GM Announces New Plug-in Hybrid Buick Crossover in 2011

[rollingrock]

August 6th, 2009

Today General Motors announced it will be building a brand new plug-in hybrid Buick compact crossover.

The new car is similar in styling and features to the popular Buick Enclave but smaller. It will be launched in 2010 with a fuel efficient direct injection 4 cylinder engine or an optional V6.

In 2011, however GM will also launch a plugin hybrid version.

“Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover,” said GM vice chairman Tom Stephens. “This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game.

The car will have an 8 kwh lithium ion battery pack, with cells supplied by LG Chem, who is also supplying cells for the Chevy Volt.

The car operates either electric-only up to 10 miles at low speeds or with gas engine assistance. GM claims the vehicle will get double the MPG of the gas-only version.


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[texastoast]

1. I want my plugin!

and I don't want the environmentally unfriendly battery.

Somebody needs to work on that battery aspect. I have this horrible feeling batteries will be an element of "clean" energy that will bite us all in the ass, sort of like the bad parts of fossil fuels that were overlooked when we were so excited about the first cars.

[kristopher]

2. Lithium batteries are not toxic and are easily recyclable.

While some NiMH are in use on some of the older hybrids, going forward lithium is the standard.

[rollingrock]

3. There's no such thing as environmentally friendly

the computer you are using to type your reply created a great deal of toxic waste when it was produced. Are you going to stop using your PC or Mac? No, because the truth is, none of the manufactured products we use in the modern world is good for the environment.

[texastoast]

4. I would be off this computer in a heartbeat

if we could choose between this modern world and a society of gardening, sharing, living simply (and creatively). But this toxic, modern, overpopulated world does rule. For now.