General Motors CEO, Rick Wagoner, just wrapped up his keynote address to the salivating throngs of journos within the LA convention center and the crux of his comments centered on the flexibility of GM's future vehicle's fuel systems. The major announcement was the development of a plug-in hybrid setup on the Saturn Vue Green Line's front-wheel drive platform. It will be based on the front-wheel drive two-mode hybrid drivetrain that GM also announced today. Although no time frame was cited, Wagoner insists that development is underway with battery manufacturers to develop the technology as quickly as possible.
We'll have more information as the day progresses.
On a comical side note: two well dressed gentlemen in their 20s grabbed the podium after Wagoner's remarks and pulled out a large banner that pledged that the CEO would commit to making GM the most fuel efficient automaker by 2010. When asked to sign, Wagoner commented that his speech spoke for itself, at which point both gentlemen were escorted off the stage by security. Never a dull moment on this side of the planet.
The full press release can be found after the jump, as well my notes from the speech as it was being given.
NOTES:
The mayor of LA openned up the show. Antonio villaragossa?
Mayor offers up la as a base of operations for GM to Wagoner. Applause. Natch. 10 percent of total car sales in the us. 15 auto design centers in la. Wants la to be the biggest green city in the us. Presents award for the 100th anniversary of the la auto show to the head of the autoshow.
Matt stone of motor trend setup wagoner to speak.
A century ago there were three prevailing forms of power battling it out to power cars.
"Edison might have had a great idea. "
Everything in the past 5 years
Uncertain energy future
Energy security
35 percent of energy needs provided by petoleum
70 percent more energy necessary by 2030 than in 2003
"Energy diversity"
Strategy - increase efficiency and use E85 and biofuel and ethanol. 2 mil E85 GM vehicles on the road. Double that figure by 2010 for all domestic automakers. Then hybrids. Then hydrogen.
Half of cars bio fuel capable by 2012
"Keep an open mind" on ethanol.
Within the next 3 years bioethanol will be made avail on all hummer models and future models.
Gm expanding and accelerating devel of electrical vehicles. Why? Diverse fuel sources upstream of vehicle. Increased performance and environmental sustainability.
Hybrid 2 mode system with bmw and dc for suvs.
Plugin hybrids - want it, but battery tech isn't there.
FWD Saturn Vue 2008 will have two mode hybrid and will serve as the platform for PLUGIN CAPABILITY. No dates firm on introduction. Announced later today. Partnering with battery companies to develop capacity.
Fuel cells still best long term solution.
Equinox will be a fuel cell fleet car for next year.
More announcements to follow in detroit and next year.
Mayor push for flexibility of fuel sources on GM's products. Electricity is the major power source to be used.
PRESS RELEASE:
GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Saturn Vue Green Line Will Use Modified 2-mode Hybrid System, Lithium Ion Battery
LOS ANGELES – General Motors Corp. intends to produce a Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.
This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a Lithium Ion battery pack when ready, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy.
"GM has begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid production vehicle," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The technological hurdles are real, but we believe they are also surmountable. I can't give you a production date for our plug-in hybrid today. But I can tell you that this is a top priority program for GM, given the huge potential it offers for fuel-economy improvement."
A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet.
The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power only will propel the vehicle.
In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM's 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection.
When ready for production, the Lithium Ion energy storage system will be replenished when the battery charge is depleted to a specified level by utilizing the 2-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative braking systems. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be recharged using a common household exterior 110-volt plug-in outlet.
The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in technology. It 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.
The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, featuring the modified 2-mode hybrid system with plug-in capabilities, is part of GM's ambitious effort to offer consumers a broad choice of hybrid systems at various levels of affordability:
* This year, the GM Hybrid system, an affordable belt-alternator starter hybrid technology, debuted in the Vue Green Line front-wheel-drive SUV.
* In 2007, the GM Hybrid system will expand to the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu front-wheel-drive midsize sedans.
* In 2007, the 2-mode hybrid system will debut in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive will be offered.
* In 2008, the 2-mode hybrid system will expand to the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew cab full-size pickups. The Escalade will offer all-wheel drive, while the Silverado and Sierra will offer rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.
* In 2008, the first front-wheel-drive application of the 2-mode hybrid system, will debut – without plug-in technology – in the Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will offer customers a choice of the GM Hybrid system or the 2-mode hybrid system.
* In 2009, an electric all-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system will be introduced in the Vue Green Line.
"GM plans to introduce a new hybrid system annually for the next several years, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance," said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. "This strategy will allow more consumers to benefit from our hybrid technologies, while providing the opportunity to reduce our country's petroleum consumption."
GM is committed to a comprehensive and cost-effective, three-tiered advanced propulsion technology strategy focused on producing commercially viable and sustainable products. These include alternative fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion engines and transmissions, the electrification of the automobile through a broad portfolio of hybrid models on high-volume car and truck platforms, and commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 318,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Michael Karesh @ Nov 29th 2006 1:47PM
On the plug-in:
I'm missing the big attraction, but some numbers would help. A plug-in's value is a factor of the capacity of the battery pack. How far can hybrids go on a fully charged battery pack before the engine has to cut in?
On the demonstrators:
GM's fuel efficiency in 2010 has already been determined; people who don't know cars often think that they can be redesigned in a matter of months.
On the last paragraph in the press release:
They might have to drop that first sentence before much longer. Probably not something they should be stressing.
Phil @ Nov 29th 2006 1:57PM
like I said before, THE GIANT HAS AWOKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ofreu
The other Bob @ Nov 29th 2006 2:03PM
"...two well dressed gentlemen in their 20s grabbed the podium after Wagoner's remarks and pulled out a large banner that pledged that the CEO would commit to making GM the most fuel efficient automaker by 2010."
Dumbasses. Why don't they go after the companies that are moving in the wrong direction in overall fuel economy instead of the company that is moving in the right direction?
I like to save fuel and the air and water as much as the next guy, but enviros are such idiots.
Pete Ronai @ Nov 29th 2006 4:38PM
Car+Driver magazine gave the current Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid a most unfavorable review (see the November issue, p. 143). I quote: "Cheap and joyless, there's not even a mileage computer for keeping score of your adventures in thrift. Then again, there's little thrift here to bother with." One would hope, therefore, that GM can do a better job of the proposed plug-in version.
Dr. Paul A. Albert @ Nov 29th 2006 4:59PM
Living in California, I assume that this type of vehicle could be fitted with some sort of solar panel which would keep the battery charged, thus minimizing the total external energy requirements. This could even be a flexible array, which could be stored in inclement weather, possibly even automatically.
Adam @ Nov 29th 2006 5:40PM
"Car+Driver magazine gave the current Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid a most unfavorable review (see the November issue, p. 143). I quote: 'Cheap and joyless, there's not even a mileage computer for keeping score of your adventures in thrift. Then again, there's little thrift here to bother with.' One would hope, therefore, that GM can do a better job of the proposed plug-in version."
This coming VUE would presumably be based on the upcoming Opel Antara / Vauxhall Antara / Holden Captiva MaXX and in no way be related to the current VUE, right?
Adam @ Nov 29th 2006 6:49PM
"This coming VUE would presumably be based on the upcoming Opel Antara / Vauxhall Antara / Holden Captiva MaXX and in no way be related to the current VUE, right?"
I'm answering my own question since I finished scrolling down the front page of Autoblog: It's a yes.
MikeW @ Nov 29th 2006 7:00PM
Anyone bring up butanol?
Brent Watson @ Nov 30th 2006 12:46AM
My gosh GM are you kidding and you in the public that giving them an ataboy. How do you possibly think that a 'PLUG-IN' hybrid is adding anything to the reduction on our dependency on oil or fossil fuels. Think about! The 110v that you plug into didn't just show up, it was generated either by burning coal,oil or natural gas; plus nuclear, all of which create heat to make steam. Last is but not least is hydropower, with a little wind & solar thrown in there. So all that is being accomplished is a shift from where you pay and use up our resourses. Now you'll(maybe) experience a savings at the gas pump but your electric bill rises, plus aren't we already experiencing rolling brown outs because our demands for electricity. Maybe someone can enlighten us as to how much fossil fuel it takes to generate a KW.
Common GM. I was loyal to you for over 20 years but last year I realized your biggest contribution to the auto industry was On-Star you've got to be kidding.
If Toyota offers you a deal... TAKE IT.
Adam @ Nov 30th 2006 1:14AM
Coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants are more efficient than combustion engines. Pollution and cost are less because of this. Add in carbon scrubbers and pollution is way less from coal than oil. Plus, you narrow down what you have to clean. Instead of trying to regulate 200 million cars, we can regulate 2000 power plants to clean them up. We are America, the Saudi Arabia of coal. With coal gasification a power plant that turns the uses natural gas created from the coal and burns the coal itself to create power. This can produce 20% more power from the same amount of coal. These plants are being built today, only a couple hundred more million per power plant. Coal supports America not foreign dictators. Therefore, if you are going to drive 10 miles to work or the store, I'd rather you did it on coal, natural gas, or nuclear; than oil. Of course, if you buy wind, solar, or other power this is almost 100% clean and best for all of us.
Brownouts need to get fixed anyways. That is something as America we have to deal with. One way is like FedEx and Verizon. Verizon uses natural gas with fuel cells to power its headquarters. FedEx has a solar DC in San Fran. More moves like this will lessen the load on the grids. Technology will also lessen the load on grids; LCD monitors, florescent bulbs, new appliances, new central air systems, all use less power. Odds are anyways you will be charging cars at night when there is very little load on the grids.
We got ourselves into this mess saying how everything is stupid and doesn't make sense with today's standards. We need to all make an effort to get out of this mess. We need to look to the future and make moves that will help. I'm glad GM is finally taking another step after scraping the EV1s.
Boris Goldberg @ Nov 30th 2006 2:43AM
"Now you'll(maybe) experience a savings at the gas pump but your electric bill rises, plus aren't we already experiencing rolling brown outs because our demands for electricity." --
According to the info I got on the net, it takes somewhere between 15-30% of the cost to drive the same distance using electricity compared to using gasoline, so, for example, if it takes one gallon to drive 20 miles using gasoline engine, it will take about 35 - 70 cents if the car uses electric power. The difference in cost is, mostly, regional and depends on the usage price tier.
As for brownouts: they happen usually during the peak hours, that is, between 8 AM and 5 PM. The power usage drops to less then half of the peak during the night.
Therefore, if the cars are recharged during the night, there will be no (or small) need to add more power stations.
One way to encourage this is to use the new electrical meters that charge the households and businesses different rates based on the time of the day and the day of the week. In California, these meters are being introduced into many households now and are common among large companies; they will be in wide use in California homes within the next several years.
Boris
William H Fitch III @ Nov 30th 2006 12:58PM
Cars will never be efficient until they get the weight WAY, WAY down. Composite bodies, wheels, frames, engines etc.. Batteries are WAY to heavy for their energy density. The compressed Nitrogen system has much better energy densities. Anyway, you will never see rapid improvements in the auto industry as long as they are paying homage to the oil companies.
Dr. Paul A. Albert @ Nov 30th 2006 1:39PM
Living in California, I assume that this type of vehicle could be fitted with some sort of solar panel which would keep the battery charged, thus minimizing the total external energy requirements. This could even be a flexible array, which could be stored in inclement weather, possibly even automatically.
William H Fitch III @ Nov 30th 2006 3:04PM
Solar panels are not going to due "squat", that could fit on a car in terms of adding energy for actual car movement, especially at their current efficiencies
jow @ Nov 30th 2006 3:12PM
Man...this is such a tough crowd. Exactly 0 auto manufacturers outside of GM have announced intentions of building a plug in hybrid. As I recall, earlier this year GM announced they will take their fleet of 30+mpg cars from 14 to 23 next year. GM has 2 million flex fuel cars on the road, Toyota: 0. Certainly GM is not perfect and has their share of faults and not all of these technologies are able to solve energy issues by themselves but at least GM is trying to do something about dependency on foreign oil. It would seem to me that instead of carping at GM for their effort, even if you consider it meek, that you would rather be on the posts and websites of other automakers saying...."GM stepped up...so what are you going to do?"
William H Fitch III @ Nov 30th 2006 3:44PM
Solar panels are not going to due "squat", that could fit on a car in terms of adding energy for actual car movement, especially at their current efficiencies less than 20%. You need to look at the basics in terms of how much energy it takes to move 3000 lbs. around on soft rubber tires. Its huge!! A complete redesign is needed and it needs to be cleverly pushed on the American public just like SUV's were, using power, sex and social acceptance for marketing.
Chris @ Nov 30th 2006 4:21PM
#3 What else would you expect from leftists cut from the same cloth as Earth First, ELF and other eco-terrorist organizations? Maturity? Hardly. Just another Bachelor of Arts in training to become a professional, full-time anti-American.
Paul @ Dec 1st 2006 1:29AM
Berkana,
You make some excellent points, until you recommend "Who Killed the Electric Car".
This film has been found to contain so many inaccuracies as to be deceptive. Most of the EV-1's were not destroyed, they were given to university engineering programs. GM did not refuse to sell the car, the US Government demanded they only be leased, because EV-1 did not meet the newest crash safety standards.
The EV-1 deserved its fate, it was a lousy car. The true cost was over $40k for a vehicle that had a range of less than 50 miles on a cold day when 3-4 years old. This in a car that had only two seats, and almost no cargo capacity. GM correctly concluded that battery technology was just not ready yet. It didn't take a huge conspiracy to figure that out.
Cor van de Water @ Dec 1st 2006 12:53PM
#20: Paul - you have been mightily mis-informed.
I heard these statements before and when you trace the source, you will find that the same people that say that Electric Vehicles will be "re-deployed" or "recycled" give the orders to throw them in the crusher.
So, check your sources, do your research and you will find how much truth there is in your statements.
Why do you think that of the universities that did
receive an EV-1, every single one had to sign a
contract to not re-engineer the car or re-enable it
to the original design (every one was disabled before
delivery)
And every car does not meet the following year's new
crash standards. Do that mean we take all cars off the
road with every change to the crash ratings?
Why do you think there was a waiting list to get an
EV-1 - because they were so crappy? No, it was the
greatest EV ever built as production series.
I am afraid you are ignorant or a shill and you are
echoing twisted statements that have been refuted
many times.
Anyway - the best way to know if a car is good is to
look at whether there are buyers for it.
I bet you if you offer EV-1's for sale today (granted,
they would need update to today's safety rules)
with the same performance specs as the EV-1, then I
can find you a stadium full of people who are willing
to buy one, without me trying very hard.
That should tell you about whether the EV-1 was a success or not - since GM did not want to go that way at that point in time, they needed to crush and destroy any evidence that they could make such a great car, before CARB or anybody else would force them to continue.
Not even the Pinto or alike disasters have received such a treatment, so there must have been something really special with the EV-1...
Berkana @ Dec 13th 2006 1:04PM
When will they realize that using an existing energy source to electrolyze water to make hydrogen, spending more energy to compress it to a usable density, transporting it, just to use it in a fuel cell to convert it back to electricity is an extremely wasteful process?
Each step along the way, there are significant losses. Forget the hydrogen economy! It's all about the electron economy. Hydrogen isn't a real fuel: it's an artificially made fuel that's just a lousy way of storing electricity: it takes more energy than you can get back from it.
GM sure as hell better not waste any more money on hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen would be a great solution if available hydrogen were found in nature. It is not; all the usable hydrogen would have to come from using electricity to electrolyze water, or to strip it from hydrocarbons at great cost. Better to just use the electricity to begin with.
See these articles for expert analysis on the hydrogen economy vs. the electron economy:
http://www.thewatt.com/article-1210-nested-1-0.html
http://www.thewatt.com/article-1238-nested-1-0.html