Mild hybrid + lithium = Full hybrid?
Do mild hybrids have a future?In terms of affordable hybrid technology, there is an interesting battle shaping up. No, not the one between Honda's Prius-fighting hybrid technology, set to launch next year, and Toyota, but the one between GM and everyone else.
When GM's mild hybrid technology first hit the road, I wasn't impressed, but if it saved fuel I had to advocate for the technology. Eventually, I figured, GM would do away with mild hybrid technology in favor of its dual mode hybrid technology anyway, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Instead, in a few years, GM will convert its mild hybrid technology into a lithium-powered hybrid powertrain that should be about as efficient as today's Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Of course, in three years or so, not only will Toyota have moved to the more efficient Third Generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, but probably to lithium as well. So, I wonder, will GM's lithium-powered 'mild' hybrids really be able to compete?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:05 AM
2 Comments:
GM's mild hybrid technology is just that, a mild solution to competing with Toyota's hybrids. And, the Prius will always be far cheaper than the Volt. Too little, too late.
it's all about cost versus value. if the technology provides good fuel economy for a good value, then tis technology will sell.
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