GM has been talking about their Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid for sometime, but the first plug-in from GM could be a Saturn Vue. According to Jill Lajdziak, brand general manager, the Vue will be the automaker's first plug-in hybrid and will be capable of traveling 10 miles on a single charge.
The Volt isn't planned until 2010, but if the Vue makes it to market a year earlier it will use lithium-ion batteries and GM’s new two-mode hybrid system. Lajdziak also stated that owners will be able to charge the batteries using a household power outlet.
The system that will be in the Vue is different than the one in the upcoming Volt. The engine in the Volt is used solely to charge the batteries, while the engine in the Vue is available once the batteries run out of juice.
The Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid will be the third hybrid Vue available (The 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid comes in two versions).
Full Story: Detroit Free Press
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Comments (5)
This would be perfect for me since my commute is only 10 miles one way. Wish they could squeeze a few more miles but will have to wait and see if this thing even comes out.
GM, Ford and Chrysler better get on the ball....Toyota already has a hybrid and will probably come out with a plug in soon.
Posted by UncleSharkey | September 14, 2007 8:46 AM
Posted on September 14, 2007 08:46
It's all about the baby steps. At least they are headed in the right direction. Leave it to Saturn to take the lead on this.
Posted by CS | September 14, 2007 8:49 AM
Posted on September 14, 2007 08:49
Sharkey: These companies already have hybrids. They aren't as advanced yet, but they're out there. As far as releasing a plug-in goes, GM is doing exactly that, which is what this article is about. So I don't know how much more on the ball they can get.
Saturn often acts like a test company to test new platforms ahead of rolling them out to their counterparts.
This paragraph could be better worded:
"The system that will be in the Vue is different than the one in the upcoming Volt. The engine in the Volt is used solely to charge the batteries, while the engine in the Vue is available once the batteries run out of juice."
It makes it sound like the Volt is at a disadvantage, when in fact the opposite is true. Even though the Volt ICE does not directly drive the wheels, it runs when the batteries get low, and the electric motors thus continue to provide propulsion. So it is still "available once the batteries run out of juice".
Posted by Alexvrb | September 14, 2007 10:18 AM
Posted on September 14, 2007 10:18
So now you can pay high electric bills AND high bills at the pump. Wow, what innovation!
Posted by WareWolF | September 14, 2007 8:36 PM
Posted on September 14, 2007 20:36
Warewolf: Don't quit your day job, Mr. Engineer. The electricity cost to recharge this relatively low-capacity battery is very low. Cheaper than gas at this point. Also these cars get decent mileage regardless of the 10-mile plug-in boost.
For example, a non-hybrid 2.4L Saturn Vue with a 4-speed automatic gets within 1MPG of a 2.4L Honda CR-V with a 5-speed auto. Especially considering the Vue weighs over 400 lbs more. The Hybrid model will probably get a couple more MPG, with minor plug-in capabilities as a bonus.
Posted by Alexvrb | September 16, 2007 11:49 PM
Posted on September 16, 2007 23:49