{"id":401,"date":"2006-12-02T07:59:00","date_gmt":"2006-12-02T12:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ietransfer.wpengine.com\/2006\/12\/02\/gm-announces-intention-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid-suv\/"},"modified":"2006-12-02T07:59:00","modified_gmt":"2006-12-02T12:59:00","slug":"gm-announces-intention-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid-suv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inspiredeconomist.com\/articles\/gm-announces-intention-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid-suv\/","title":{"rendered":"GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV"},"content":{"rendered":"

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General Motors Corp.<\/a> intends to produce a Saturn Vue Green Line<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cGM has begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid production vehicle,\u201d said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. \u201cThe technological hurdles are real, but we believe they are also surmountable. I can\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV\u2019s powertrain will feature Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM\u2019s 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in technology. It maintains two driving modes \u2013 one for city driving, the other for highway driving \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, featuring the modified 2-mode hybrid system with plug-in capabilities, is part of GM\u2019s ambitious effort to offer consumers a broad choice of hybrid systems at various levels of affordability:<\/p>\n