power electronics and a blended regenerative braking system, which provides maximum kinetic energy recovery during braking to be stored into the battery system to help maintain charge.

With the new engine, the Malibu Hybrid will offer a General Motors-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway – and 47 mpg combined.

Manufactured in the United States at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, the Chevrolet is set to be at dealer showrooms in spring 2016.

images courtesy of Chevrolet