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Around 2010, GM is going to do something interesting -
it's going to sell 4 different types of hybrid
vehicles. Mild lithium hybrids, dual mode hybrids,
dual mode plug-in hybrids and range extended hybrids.
Why? Some of this diversification is no doubt a
technological hedge. The rest boils down to costs -
most Americans are not going to be able to afford a
vehicle like the Chevy
Volt.
Thus, in 2010, lithium will make mild hybrid
technology, such as that powering the Chevy
Malibu hybrid, as efficient as today's Toyota
Prius. Of course, it will also turn the 45 mpg
Prius into a 60 or 70 mpg Prius - for the same price,
maybe even less.
Hence, does GM risk pushing consumer expectations too
high by focusing so much buzz on the Volt? For
example, if potential hybrid consumers can't afford
the Volt, will they settle for a lithium-powered
Malibu mild hybrid, or will they head to another brand
in disappointment?
Labels: Chevy Volt electric vehicle concept, Hybrid Vehicles
