Saturn Vue Hybrid
GM retreated from a plan to offer a full hybrid in the Saturn VUE SUV in
2005. Instead, they are now offering a mild hybrid VUE,
dubbed the Green Line Hybrid which starts around
$22,995, about $1500 more than the standard Vue.
Consequently, GM is calling their Vue hybrid, the most
economical hybrid vehicle in its class.
The Green Line Vue hybrid
system will deliver power directly to the gasoline
engine using a motor-generator that replaces the
conventional alternator. Unlike full hybrids, the
Vue hybrid will not be able to power itself with only
electric power. Still,
the Vue mild hybrid averages around 30mpg, or about 4 mpg above the
26 it currently achieves. Recently, GM has stated
that it isn't sure how many Vue hybrids it will put into
the market in 2006.
Ultimately, the Vue is
destined to become a full hybrid vehicle, using the dual
mode hybrid powertrain that GM is near completing. In
addition, GM is also planning to develop the Vue
hybrid into a plug-in hybrid as soon as the
lithium-ion batteries needed to accomplish such a
vehicle are available. Recently, GM
awarded contracts to battery makers to begin
developing such batteries.
While many analysts are claiming
the Vue mild hybrid is only a publicity stunt, so that GM can use the upside of
hybrids to provide the appearance that GM cares about
the environment and foreign oil dependency, the vehicle
does offer a few advantages. For example, if
you are a mostly highway driver, the Vue hybrid could be
a good hybrid, especially if you need towing
capabilities. Unlike hybrids from Ford and Toyota, GM's
Vue hybrid will not lose any towing power.
In the
future, GM's "full hybrid" Saturn
VUE will offer front-wheel drive, up to 40 mpg fuel economy, and meet SULEV emissions
standards.
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