Two-Mode Hybrid Could Save Full Size SUVs

[roteague]

Not sure if this one has been posted already or not, it is a week old.

"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when gasoline prices will hit $4 per gallon. And with every nickel of increase, there'll be a decrease in the sales of gas-gulping full-size sport-utility vehicles. In the last two years, sales of big SUVs have plunged by 35 percent.

But high-low hybrid systems could reinvigorate the sales of full-size sport-utilities. What's more, high-low hybrids, commonly called two-mode hybrids, could mark a watershed in automotive powertrains. Scalable, high-low hybrids will be sized to fit just about any vehicle, from full-size sport-utilities to 2-seat sports cars.

Let's start with a bare-bones definition of a high-low hybrid, using GM as our teaching example.

...

Get this. GM has sold some 475 diesel-powered high-low hybrid transit buses since 2004. It reports that these buses produce 60 percent fewer oxides of nitrogen and 90 percent fewer hydrogen and carbon monoxide emissions than the buses they replaced. What's more, the estimated fuel saving has been 700,000 gallons. That's in 18 months.

...

Development costs of the high-low hybrid are lower per automaker because it is a joint venture. That means the savings can be passed on to consumers by each manufacturer. And the scope of those savings holds significant promise.

Collectively, BMW AG, DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors own the following brands: BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Freightliner, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Jeep, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi Fuso, Opel, Orion, Pontiac, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Saturn, Setra, Smart, Sterling, Thomas Built Buses, Vauxhall and Western Star.

Those 28 brands multiply into hundreds of models across which to spread the development and procurement costs of the high-low hybrid. And even though GM is backing off earlier reports that it would sell high-low hybrid technology, a spokesman said the automaker is still open to new development partners.

To me, that means high-low hybrids will lack the pricey premiums (up to $5,000) of the current generation of low-speed hybrids. That amounts to a more fuel-efficient hybrid for what seems to be a lot less money. The impact of high-low hybrids could ripple through the industry the way automatic transmissions did when they were first introduced."

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116387

[MrMax]

Thats my kinda news! Oh the possibilities...

[FordFan]

it's not like all of the SUVs producing are going to be Hybirds, so no they're not going to be mainstream again.

[megeebee]

Actual, good, encouraging news. For the entire industry.

[King Riffle]

The problem is convincing people that the full size suv you are trying to sell gets good mileage. If you say "SUV" now, most people will automatically think "bad gas mileage". IMO, it would be much more beneficial for GM to use this technology on it's cars and crossovers, instead of helping to promote the idea that GM only builds Trucks and SUVs.

[Tiger]

Dual mode hybrid is the first useful adaptation IMHO. These vehicles need the technology the most!

A buyer just has to forego the kiddie theatre system and a few options and the price would be irrelevant. The American buyer us a strange bird though. Not usually willing to spend money to save money.

Bring on the new Tahoe Hybrid...

[GM>Toyota]

Wow, and to think GM is at the forefront of all this! This has the potential to be more positive for gm than all the stuff that has happened to them has been negative. They really struck the jackpot on this one. Good to see GM finally getting themselves in gear!

[Hugh Jass]

Yeah, it's good to see that GM is the at least the second US company, to offer an SUV Hybrid.

[smiley]

I think it's great that they put it in SUV's before cars. Think about it put it in the Autos that get the worst gas mileage. It's easy to put it in the cars later but it makes you look better if you focus on the autos that are getting the worst gas mileage in your fleet. Toyota went opposite, so I think GM has the advantage now!

[hammerhead]

What's the matter HUGE ASS,are you mad G.M. pulled 1 over on toyohonda?

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by Tiger

The American buyer us a strange bird though. Not usually willing to spend money to save money.

I'd be willing to spend money to save money if it actually saved money.

That hasn't been the case with hybrids. We'll see if that changes with the Two-Modes.