Jalopnik
A few months ago, CNN reported General Motors was working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle. At the time, that news tidbit (possibly a PR leak), was lost beneath the anti-GM tide swelled by the film "Who Killed the Electric Car," and thus couldn't shield the company from media-flush environmentalists' jerked knees. But now, it's the General who could wind up laughing all the way to the green room. News reports indicate GM is planning to unveil a prototype hybrid-EV that employs a internal-combustion engine as a generator to extend the range of its rechargeable batteries. Sure, It sounds like a typical hybrid, but most believe the prototype will have plug-in capability — which could allow for net mileage in the triple digits. Such a release would give GM a PR win against Toyota, which is planning a plug-in of its own, according to reports. Not much else is known about the system, but it'll likely be a headliner at the Detroit auto show in January. It might even get its own ad campaign, possibly featuring a chastened Ed Bagley Jr. dumping a cooler of wheatgrass juice over the head of Rick Wagoner. Or something.
GM to unveil electric car prototype [Los Angeles Times]
Related:
GM Planning Plug-In Hybrid? [internal]
Comments
According to Futurama, Ed Bagley's electric motor is the most evil powerplant ever created. It formed the black heart of Project Satan.
I was wondering when someone was going to do a series hybrid, using a small engine (gasoline, ethanol or clean diesel) to drive a generator. This could be a big win for The General. That is, as long as the car doesn't look like ass and has decent build quality.
Notice that the architecture will be modular and in all likelihood will be the fuel cell car w/o the fuel cell or hydrogen tank. This hybrid
can be transformed into a pure battery electric
preto change-o. I wonder if Ed Begley will be spreading any more lies about how battery powered electrics meet the needs of 90% of the driving population. That's a pretty braindead argument when 90% doesn't even have any place where they could recharge the batteries. Apparently those 90% also never go on vacation
either, and all can afford $40K plus for basically a grocery getter and short commuter.
"This could be a big win for The General. That is, as long as the car doesn't look like ass and has decent build quality."
In the shadow of the TWAT awards, I don't have much faith nor respect for either. When they scramble, we end up with junk. I phart in the General's direction.
Will they be available for sale, or merely for lease?
so who thinks GM will beat the toyota to market?
In the right context, looking like a$$ is a good thing!
Detroit News story says they'll unveil a prototype, still maintaining batteries are 3-4 years away. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061110...
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Felix Kramer, Founder, CalCars.org
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