Hybrid Technology
Hybrid technologies represent the first phase of our long-term electric vehicle strategy. Our current two-mode hybrid technology includes six 2012 models — the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon Denali. All of these vehicles have an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The two-mode hybrid system saves fuel by providing an all-electric launch; low-speed, electric-only propulsion; and electric assist during demanding driving. It also captures energy normally lost during braking and allows the engine to be shut off during deceleration and when the vehicle is stopped. This technology enables GM's full-size trucks and SUVs, like the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (pictured on the right), to achieve the same EPA-estimated city fuel economy as many smaller vehicles, such as the Toyota Camry, with an automatic transmission and a V6 engine.
The Cadillac Escalade SUV delivers more luxury, better mileage, lower emissions.
eAssist Technology
Earlier this year, we unveiled eAssist technology, which we have developed in collaboration with Hitachi Ltd., one of the leading global players in lithium-ion technology. This technology provides improved fuel efficiency at an affordable price point.
The Buick LaCrosse features eAssist technology.
eAssist combines a 15-kW electric motor, a 115V lithium-ion battery and our fuel-efficient, 2.4-liter direct-injection Ecotec engine. The electric motor acts as a generator to recapture energy when the vehicle decelerates or brakes, and automatically stops and restarts the engine in stop-and-go driving situations. The electric motor also provides an electric boost when the vehicle is accelerating and allows the fuel to be completely shut off during deceleration, which improves fuel efficiency.
Following its 2011 debut in the U.S. and Canada on the 2012 model year Buick Regal and LaCross, both with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, eAssist was rolled out on models in China and South Korea as well. We plan to further deploy eAssist on a global basis when and where it makes sense.
GMC Yukon Hybrid
The Yukon uses an advanced gas-saving technology called Active Fuel Management (AFM).