The 2008 Chevy Malibu is a “mild hybrid” according to GM. As opposed to a full hybrid such as the Toyota Prius, the Malibu mild hybrid is priced a lot lower. Though it does not offer as much fuel efficiency as the Prius, it improves the overall fuel efficiency by about 10-15% through the use of a 36-volt electric motor coupled with a 2.4L Ecotec Variable Valve Timing (VVT) 4-cylinder engine. The savings in fuel consumption is achieved through shutting off the gasoline engine during stops and using the electric motor. The electric motor will not assist teh gasoline engine as in a full hybrid. The electric motor is powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) battery.
With a starting price of just over $22,000, the (mild) hybrid Chevy Malibu is worth a look!
