GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV

Saturn Vue Green Line Will Use Modified 2-mode Hybrid System, Lithium Ion Battery

LOS ANGELES – General Motors Corp. intends to produce a Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM’s 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a Lithium Ion battery pack when ready, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy.

“GM has begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid production vehicle,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The technological hurdles are real, but we believe they are also surmountable. I can’t give you a production date for our plug-in hybrid today. But I can tell you that this is a top priority program for GM, given the huge potential it offers for fuel-economy improvement.”

A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet.

The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power only will propel the vehicle.

In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV’s powertrain will feature Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM’s 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection.

When ready for production, the Lithium Ion energy storage system will be replenished when the battery charge is depleted to a specified level by utilizing the 2-mode hybrid system’s electric motors and regenerative braking systems. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be recharged using a common household exterior 110-volt plug-in outlet.

The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in technology. It maintains two driving modes – one for city driving, the other for highway driving – and four fixed mechanical gears to maximize efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition, special controls will be utilized to enable higher speeds during electric-only propulsion and maintain electric-only propulsion for longer periods of time.

The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, featuring the modified 2-mode hybrid system with plug-in capabilities, is part of GM’s ambitious effort to offer consumers a broad choice of hybrid systems at various levels of affordability:

* This year, the GM Hybrid system, an affordable belt-alternator starter hybrid technology, debuted in the Vue Green Line front-wheel-drive SUV.

* In 2007, the GM Hybrid system will expand to the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu front-wheel-drive midsize sedans.

* In 2007, the 2-mode hybrid system will debut in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive will be offered.

* In 2008, the 2-mode hybrid system will expand to the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew cab full-size pickups. The Escalade will offer all-wheel drive, while the Silverado and Sierra will offer rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

* In 2008, the first front-wheel-drive application of the 2-mode hybrid system, will debut – without plug-in technology – in the Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will offer customers a choice of the GM Hybrid system or the 2-mode hybrid system.

* In 2009, an electric all-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system will be introduced in the Vue Green Line.

“GM plans to introduce a new hybrid system annually for the next several years, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance,” said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. “This strategy will allow more consumers to benefit from our hybrid technologies, while providing the opportunity to reduce our country’s petroleum consumption.”

GM is committed to a comprehensive and cost-effective, three-tiered advanced propulsion technology strategy focused on producing commercially viable and sustainable products. These include alternative fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion engines and transmissions, the electrification of the automobile through a broad portfolio of hybrid models on high-volume car and truck platforms, and commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.




"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein

now we just need flying cars , LOL


kinda about time gm's starts putting out more hybrids

Wow, talk about puting all your eggs into one basket. I wonder how much more the vehicle will be with all of this technology in it.

Personally I think this is *huge* news, especially from GM. People have been begging companies like Toyota to produce plug-in versions of their hybrids, and so far they have been met with complete silence. If GM beats all the others to market with this, I think it will be a huge step up for GM in the fuel efficient marketplace.




"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein

i didnt notice the sticker on the greenline vue at the show when we were there sunday , did you dave ??

i was to busy laughing at the gauge for the assist/charging

Quote:

* In 2007, the 2-mode hybrid system will debut in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive will be offered.

And.

Your welcome.



>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

Dave wrote:Personally I think this is *huge* news, especially from GM. People have been begging companies like Toyota to produce plug-in versions of their hybrids, and so far they have been met with complete silence. If GM beats all the others to market with this, I think it will be a huge step up for GM in the fuel efficient marketplace.

Word.

Definetly big news.

From GM...

Boasting a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy, General Motors will showcase its new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid – the only hybrid full-size SUVs – at the 2007 State Fair of Texas, Sept. 28 – Oct. 21. During the fair, the public can get a sneak peak of these Texas-built hybrid SUVs before they arrive in dealer showrooms.

The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids, to be built locally at the GM Arlington Assembly Plant, will deliver a 30 percent gain in overall fuel economy and, during certain driving conditions, will run on pure electricity.

"The new Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid SUVs offer the best of both worlds to customers and complement the Texan lifestyle – all the capability expected of an SUV with better-than-ever fuel economy," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

Carrying on a tradition of comfort, performance and utility, the 2008 Tahoe and Yukon boast vastly improved fuel economy over their gasoline-only siblings. Two-wheel drive models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50 percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the much-smaller 2008 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

The Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids’ 6.0L V-8 engine is equipped with the GM Active Fuel Management system, which disengages half of the engine’s cylinders when full engine power is not needed, allowing the engine to move seamlessly from V-8 to V-4 on driving demands. Electric-only propulsion is available up to 30 mph, which is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop and go traffic – like being caught in DFW metro area traffic.

Electric power assists the engine to save fuel during brisk acceleration or additional pulling power for towing. During vehicle deceleration, fuel is cutoff to the engine and the hybrid system’s battery pack is recharged via regenerative braking.

"Building the full-size SUV hybrid vehicles locally is a perfect fit for Texas," said Alicia Boler-Davis, GM Arlington plant manager. "Most auto manufacturers offer hybrid vehicle technology only in smaller vehicles with less room for passengers and cargo. In Texas, we know transporting family and towing boats, campers and trailers is a way of life. GM is proud to bring a green alternative fitting for our fellow Texans needs and lifestyles."

The Tahoe Hybrid’s fuel-saving features include:
-Electric-only propulsion (up to 30 mph)
-Electric boosting during brisk acceleration
-Engine speed and load control
-GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which seamlessly shuts down half of the Vortec V-8’s cylinders to improve fuel economy when full engine power is not needed.

GM’s Arlington Assembly plant has been manufacturing vehicles in Texas for 54 years and is a prime example of a high-tech automotive manufacturer. With 2,700 employees (2,500 hourly employees represented by UAW Local 276), the manufacturing facility builds the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, in addition to the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.




>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

Bingo! GM can't get this out soon enough. I thought the Silverado/Sierra 2 Mode was also coming out this year??