GM Is Working On Saturn Vue PHEV

GM is conducting real-world testing on a PHEV version of the Saturn Vue. The vehicle will be a dual-mode hybrid. That same technology is expected on the 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid. GM will market the Saturn Vue PHEV only in North America.The Saturn Vue Hybrid and the Saturn Vue PHEV will both use li-ion batteries.

According to Larry Nitz, GM's Executive Director for Hybrid Powertrain Engineering, the hybrid prototypes are fully functional, but the plug-in integration is in the early stages. GM expects to release two additional PHEVs, one of which will be based on the Flextreme concept vehicle. The other vehicle will be a larger model.

GM announced last week that it was partnering with the Electric Power Research Institute to help research and develop technologies that will lead to the creation of a national standardized charging infrastructure for EVs and PHEVs. The agreement includes 30 utilities around the nation, and GM hopes to incorporate 50-70 more by the end of 2008. Executives at GM believe that hundreds of thousands of PHEVs will be put into service by consumers in the near future. A national standardized charging infrastructure is needed to make the vehicles both practical and attractive to consumers.

Source: Motor Authority