DETROIT - Saturn announced today at the
North American International Auto Show that production may begin
as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the
Saturn Vue Green Line, expected to be the first regular production
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Depending on a consumer's drive
cycle, the Vue plug-in hybrid will be the most fuel-efficient
vehicle offered by a major automaker.
This Vue Green Line will
use a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system and plug-in
technology, a lithium-ion battery pack, highly efficient electronics
and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases
in fuel economy. When the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged,
the Vue plug-in hybrid will potentially double the fuel efficiency
of any current SUV. After electric-only propulsion depletes
the lithium-ion energy storage system to a specified level,
the battery is replenished by utilizing the two-mode hybrid
system's electric motors and regenerative brake systems.
"We
announced late in 2006 that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
was a top priority, and the fact that we're now announcing production
timing to bring the industry's first plug-in to market, while
tackling many technology hurdles along the way, demonstrates
our commitment to diversifying from petroleum and reducing emissions,"
said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.
In early testing, the
Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion
for more than 10 miles at low speeds. At higher speeds or when
conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination
of engine and electric power or engine power-only drives the
vehicle.
The vehicle's lithium-ion batteries can be
fully recharged in four to five hours by simply connecting the
vehicle to any standard 110V household electrical outlet. The
connection port on the vehicle will be integrated into the front
fender. By recharging rather than refueling, the Vue Green Line
plug-in hybrid reduces petroleum consumption.
A plug-in hybrid-electric
vehicle differs from a non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle by
offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery
capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical
outlet.
The two-mode hybrid system
to be introduced on the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode will
be altered for use with plug-in technology. In addition to plug-in
capabilities and the modified two-mode hybrid system, the Saturn
Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature two interior
permanent magnet motors within the two-mode transmission and
GM's 3.6L V-6 VVT gasoline engine with direct injection. The
lithium-ion energy storage system will be replenished by utilizing
the two-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative
braking systems.
The Saturn Vue Green Line
plug-in maintains two driving modes - one for city driving,
the other for highway driving - and four fixed mechanical gears
to maximize efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition,
special controls will be utilized to enable higher speeds during
electric-only propulsion and maintain electric-only propulsion
for longer periods of time.
