GM kills current mild hybrid system
Mild hybrids just aren't sellingWith inventory backing up on GM's mild hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura hybrids, the General - or is it the Government - will stop producing these vehicles until they can be replaced with an upgraded mild hybrid system. The new mild hybrid system, to be launched summer of 2010, will utilize lithium-ion batteries.
Labels: chevy malibu hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, saturn aura hybrid
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:08 AM
6 Comments:
wow for GM to really use LI ION batteries in summer of 2010 is great! When I can find a hybrid 4 door or hatch,LiIon with auto, air, pwr doors/locks/windows and gets average 45MPG...for drive out of 19k..Ill get one....I am sure that will not be a GM however :( that will cost at least 28k..however Hyundai Honda and Toyota might very well meet my specs in mid 2010 with new compact hybrid models coming out.
And prob only Toyota will offer a real TOTAL hybrid drive(synergy drive system) for around price I seek, rest will use very 'mild' hybrids which do little to mileage in real world.
Mercedes is already launching their latest hybrid with lithium, again as a mild hybrid.
GM's mild hybrid with lithium won't be as fuel efficient as Toyota's hybrid synergy drive, but it should be a good bit more efficient than the current BAS system.
still, it will be cost that will be the ultimate driver.
Mild hybrids are nearly pointless--a gain of 2mpg, big whoop. They need to cut 'em altogether and concentrate on doing the job right.
las794,
i agree.
gm is predicting a big gain in the new system's fuel economy. it better be.
BAS, dual mode hybrids - none of it has really resonated with consumers. i don't know, 3 strikes and you're out?
I'm thinking about buying a Malibu Hybrid. I have driven every hybrid on the market this week. I realize the fuel economy could be better but I find it important to encourage the effort that GM is making towards the hybrids in general. I believe as Americans we need to show the big companies that we will support these cars. Even if they do fall short, I don't want GM to pull efforts away from something so important. I really feel if Toyota or Honda wanted to resonate with mainstream
America they would offer a hybrid a little bigger than they do.
GM isn't killing off the Malibu hybrid for good. It will eventually be powered with an upgraded hybrid drive that will use lithium. Eventually, it might also use GM's HCCI technology.
If GM could combine HCCI technology with a lithium mild hybrid powertrain, the potential upside is pretty strong.
What kind of hybrid do you think Toyota is lacking? They also offer the Camry hybrid and the Highlander hybrid.
What size hybrid would you find most compelling?
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