GM's full-size dual-mode hybrids crack the 20MPG barrier!
DailyTech reported back in mid-March that GM had begun early production on its Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size hybrid SUVs. The dual-mode hybrid system, which GM says is superior to Toyota’s single-mode Hybrid Synergy Drive, uses mode one for city driving and mode two for highway driving.
GM's dual-mode hybrid system can accomplish all the feats of the Toyota system -- internal combustion engine (ICE) turned off while idle, electric-only propulsion at low speeds, electric/ICE propulsion during heavy acceleration and regenerative braking -- but also adds the ability to improve highway fuel economy by using two electric motors, two continuously variable transmission (CVT) modes along with a four-speed automatic transmission and cylinder deactivation.
In addition, all of the electric motor mechanicals are housed within the transmission, so no additional space needs to be occupied for those components.
Variants of the dual-mode hybrid system will be used in vehicles from Chrysler and BMW.
Truly Amazing...
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