Is this a real hybrid? - GreenHybrid

vioarc · #1 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008, 08:14 PM

...or is it just one of GM's alternator-modification?
Just wondering.

Ian33 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008, 08:32 PM

It's one of the lame ones, but my understanding is it does allow the ICE to turn off at stops and may provide some acceleration assist for a small MPG gain.

MikeD · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 11:56 AM

From my description of the 2008 Malibu:

Quote:

The Malibu hybrid will have a belt-alternater-starter, in other words, it's going to shut off the engine when stopped, similar to what comes in the Saturn Vue Hybrid and what will appear in the Saturn Aura hybrid.

In more technical terms, the electric motor is coupled with a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine, with a four-speed transmission with a nickel metal hydride battery pack as a power source. This electric motor will not be powering the engine by itself, as a full hybrid would be capable of (see the Toyota Prius), just assisting the gas engine.

doasc · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 12:48 PM

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are the first 2-mode "real" production hybrids available to purchase from GM. The Silverado, Sierra and Escalade are following them this fall. Other than the Volt, I haven't heard of what other GM sedans will make the 2-mode jump. (anyone??)

The press labeling the Aura, Vue, Malibu, etc as not being "real" hybrids has hurt their sales. Which is a real shame since even with the inept belt-alt-starter the 2009 EPA numbers for the Malibu Hybrid show a 3 MPG improvement for the combined mileage over a standard Malibu (w/6-speed) and within 15% of the combined mileage of the similar sized TCH and NAH.

MikeD · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 01:31 PM

The Vue is supposed to make the jump to full hybrid status, and then go on to plug-in hybrid as well.

The Saturn Vue has been the testbed for GM on hybrids.

phil94 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doasc

The press labeling the Aura, Vue, Malibu, etc as not being "real" hybrids has hurt their sales.

Not really. They just don't make very many of them, for a variety of reasons. For the first part of 2008, hybrid battery supply was diverted to existing 2007 models for replacement due to a recall. Otherwise, it's a very limited-production model. You won't find GM's BAS hybrids languishing at the dealer--they just don't get very many to sell.

kartl · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 03:56 PM

Well think there produced a limited numbers for this specific model. I think its kinda trial model for all consumer.
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