I'm far from an expert on the subject but it seems to me that Honda's hybrid efforts are slightly half hearted compared to Toyota's and that GM's BAS is even more half hearted than Honda's ideas. BAS would have impressed me if it came out before or at around the same time as the Insight. Seems like you could slap a BAS on just about anything pretty easy. I'm not at all saying that the BAS is bad, I think that the BAS is a great idea. I'm just not impressed with the late introduction in the face of better (IMO) efforts.

BTW

BAS = Belt Alternator Starter. The traditional alternator in the engine accesory drive is replaced by a combination alternator / starter / electric motor. It's primary functions are to

1. Restart the engine after it has been stopped at idle, like at a light.<<<
2. Provide power assist to the ICE under certain situations.<<<
3. Replenish battery storage.<<<