Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, GM, Saturn, LA Auto Show
LA Auto Show: Saturn Vue Green Line will offer 2-mode and plug-in hybrid technology
Jill Ladjiak couldn't be happier. The current Saturn Vue Green Line hangs around dealer lots an average of only 13 days before being sold. And now the Saturn general manager is showing off the new 2008 Saturn Vue that will be the foundation for three different hybrid systems in the next few years, including a plug-in version.
Ladjiak followed up GM Chairman Rick Wagoner's early morning speech to open the Los Angeles Auto Show in which he announced that GM will expand its hybrid technology to include a front-wheel-drive 2-mode hybrid and a plug-in version of the 2-mode system. Both will debut on the Saturn Vue Green Line.
While Wagoner had the spotlight in making the announcement, Ladjiak fielded questions about the timeline, availability and pricing. She told AutoblogGreen that early versions of the 2008 Vue Green Line will carry over the current 4-cylinder engine and belt-alternator hybrid technology until late next year when the FWD 2-mode system with a 3.6-liter V6 engine becomes available. At that time, customers will have a choice between the two hybrids as well as straight gas. Ladjiak said the strategy allows customers a choice of fuel economy and cost. The 2-mode could deliver up to 45 percent fuel economy compared with a non-hybrid Vue.
While Ladjiak couldn't offer an estimated time for releasing a plug-in version of the 2-mode system, she said it has the potential to "double the mileage" of any current SUV. The plug-in would enhance the 2-mode system with a Lithium Ion battery pack to offer up to 10 miles of electric-only propulsion. It could also be charged from an external electrical outlet.
In other news from the GM press conference, Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, reviewed the company's hybrid and fuel cell portfolio. He showed off the upcoming GMC Yukon 2-mode hybrid that will be available soon as well as the Equinox fuel cell vehicle that will be part of a 100-customer test program next year.
Follow the break for official GM news releases and more photos
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.
Front-Wheel-Drive, 2-Mode Hybrid System Debuts in 2008
Saturn Hybrid SUV Expected to Offer Up To 45-Percent Fuel Economy Improvement
LOS ANGELES – General Motors Corp. will expand the industry's most diverse portfolio of hybrid technologies in 2008 with the debut of its front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system in the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.
By using this sophisticated hybrid technology, the Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid is expected to deliver up to a 45-percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the non-hybrid Vue, based on current federal test procedures.
"We are delivering on our promise to continue our steady rollout of additional hybrid applications, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance," said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. "This will be the auto industry's first front-wheel-drive vehicle to use a 2-mode hybrid system, which improves fuel economy while maintaining performance and capability."
The Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid SUV will be powered by GM's 3.6L V-6 gas engine, with direct injection and variable valve timing, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and two active cooled permanent magnet motors.
The front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system optimizes city and highway fuel efficiency by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios.
This design is similar to the 2-mode hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive applications, which will debut next year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.
The 2-mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by the following operations:
- Engine off at idle
- Low speed electric-only propulsion
- Electric boosting during brisk acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing
- Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
- Regenerative braking
- Engine speed and load control
"The 2-mode hybrid system has the flexibility to improve fuel efficiency across a range of vehicles," Stephens said. "For example, in 2003, we introduced the 2-mode hybrid system for transit buses. In 2007, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon 2-mode full-size SUVs will debut, followed by the Vue Green Line 2-mode in 2008."
By using two electric modes and four fixed gear ratios, the 2-mode hybrid system's electric motors are smaller, compared with traditional "one-mode" hybrid systems, and impose no significant limitation on the size of the engine.
Consequently, the 2-mode hybrid system fits into the same space as a conventional automatic transmission, minimizing packaging, cost and weight issues. The result is exciting performance and outstanding fuel economy.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 3:07PM (11/29/2006)
GM could have grabbed the brass ring. A Series Plug-n Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV-60) with a Bio-diesel or VegOil auxiliary power unit (APU) will give us the range, power and quick refuel capability of liquid fuel and average well over 100 miles/gal. GM has had this Hybrid technology for years, http://www.autoworld.com/news/GMC/Series_Hybrid.htm. But no, they failed yet again. Are we really surprised?
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Ping 3:55PM (11/29/2006)
Failed? so soon?
I don't think so. Sure, I was somewhat disappointed when I saw that the plug-in version would offer a measly 10 miles of gas-free cruising, but they probrably did this to minimize the cost of the vehicle-and make them affordable for for a broader range of people. Also, most of my journeys to Wal-Mart(or the library for you more sophisticated people) can be covered in less than 10 miles roundtrip.
If you rememeber a post on this blog earlier, most buyers of hybrid vehicles did not go to college, which probrably means they do not have enough money to buy something like the $50k tesla sedan when it comes out.
as for bio-diesel compatibility, most americans do not have easy access to bio-diesel anyways, so its not very important(meaning that adding diesel engines would probably fail a cost-benefit analysis).
They probrably could have made the Vue a Flex-fuel vehicle though, as adding flex-fuel capability would be relatively inexpensive.
I think GM is trying to build an affordable and convenient way for the majority of americans to help the environment, and I give them kudos for it =)
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Tim 5:18PM (11/29/2006)
Ping- I guess it's OK to fall on your face as long as you're falling forward.
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Tony Belding 6:24PM (11/29/2006)
GM's strategy suddenly becomes clear: to produce a plug-in hybrid so limited, unattractive, and poorly conceived that its failure will discredit the whole PHEV concept. Then GM can happily return to building flex-fuel vehicles and racking up CAFE credits.
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Tim 7:40PM (11/29/2006)
Tony- You're right! Always follow the money. The Funds that own 59% of GM also own at least 10 times that much in oil company stocks. http://www.ev1.org/gmoil.htm. What happened to the other dinosaurs? So much for American auto industry. I hope there is not another big war. We won't be able to produce enough hardware to defend ourselves.
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ksmith 8:04AM (11/30/2006)
What a bunch of f***in' idiots! (Tony and Tim, not GM)
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Tim 10:03AM (11/30/2006)
ksmith- That's helpful. Thanks for you thoughtful insight. After you learn to read, you can then do a little research. After that, we'd all like to hear what you discovered. Please try to make complete, intelligent and helpful comments, then back it up with links to your research. Thanks again.
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Dom H 2:42PM (11/30/2006)
Today Ford announced 38,000 job losses which shows that car companies that do not provide hybrids or good ones or available ones, are on their way to the wall. Forget oil/diesel/middle east/iraq/iran - they are sooo last year - and they know it - its now bio/lpg/hydrogen/electric. Move on move up and dump the carbon fossil or become one.
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Schneegz 3:37PM (11/30/2006)
"Today Ford announced 38,000 job losses which shows that car companies that do not provide hybrids or good ones or available ones, are on their way to the wall."
What it proves is that manufacturers that do not offer consumers the products that consumers want, at prices consumers are willing to pay, fail. Imagine that.
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Mikeeeee 4:37PM (11/30/2006)
It is a shame. This Greenblog has turned into a GM bashing blog just like the Autoblog has.
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Tim 5:52PM (11/30/2006)
Mikeeeee- It's not that we want to bash GM. I think we all know in our hearts that America could and should do better. I'm afraid for our future and that of our children. GMs failings, their greed and fear demonstrate how we lost our manufacturing supremacy and why we may never regain it. Without manufacturing, we can not long remain a super power, promote capitalism and Democracy. Look at our growing trade deficit and national debt. What will be the price if GM and others like them fail? Can America as a service nation defend ourselves and others? Do we buy our tanks, planes, cars, ships etc from China, Japan & Germany? Can we remain free? We bash GM because we are afraid.
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Mikeeeee 6:01PM (11/30/2006)
to # 9 So you did not hear that TOYOTA has asked the US Government to reinstate the hybrid tax credit due to the drop in sales of their hybrids. Did you not say that companies that do not offer good hybrids are on their way out???? How come the PERFECT COMPANY needs tax credits to stimulate sales???
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CM 2:18AM (12/01/2006)
Kudos for GM getting their act together - sort of.
Instead of a single consistent simple design like Toyota is promoting, GM plans at least 4 different hybrid designs - all on their large gas guzzling SUVs. talk about market confusion!
In 2007 they will finally have a hybrid sedan to finally challenge the high milage Prius and Camry - too little and too late.
By the time GM finally rolls out their much hyped "pluggable", Toyota will already have the pluggable option on the road.
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Dom H 3:41PM (12/01/2006)
I don't want to knock GM, but I do want a choice, I have money to buy a Prius but it is just too ugly, hey, everyone has their limits.
I could justify buying the Vue but an SUV is not my scene, now a hybrid looking similar to the Guigaro Mustang yeah , I can live with that, even a four door version. I drive a car built by GM and I like it, but I want / need /require / expect a Hybrid next time I change my car because I know the less carbon I use the less problems we all will have and it makes $ense $$$
GM and Ford and all American auto manufacturers could easily lead in the hybrid field but the feeling I am getting from GM and Tim is right, is fear, fear of upsetting, getting it wrong, losing.
GM should pioneer, lead and suprise and then overwhelm the opposition as they did decades before - the Vue is a start and it does look good - so how much was it ? ..... in metallic dark grey ? ... sign where?
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Joseph Wallace 6:22PM (12/21/2006)
GM is taking a huge leap forward with this 2 mode hybrid. Basically it combines the Toyota Hybrid that does not do well on the highway when it goes all gas, and the Honda Hybrid that does not do well in the city because it never goes all electric. This 2 mode hybrid from GM takes the best of the 2 and combines it for a system with much better potential for both types of driving. Also the GM transmission will be much stronger and durable than the cheap CV belted transmission from Toyota and Honda. The plug in will be great, 10 miles is a good start.
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CM 5:31PM (1/18/2007)
Correction: The Toyota hybrids do not use a "cheap CV belted transmission", they use a single planetary gear set and 2 motor/generators for their continuously variable transmission. No "cone and belt" used there.
The GM "dual mode" is similar but more complex, it uses 2 planetary gear sets, 2 motor generators, and 3 clutches to make a continouously variable transmission with two speed ranges - one for high torque low speed driving, the other for freeway cruising.
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Al Ray 5:56PM (1/26/2007)
Fear not,GM is coming with technology that will leapfrog anything Japan has. Please be patient-it will happen.
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Greg 9:03PM (9/04/2007)
I'm an owner of a 2003 VUE and when it comes time to trade in I want it to be a hybrid favoring electric. By then I hope to be able to generate some of my own energy at home; with wind and solar. My wife's 2003 Honda Civic hybrid gets 45 mpg. I'd like to see U.S. automakers match or exceed my expectations. As much as I want to buy a car built by US companies, I don't have a problem joining the millions buying foreign.
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Will 11:51PM (3/09/2008)
Tim,
You make some good points about the GM / Oil company relationships, but as to their effect on what kinds of cars GM will produce...well, I think it's a little off the mark. Automakers and oil companies have a relationship that has been profitable for decades. I'm sure that Dell owns shares of Microsoft, but I don't think it will stop Microsoft from releasing their tabletop touchscreen home computer in the coming years (which will undoubtedly eat into Dells market share).
GM, especially in a time like this, is going to do what is best for GM, not the oil companies.
Remember people, there is no such thing as an eco friendly car. The GM bashing abounds on this site, but they have definitely turned a new leaf in recent months / years. They offer more hybrids than any other company, and soon the volt will be for sale. The volt, when released, will allow most Americans to burn ZERO gas on daily commutes, which is something even the mighty Toyota can't say.
And about the whole EV1 fiasco, I think that the EV1 failed not because of GM, but because of market forces. Are we really to believe that GM killed a potentially highly profitable car because of big oil??? I think not. If you have a hot product, you sell it, you don't kill it. There is much more to the EV1 story than the mocumentary "Who killed the electric car?" provides. How come no one is asking who killed the Honda Insight? It was the most fuel efficient mass produced car in North America for a few years...but oh yeah...it didn't sell. Fuel efficiency alone does not sell cars. Oh wait...maybe big oil killed the Honda Insight...Maybe Honda is an evil company for killing their most fuel efficient car....No, Honda didn't kill the Insight, just like GM didn't kill the EV1. WE did. Because we didn't buy them.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/?14@@.ee92254/23
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Andrew 5:15PM (3/07/2009)
GM is on the wrong track as they have been for many years. They technology to put
a useful hybrid is out there as GM showed when the introduced the EV in the 90s. Upon crushing the complete lineup of the EV, GM failed miserably. There was no reason for it, they could have built off what they had back then and be dominating the auto industry right now instead of begging our worthless gov for more and more money. I do not recieve bailouts which I could use right now, so why should a company with no care for the people or the enviroment get one? This is why we are failing and forever will be until the oil companies are needed much less. I am 22 years old and currently am working on an invention to make the combustion engine obsolete. I will be sure to right again when I have it complete and it is on the first car.
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