There was a time that when you needed extra pulling power from time-to-time you purchased a truck with a bigger engine. It cost you more to purchase it and more to operate it for those times when you need some extra torque. Now GMC has made available eAssist two- and four-wheel drive 2018 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab pickups to provide extra power when needed, without the extra expense.
Starting with Sierra’s 5.3L aluminum block V8 engine that’s equipped with direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management GMC adds to that its eAssist technology which is a lightly-electrified supplemental propulsion system that includes both a compact induction motor and an air-cooled 24-cell 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which adds only 100 lbs. to the vehicle’s weight.
Sierra’s eAssist system provides fuel economy and incremental power solutions that require no input from the driver and can deliver up to 13 percent better fuel economy in city driving.
The induction motor that is a component of the eAssist system provides a boost of up to 13 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. This feature kicks in when accelerating from a stop or while towing a trailer, and also offers benefits in normal around town driving. The added power of the motor allows Sierra’s Active Fuel Management system to run the V-8 engine in four-cylinder mode for extended periods of time, which reduces fuel consumption. And remember that only a minimal amount of power is needed to keep a vehicle moving at a steady highway speed.
Another function that eAssist provides is that once the engine has reached its operating temperature, the eAssist system can smoothly switch off the engine once it senses the driver approaching a stop. The battery pack then provides the power needed to keep all vehicle systems, including lighting, heating and cooling, electrical accessories, and more, fully powered and operational, just as if the engine were still running.
As soon as the driver moves their foot off the brake pedal, the induction motor immediately restarts the engine, allowing the Sierra with eAssist to accelerate from a stop like any other pickup.
The driver never needs to plug in or manually recharge the eAssist battery, as a regenerative braking system recovers energy otherwise lost during braking into electricity and recharges the battery.
In addition to the supplemental propulsion system, the eAssist package also includes Sierra a standard soft tonneau cover and automatic grille shutters, which close at speeds over 30 mph. These changes improve Sierra’s aerodynamics by 6 percent and optimize fuel consumption.
As the Sierra with eAssist is based on an SLT crew cab with the Premium Plus package, advanced technologies are included that extend beyond the drivetrain. High-Performance LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED tail lamps are included, as is Intellibeam technology, which automatically dims headlamps when oncoming traffic is detected. Sierra SLT eAssist also includes front and rear park assist systems, a rear vision camera, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Keep Assist.
Inside, a Bose premium audio system is paired with the GMC IntelliLink system with an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen with navigation, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In addition, Sierra’s center console features wireless phone charging, which allows compatible devices to recharge without using a dedicated charger or cable. Other premium appointments on the Sierra with eAssist include heated and vented leather-front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, six-inch rectangular chrome assist steps, a factory-installed spray-on bed-liner, and eAssist badging.
To learn about eAssist or anything about the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, stop by and talk to the truck experts at Fletch’s in Petoskey, MI.
