GM expects 40% mileage boost on Yukon, Tahoe hybrids

Originally, when the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid made their debut, GM said they expect a 25 percent improvement in fuel-economy than their standard versions. GM is now saying that it expects the hybrid SUVs to get 40 percent better fuel-economy giving them both 19 or 20 miles to the gallon.

When the Yukon and Tahoe Hybrid debut this fall, they will be equipped with, what GM calls, a two-mode hybrid that uses two electric motors. The engine is costing GM $10,000....
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neutral - 7/27/2007 10:54:09 AM

+2 Boost

20mpg in the city....the current non-hybrid gets 16/22 (RWD, 5.3liter). Good job GM, now only to get the production costs down, however this usually happens when there is mass production.

dumpsty - 7/27/2007 11:22:23 AM

+1 Boost

If the non-hybrid fuel economy figures are 16 city/22 highway, a 40% gain should yield more than an 25 mpg combined for the hybrid versions.

If it's not as simple as saying: 16c/22h + 40% gain = 22c/30h --- please correct me.

dumpsty - 7/27/2007 11:31:40 AM

+1 Boost

...and GM is applying the 2-mode hybrid technology to its larget commercial vehicles to show the largest impact on fuel economy obtained from them.

If they made a system just for the Cobalt, CTS, Aveo...the gains would be minimal in comparison to an electric-only vehicle. GM does have plans to scale the 2-mode-hybrid system down for midsize & small vehicles, but that will come much later.

The best decision is to reduce fuel consumption & CO2 emissions from GM's larger (and more popular) vehicles first, then make their existing "fuel sippers" more efficient with hybrid technology.

quizz - 7/27/2007 1:41:28 PM

+1 Boost

my friend just bought a new Suburban is getting around 19mpg in mixed driving - he's quite surprised.

neutral - 7/28/2007 9:27:09 PM

+1 Boost

I'm assuming 2WD??

komododave - 7/28/2007 2:37:38 PM

+1 Boost

Mercedes and BMW bought into GMs hybrid system while it was in developement. They are going to use it as well, though GM has the top spot on the waiting list for vehicle developement.

neutral - 7/28/2007 9:29:06 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry damiko,

I'm backing the bio-diesel horse. Using Carbon-algae biodiesel, it's completely feasible to sustain our energy requirements and at the same time, reducing tailpipe emissions and by eliminating emissions from power plants, etc that feed the biodiesel plants.