Saturn Vue Plug-in
Sponsored links:
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FUEL ECONOMY:
n/a MPG n/a L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
SUV
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TECHNOLOGY:
Plug-In Hybrid
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BASE MSRP:
n/a
General Motors is leading the race for the first production plug-in hybrid, by developing a grid-ready version of its Vue Green Line hybrid. The project is on the fast track to hit the marketplace in 2009—but 2010 is a more feasible and likely timeframe. This hybrid SUV will utilize a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system, plug-in technology, and an advanced lithium-ion battery pack. The system is being engineered to achieve significant increases in fuel economy, as much as twice that of any current conventional hybrid vehicle. Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of GM acknowledged that there are steep technical issues to overcome—battery technology being the most volatile—but the automaker has reported leaps and bounds for this project as a whole.
The advantages of a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle over a non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle are its extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity, and its ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet, meaning common household current. The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. To propel the vehicle at higher speeds, electric-only mode will switch to either a combination of engine and electric power together, or engine power by itself. The powertrain is composed of two permanent magnet motors and GM's 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with direct injection.
GM’s two-mode hybrid system will be modified for use with plug-in technology. The system maintains two separate driving modes—one for city, the other for highway. The key to the whole system lies in the transmission, which is geared to maximize efficiency while still granting solid performance, whether for accelerating on the highway, treading over rough terrain, or towing a trailer.
During operation, the lithium ion energy storage will be designed to utilize the electric motors and regenerative braking. And of course, the battery can be replenished by simply plugging in to a 110-volt outlet.
The combination of truck-like capabilities and ground-breaking reductions in fuel use could make the Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in a big success—if the technology cooperates and GM delivers the project on schedule. Time will tell.
