[ausev] GM dual mode hybrid

[Marc Kohler]

The Saturn Vue will be a full hybrid in 2008.
They will modify their rear wheel dual mode hybrid drive to a front drive variation.
It is quite a bit more advanced than you describe.  It uses two electric motors (which make it act like an ECVT) built inside a standard transmission.  This allows EV operation and full pass-through (direct connection from the ICE to the wheels), hence the dual mode.  This allows them to maintain their present towing ratings.  People that buy Yukons do not want something smaller, lighter or more aerodynamic.  They want it to haul 5-8 people and tow their boat occasionally.
The 2009/20010(???) plug in option will most likely use lithium ion batteries.
I hope that Toyota and Ford will try to beat that delivery date with their own PHEVs.  They should be able too since they already have full hybrids.
Marc Kohler
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Stack 
  To: ausev at austinev.org 
  Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 9:42 AM
  Subject: [ausev] GM dual mode hybrid


  FYI,  The GM dual mode hybrid which they show of their large heavy Yukon SUV seems to be nothing more than an overdrive gear that improves highway speed travel. It really appear to add only a very small gain that could be doubled or more by simply making the vehicle smaller, lighter or aerodynamic. 

        I'm not sure how GM will offer plug-in capability since none of their hybrids are full hybrids that can run in the all electric mode. As to batteries they owned the NiMH full size format batteries from the EV1 but may have sold all interest to cobasys. I read that is the battery they will use in the Saturn VUE Greenline. 

       In contrast the best full hybrid is the Prius which is light, aerodynamic .26 and very efficient while have lots of room with the fold down 60/40 rear seats. Only a full hybrid can be made plug-in hybrid and Toyota has the best. Their 2008 model with lithium batteries gets 94 mpg and is already undergoing testing in the UK. 
  Jim


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