The Saturn Vue is a small SUV with sleek lines and good gas mileage
(for an SUV). Already, the car has a hybrid option, and the LA Auto
Show has seen two exciting announcements concerning the Vue. First, the
2007 Vue Hybrid will have significantly increased fuel economy, from
20% better than the non-hybrid to over 40% better than the non-hybrid.
But, of course, the most exciting news is that GM is committing to a
plug-in hybrid Vue. Simply, an expanded battery pack will be charged at
home, and the electrical motor will run more frequently, significantly
increasing the efficiency of the vehicle.
The specs aren't out yet, and neither is the release date. But GM is the first major auto company to release plans to produce a plug-in hybrid.
General Motors has repeatedly stated that it's not a huge fan of hybrid vehicles. The hybrid drivetrain, they say, is redundant, thus making the vehicle heavier, more complex, more expensive and more difficult to service an recycle. This is absolutely the truth, but besides a true EV, there aren't any other low emissions technologies out there...yet. With the plug-in Vue, I see an actual commitment to exploring technologies fast (though significantly slower than hobbyists, of course.) We'll see where this vision carries GM in the future, and whether they'll be the first company with plug-in vehicles on the road.
EcoGeek's coverage of the LA Auto Show was underwritten by the General
Motors Company, which, we agree, is very strange since we say some
fairly mean things about them with some regularity. The only condition
of their assistance (travel and lodging) is that I disclose it, which,
of course, I would have done anyway.
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written by Doug Thompson, August 13, 2007
My solar system already over produces about $500 of electricity each year. I can't wait to drive a PHEV and say goodbye to the greedy, earth wrecking oil companies!
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written by Paul, August 13, 2007
Hank ,
GM will not be the first company to have a true EV ! There already is an American Company out of California selling fully battery powered vehicles . The company is Tesla Motors . To learn more go to www.teslamotors.com
GM will not be the first company to have a true EV ! There already is an American Company out of California selling fully battery powered vehicles . The company is Tesla Motors . To learn more go to www.teslamotors.com
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written by Hank, August 13, 2007
That should read "major manufacturer." Tesla is undoubtedly very cool, but the cars aren't exactly built for practicality, or for the mass market.
Of course, that doesn't mean that I don't want one, nor that Tesla won't, eventually, get into broader markets.
Of course, that doesn't mean that I don't want one, nor that Tesla won't, eventually, get into broader markets.
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written by John Doe, August 14, 2007
Not to beat a dead horse, but wasn't GM already the first company ("major manufacturer" or not) to have a true EV with the EV-1? And isn't the article regarding the first plug-in hybrid?
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written by EV enthusiast, October 25, 2007
SUVs consumes gas and a 40 % reduction means what? How much of an increase is that from 20mpg? Almost double to around close to 40 mpg? That's no different than a Prius. You still use a lot of gas. A hybrid or plug-in hybrid slightly,.. slightly decreases the consumption of oil. A Toyota Yaris gets around 38 to 40 and it isn't even a hybrid. The point of these hybrids is to let automakers say they are doing something about the environment when they are fully capably of producing EV1s. In fact if GM produced the old 1996 ev1s there would still be considerable demand for them and for much less.
But, everyone is excited because it is a SUV with a mileage comparable to a Yaris. That's it but you still use oil and maintenance fees are still there.
But, everyone is excited because it is a SUV with a mileage comparable to a Yaris. That's it but you still use oil and maintenance fees are still there.
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written by John P. Smith, January 03, 2008
I actually love the Tech that brings the new Vue. Mt problem is that with more use we spread pollution from coal burning electic generators. Had it not been for Democrat laws (some 40 and 50 years old) it is against the law to build new Nuc. power plants which are as useful as having laws against Zepplins (I don't mean the musicians either)///////// Dems are so cleaver.
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