The two-mode plug-in hybrid technology that was originally supposed to appear in the Saturn VUE will now make its debut in a new Buick crossover vehicle in 2011.
According to Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development, the vehicle is capable of electric only propulsion for more than 10 miles at low speeds. The yet-to-be-named crossover will debut in late 2010 before the plug-in version is launched in the following year.
It is expected to build on the success of the Buick Enclave and will combine a modified version of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with advanced lithium-ion battery cells and charging technology. It will use the same technology that will debut in the Chevrolet Volt extended range vehicle in late 2010.
On the road, the two-mode plug-in hybrid system can use any combination of electric or petrol power to move the vehicle depending on the conditions. This is how it differs from the Voltec technology, because the Volt can travel for up to 40 miles with electric-only propulsion and has an overall range of more than 300 miles thanks to its flex-fuel generator.
GM is hopeful that the Buick plug-in hybrid will be the first commercially available plug-in SUV from a major car manufacturer.
