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The Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) system, developed by General Motors (GM), is a hybrid vehicle technology designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Here are the key features and functions of the BAS system:
- Functionality:
- The BAS system operates as a mild hybrid technology, also known as a belt-driven starter-generator.
- It replaces the traditional alternator and starter motor with a single unit that serves both purposes.
- The BAS system allows for smoother engine start-stop functionality, enabling the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a stop and restart seamlessly when the driver accelerates.
- Key Benefits:
- Fuel Efficiency: By enabling the engine to stop automatically when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at traffic lights), the BAS system reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.
- Improved Performance: The system provides additional torque assistance during acceleration, contributing to improved vehicle performance and responsiveness.
- Regenerative Braking: Some BAS systems can capture and store energy during braking, using it to recharge the vehicle’s battery, further enhancing efficiency.
- Applications:
- General Motors has implemented the BAS technology in various hybrid vehicles to enhance their environmental performance and meet regulatory standards for fuel economy and emissions reduction.
Overall, the Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) system represents an early hybrid vehicle technology aimed at improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact, particularly in urban driving conditions where frequent stops and starts occur.
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