GM will have two production plug-in hybrids by 2010
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 15 January 2008
General Motors (GM) has announced two plug-in petrol/electric hybrids at the Detroit Motor Show.
GM has announced that it plans to sell the Chevrolet Volt plug-in in the US by 2010 - a move closely followed by Toyota - while the company´s Saturn division may have a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Vue Green Line SUV in production by 2010.?
GM says the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle offered by a major automaker, consisting of a modified version of GM’s two-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology and a lithium-ion battery pack.
The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be matched with a 3.6-litre V-6 VVT petrol. The lithium-ion energy storage system will be replenished by utilising the two-mode hybrid system’s electric motors and regenerative braking systems.
At higher speeds, or during acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power-only drives the vehicle.
The vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries can be fully recharged in four to five hours via a household power outlet.
Chevrolet Volt
Meanwhile, GM reasserted its plans to have a production version of the Chevrolet Volt available in the US by 2010.
The Volt will be able to hold a charge equal to 40 miles, after a six-hour charge, with a petrol engine kicking in thereafter.
The Volt would be fitted with new lithium-ion battery packs, which could be demonstrated by June 2008.
GM Chairman Rick Wagoner had previously announced at the show that oil production had peaked and alternative fuels were the way forward, citing ethanol and electric technology as the fuels of the future.
GM has also announced its investment in a new ethanol processing plant.
Saturn Flextreme
A third GM reveal was the Saturn Flextreme concept car – “the next evolution” of the plug-in hybrid, with a potential 35-mile all- electric range.
The car will form the basis of European hybrid GM models, using GM’s E-Flex system with an integrated 1.3-litre turbodiesel, electric motors and Li-Ion batteries.
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