Detroit, Michigan – Regulators have awarded General Motors’ 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid a 46mpg combined city/highway rating, the highest mileage rating for the mid-sized sedan class.
The car leverages drive system components and software from the plug-in Chevrolet Volt to provide all-electric propulsion in some driving scenarios, along with power to assist the gas engine. Additional technologies contribute to EPA-estimated mileage ratings of 47mpg city and 46mpg highway.
“The Malibu Hybrid offers outstanding fuel efficiency and integrates the latest technology to give customers a world-class hybrid,” says Steve Majoros, marketing director of Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “Combined with a number of available, leading safety and connectivity features, it’s a great choice for those who want exceptional efficiency with Chevrolet’s signature value.”
The 2016 Malibu Hybrid starts at $28,645 (including destination charge) and is based on the LT trim. It shares many of its attributes with the entire Malibu lineup, which was redesigned for 2016 and features a longer wheelbase. It is nearly 300 lb lighter than its predecessor for improved driving feel and greater fuel economy.
The 2016 Malibu Hybrid is driven by a direct-injected 1.8L engine mated to a two-motor drive unit. The drive unit is based on the one used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt and provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration, for 182hp (136kW) of total system power.
An 80-cell, 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the hybrid system. It can power the Malibu Hybrid up to 53mph on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine automatically comes on at higher speeds and high loads to provide additional power.
In addition to the drive unit, the Malibu Hybrid also shares the 2016 Volt’s blended regenerative braking system, which provides maximum kinetic energy recovery during braking to be stored in the battery system to help maintain charge.
The Malibu Hybrid is built with globally sourced parts at the GM Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kansas, where GM invested $174 million for new tooling and technology to support production of the redesigned 2016 Malibu.
Source: General Motors