From a conventional to a hybrid powertrain? GM's point of view

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From a conventional to a hybrid powertrain? GM's point of view

Koerner, Edward C.

To provide vehicle options that meet various customer fuel economy and performance requirement on a global basis, General Motors (GM) offers a broad portfolio of gas, diesel and hybrid powertrains. Since a single hybrid design cannot possible cover the diversity of products served by GM's powertrain portfolio, three hybrid propulsion systems have been engineered to lead the way. These three systems provide the flexibility to offer hybrid technology on 12 models on GM's highest volume car and truck architectures. An example of assigning the right hybrid technology to a specific task is the hybrid-diesel transit bus that GM began delivering in 2001. GM and its collaborators combined a diesel engine, an innovative Allison EV-Drive transmission and nickel metal hybrid batteries in coaches manufactured by various transit bus makers. The benefits accrued by this strong-hybrid bus are: - real-world fuel saving of 20 % to 55 %, - emission reductions ranging between 50 % for NO(x) and 90 % for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulates, - up to 50 % better acceleration, - operating noise levels comparable to automobiles, - extended brake, engine oil, and transmission lubricant life. The two-mode hybrid-drive system GM engineered for the transit buses is scalable to smaller designs and can be engineered to suit a wide variety of front-drive, rear-drive and four-wheel drive car and truck applications. The GM patented two-mode hybrid transmission uses an input and compound-split technique to permit smaller electric motors to deliver greater power and torque over a broader speed range. In about 2 years, two full-sized SUVs in the U.S. product line-up will be offered with this hybrid system.