DETROIT ? General Motors on Tuesday at the Geneva Auto Show announced it would produce a new version of its GM Hybrid System in 2010 using a lithium-ion battery to deliver three times the electric power of its current power train, which means SUV hybrids could get somewhat better fuel economy.
The No. 1 auto maker said it eventually expects to sell far more than 100,000 vehicles a year globally with this hybrid system after it debuts in North America.
GM has selected Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., to supply the lithium-ion batteries.
GM hopes to win the second generation of hybrids ? gasoline-electric powered vehicles – after getting their lunch handed to them in the first generation by Toyota?s Prius hybrid. Plus GM hopes to improve its GreenTech image with the driving public.
GM said the new system, like the current one, is a cost-effective way to improve fuel economy and cut emissions. It costs less than the Two-Mode Hybrid system used on its sport utility vehicles. The new system also could help GM meet more stringent fuel economy and emission standards in the U.S. ? particularly California – and Europe.
The second-generation hybrid utilizes an entirely new motor system that can punch out a lot more torque. The extra power would potentially allow GM to downsize. For example, it might swap out a medium-sized V-6 for a smaller, turbo I-4 engine. Electric power provides plenty of low-end torque, complimenting the higher-end boost of the turbo.
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