ECO mode BUICK REGAL 2013 Get To Know Guide

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eAssist Overview (if equipped)
A compact electric drive system called eAssist has been integrated with the highly efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to provide an electric “boost” to help conserve fuel. eAssist includes a small, but powerful, electric motor rated at 15 kilowatts. It replaces the typical alternator found on most engines. \
eAssist also uses a small, advanced 115-volt lithium-ion battery located in the trunk.
eAssist Features
Your Regal with eAssist has several features that increase vehicle efficiency and maximize fuel economy.
When braking or coasting, the electric motor acts like a generator to ch\
arge the high- voltage battery. This “regenerative braking” process captures kine\
tic energy that would otherwise be lost and stores it in the high-voltage battery. This electrical energy can then be reused.
Note: THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING PROCESS REQUIRES UNIQUE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AS THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN.
When the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine may turn off automatically, saving fuel that would otherwise be used while idling. This is called an Auto Stop. The v\
ehicle is powered by the high-voltage battery.
Note: THE eASSIST FEATURES OF THE VEHICLE ARE ENABLED AFTER THE ENGINE REACHES OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
Auto Start/Stop
While driving, when the brake is applied and the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the automatic engine start/stop system may turn off the engine, referred to \
as an Auto Stop. In Auto Stop mode, the tachometer gauge will read AUTO STOP. The audio syst\
em, climate controls and other accessories will be powered by the high-voltage battery. The engine will restart immediately when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is applied.
After parking the vehicle and turning off the engine using the key or START/STOP buttonF, the tachometer gauge will read OFF.
Auto Start/Stop Conditions
There are several conditions that may cause the engine to remain running or restart when the vehicle is stopped.
• The engine, transmission or high voltage battery is not warmed up.
• The outside temperature is less than –4°F (–20°C).
• The shift lever is in any gear other than Drive (D).
• The high-voltage battery state of charge is low.
• The climate control system requires the engine to run based on the climate control or defog setting. Using the eco Air Conditioning mode will result in more f\
requent and
longer Auto Stops than the Comfort Air Conditioning mode.
• The Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
F Optional equipment

Power Flow Display
The Power Flow display, located on the instrument panel’s Driver Information Center or on the audio system color display (if equipped),
indicates the energy flow direction, the high-voltage battery charge level, and the current eAssist oper-ating mode. These modes include:
• Engine Idle – The vehicle is stopped and the engine is running.
• Auto Stop – The vehicle is stopped, the engine has been automatically turned off and is ready to automatically restart when needed.
• Engine Power – The engine is providing the primary drive power for the vehicle.
• Hybrid Power – The eAssist electric motor is providing significant electrical assist to the engine.
• Battery Charging – The eAssist electric motor is charging the high-voltage battery while the vehicle is slowing down.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Driver Efficiency Gauge
The efficiency gauge assists you in driving efficiently. To maximize efficiency, attempt to keep the pointer in the solid green zone in the middle of the gauge. The\
gauge moves to the left when braking and to the right when accelerating. When either is\
done aggres-sively, it is less efficient and the gauge will move farther away from the center. The eAssist
system’s ability to capture energy while the vehicle is slowing down makes decelerating very important for efficiency.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Climate Control Settings
• Press the Air Conditioning button until the button indicator is green to select the eco air conditioning setting for maximum efficiency. This setting will maximize the frequency and duration of Auto Stops while still providing cabin comfort\
when the
vehicle is in an Auto Stop.
• Press the Air Conditioning button until the button indicator is blue to select the comfort air conditioning setting for maximum cabin comfort. Auto Stops will be reduced in both frequency and duration.
See Climate Controls in your Owner Manual.
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eAssist Features