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Originally,
GM had proposed using a mild hybrid system for the Tahoe
hybrid, such as on
the Vue Greenline
hybrid. Fortunately, GM instead
developed the Tahoe hybrid as a full hybrid using its
dual mode hybrid technology.
So what?
Say you often take the 4 kids, the dog and a few weeks worth of clothes and rations, plus your large boat up to the lake several times a week. However, several other days of the week, you need a vehicle for your city commute.
No problem with the Tahoe hybrid, which offers full-sized SUV functionality, but with the fuel economy of an average sedan. That means towing is a fuel efficient breeze, but more important, the Tahoe hybrid can achieve more than 20 mpg in city driving - in the same ball park as even a Mini Cooper.
Overall, the Tahoe hybrid offers a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy, but a whopping 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy.
How the Tahoe hybrid does it
GM's
two-mode hybrid technology places two electric motors
mounted inside the transmission to assist a
300-horsepower V-8. So, the hybrid Tahoe should have the
power most large SUV consumers need.
Another
benefit of GM's dual mode powertrain, such as with the hybrid Tahoe,
is the ability to lock
the electric motors out of the drive train when extreme
engine power is needed, such as when towing. This
capability enables the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon
hybrid to tow up to 6,000 pounds - something Toyota
hybrids cannot do at this point in time.
And why
the heck are you getting a Tahoe if you aren't going
to pull something heavy?
In terms
of the dual mode hybrid drive, essentially, one drive
mode will assist with slow, city driving, the other with
highway driving. This helps GM dual mode hybrids achieve optimal
fuel efficiency based upon driving conditions, and it makes GM's hybrids superior to Toyota's single-mode
hybrids in some driving conditions, particularly highway
driving - at least technologically speaking.
In
addition, the hybrid Tahoe is 300 pounds lighter
due to the use of aluminum in the hood and front
tailgates - another fuel economy lifter.
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Latest
Chevy Tahoe Hybrid News
- LPG conversion kit for Tahoe hybrid available
- GM motors into new hybrid investment
- Great
deals on the Chevy Tahoe hybrid
- Tahoe
hybrid to be phased out.
- Maybe
GM's large hybrids aren't so bad?
- Chevy
dealers pull a Toyota: Hybrid markups
- GM
dealers not interested in hybrids
-
$4000
off Tahoe hybrid through June
-
Robbed:
Buying a hybrid car today
-
Can
hybrid technology save large SUVs
-
A
shortage of GM hybrids?
-
Does
the Tahoe hybrid make sense?
-
Greenwashing:
GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles
-
Does
the Chevy Tahoe hybrid deserve to be the North American
Truck of the Year?
-
Can
GM turn SUV drivers green?
-
Tahoe
hybrid: Cause for a Mini environmental attack?
- LA
Auto Show "Green Car of the Year" goes to the
Tahoe hybrid
- Hybrid
SUVs to boost GM?
- Tahoe
hybrid as fuel efficient as a Camry?
- Only
10,000 GM dual mode hybrids?
- Tahoe
versus Tahoe hybrid: Will you pay $10,000 more?
- Chevy
Tahoe hybrid: An American revolution?
- GM's
dual mode hybrid advantage?
- GM's
Dual mode better than Toyota?
- Tahoe
hybrid still in development phase
- The
Yukon hybrid: Get it dealers ASAP!
- Ford
Expedition hybrid, with leased GM hybrid technology?
- GM's
dual mode hybrid technology versus single mode hybrid
technology
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