Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid SUV May Begin Production in 2010

Expected to be First Commercially Available, OEM-produced Plug-in Hybrid

2008-01-14, DETROIT - Saturn announced today at the North American International Auto Show that production may begin as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Saturn Vue Green Line, expected to be the first regular production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Depending on a consumer's drive cycle, the Vue plug-in hybrid will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle offered by a major automaker.

Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid

This Vue Green Line will use a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a lithium-ion battery pack, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy. When the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged, the Vue plug-in hybrid will potentially double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV. After electric-only propulsion depletes the lithium-ion energy storage system to a specified level, the battery is replenished by utilizing the two-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative brake systems.

"We announced late in 2006 that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle was a top priority, and the fact that we're now announcing production timing to bring the industry's first plug-in to market, while tackling many technology hurdles along the way, demonstrates our commitment to diversifying from petroleum and reducing emissions," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.

In early testing, the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles at low speeds. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power-only drives the vehicle.

The vehicle's lithium-ion batteries can be fully recharged in four to five hours by simply connecting the vehicle to any standard 110V household electrical outlet. The connection port on the vehicle will be integrated into the front fender. By recharging rather than refueling, the Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid reduces petroleum consumption.

A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from a non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet.

The two-mode hybrid system to be introduced on the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be altered for use with plug-in technology. In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified two-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature two interior permanent magnet motors within the two-mode transmission and GM's 3.6L V-6 VVT gasoline engine with direct injection. The lithium-ion energy storage system will be replenished by utilizing the two-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative braking systems.

The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in 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.

2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Preview

The four-cylinder Vue and Aura Green Lines have been on sale for months, offering drivers a practical, low-cost green option. An even greener choice (in terms of MSRP) will be the Vue Green Line 2 Mode. It arrives in dealerships later this year, and showcases GM's first front-wheel-drive application of their two-mode hybrid technology that was co-developed with BMW and the old DaimlerChrysler.
The 2009 Green Line 2 Mode is built on an excellent foundation. You likely know the Vue is an unrepentant clone of the Antara sold in Europe through GM's Opel division. Our miles spent in the Vue/Antara have been singularly pleasing, and based on our experience in GM's full-size SUVs with the two-mode technology, we have high expectation for the more sophisticated Vue 2 Mode.

While we can't comment on how the new Vue hybrid drives, we can tell you what GM told us leading up to the little ute's Detroit auto show introduction. The powertrain combines GM's corporate 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 with variable valve timing (as in the Cadillac CTS) with a pair of electric motors rated at 55 kilowatts each. Fuel economy is claimed to be up to 50 percent better, compared to similarly equipped V-6 Vues. By our estimates, this would put city mileage at 24 mpg. Highway mileage won't increase by 50 percent, but it would be reasonable to assume that 28 mpg is attainable, as Saturn did boast a more than 500-mile range from the 18.4 gallon tank - do the math.

This type of mileage increase is in line with the gains seen on GM's full-size two-mode SUVs. The hybrid system in the Vue Green Line 2 Mode works its fuel economy magic by turning the engine off at idle; using electric-only low-speed propulsion; by cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration; by using regenerative braking via its four-wheel discs with anti-lock control; by incorporating energy-efficient accessory systems such as electric power steering; and by providing electric assist at city and highway speeds.

Energy to power the 55-kW motors comes from a 1.8-kWh, 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which consists of 22 nickel-metal-hydride modules packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor. Interestingly, reverse is driven by the electric motors.Saturn knows that those attracted to the Green Line 2 Mode want more than just economy. These buyers want a full-function, no-compromise SUV. The newest Vue is rated to tow 3500 pounds and is expected to run 0-60 mph in approximately 7.3 seconds