GM hyrids - Page 2 - GreenHybrid

bwilson4web · #11 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshenGrey

My big gripe with GM is that all of their 2007-2008 hybrids are HUGE vehicles. I just see it as a waste to invest $4000 in hybrid equipment into a Durango or Escalade when the boost will be 3 MPG. It would much more useful to make a hybrid Chevy Cobalt that would gain 10-15 MPG. But GM wont do that.

From what I've seen of GM's future hybrid-electric transmission it is a scaled down version of the bus hybrid-electric transmission. Mechanically complex it has some internal 'lock-up' mechanisms that could improve cruise speed performance. But it is a huge unit about the size of their current automatic transmissions.

In short, they've got a big vehicle design they are trying to shrink down. Other than being too late, it is the right direction. Service vehicles need hybrid-electric technology too.

Bob Wilson

AshenGrey · #12 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkard

If I have a 15mpg vehicle, I'm using 6.66 gallons to go 100 miles.
If I move that up to 18mpg, it takes 5.55 gallons to go that same 100 miles.
That means I've saved 1.11 gallons.

If I have a 30mpg vehicle, I'm using 3.33 gallons to go 100 miles.
If I move that up to 40mpg, it takes 2.5 gallons to go 100 miles.
That means I've saved 0.83 gallons.

So Double-Trinity is right, hybridizing the guzzler will save more gas.

However, I suspect that GM's motivation is to assuage customers. "It's okay to keep driving that 7-seater SUV, single guy. We'll make it a hybrid and you can pat yourself on the back. Emissions standards? Those don't matter."

I agree. The GM execs probably refuse to believe that people are willing to pay $3,000 more to elevate an economy car (29-33 MPG) to super-economy status (42-54 MPG). But people do, all the time!

IMAhybrid · #13 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 11:41 AM

I thought the Silverado wasn't concidered a "hybrid" because it only has a BAS (belt alternator?) that shuts down the engine at stops, and isn't actually driven at all by electric...

???

lakedude · #14 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMAhybrid

I thought the Silverado wasn't concidered a "hybrid" because it only has a BAS (belt alternator?) that shuts down the engine at stops, and isn't actually driven at all by electric...

???

ditto.

bwilson4web · #15 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMAhybrid

I thought the Silverado wasn't concidered a "hybrid" because it only has a BAS (belt alternator?) that shuts down the engine at stops, and isn't actually driven at all by electric...???

No one here would call it a real hybrid. But it does save some fuel in city driving. Not a lot but a little.

It has gotten GM to start thinking 'outside the box' for driving auxillary systems. But over all, it is more eye-wash than hybrid and the only thing they've brought to market. Billions wasted on H(2) and this is all they have to show and a couple of custom ordered buses.

Bob Wilson

Pravus Prime · #16 (**permalink**) 05-06-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMAhybrid

I thought the Silverado wasn't concidered a "hybrid" because it only has a BAS (belt alternator?) that shuts down the engine at stops, and isn't actually driven at all by electric...

???

That's why I don't think of it as a real hybrid.

martinjlm · #17 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbalthaser

i don't think gm is thinking at all about the fuel savings (well maybe as an ancillary by-product). if you look at their marketing, they are saying that you get more power out of a hybridized suv than a standard version.
......

WRONG

martinjlm · #18 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMAhybrid

I thought the Silverado wasn't concidered a "hybrid" because it only has a BAS (belt alternator?) that shuts down the engine at stops, and isn't actually driven at all by electric...

???

Actually it is a FAS system. Flywheel Alternator Starter system that replaces the torque converter with an electric machine.

The goal of this vehicle was never to be a cutting edge MPG machine, but to improve the fuel economy of the vehicle while also making it the ultimate worksite truck. The vehicle can be used a s a stand-alone generator that, because it's a truck, can get into places that other generators cannot . Unless, of course, you load them onto a truck.

Peace,

Martin

martinjlm · #19 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshenGrey

My big gripe with GM is that all of their 2007-2008 hybrids are HUGE vehicles. I just see it as a waste to invest $4000 in hybrid equipment into a Durango or Escalade when the boost will be 3 MPG. It would much more useful to make a hybrid Chevy Cobalt that would gain 10-15 MPG. But GM wont do that.

Toyota and Honda have strengths in developing and producing small and mid-size cars. They have developed hybrids to protect their market share in those areas and are gradually scaling the systems up to apply to larger vehicles.

GM and Ford have strengths in developing full-size pickups and SUVs. They have developed hybrids to protect their market share in those areas and are gradually scaling the systems to apply to smaller vehicles.

Surprisingly enough, I see some consistency in thought and behaviour here. Play to your strength, and then expand.

Peace,

Martin

AshenGrey · #20 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006, 12:14 PM

What I don't understand is why the GM 2-Mode system is only going to deliver a 25% FE improvement. They say it's a "full hybrid" system. So shouldn't it get a 60-70% FE improvement like the Prius and FEH?

Honda's relatively uncomplicated IMA hybrid system gives the Civic a 40% FE boost and this is a mild hybrid configuration.

What am I missing here?