Just ran across this...not sure how serious they are but I like the idea....

http://www.viamotors.com/

 

If the electric battery only functionaliy is as advertized, it's great. The engine on fuel economy and performance I am skeptical of. When you need the engine, it is a series hybrid.

This means that you make 100 units of power by burning gasoline. The "generator" which might be 80% efficient converts that 100 to 80 units of electricity.

Next that 80 units of electricity is delivered to the output traction motor at about another 80% efficiency. So 100 units at the engine flywheel and only 64 units to the road. Or less.

NOTE: the laws of Physics and Thermodynamics do NOT allow 100% efficient perpetual motion machines. There is always waste byproduct heat.

Now I may get a challenge about my efficiency assumptions. That's OK. Somebody please show me the independant lab results.

So with engine on constant, I like the other hybrids and even traditional geared transmissions. They are about 97% efficient.

They are building these about 12 miles from me. So I keep abreast of developments.

 

Well I think they need to work on pricing. The webpage currently says $79,000 for the Pickup, SUV or Van. I find it doubtful that you could sell too many pickups or vans at that price. The SUV is not that far outside the realm of possibility depending on the options. Given the fuel savings and with the right warranties I would be ok with a price around $55,000 provided I would get tax incentives in line with a Volt. Of course a lease option would probably be very attractive as well. The powertrain looks very good to me - since I own a Volt I get the concept - but I would need to drive it before I put money down.

 

They were supposed to deliver about 80 vehicles to our local power company DTE Energy. I'm not sure if that happened.

 

My escalade hybrid has 130k miles already. Very reliable. Hope GM doesn't stop producing it as I'm interested in the new body style escalade hybrid.

 

My understanding is that the 2015 model year will be the last which offers the two-mode hybrids. The last time I looked at the Chevy site, I was unable to find hybrids for the current model year. The GM website still lists at least the Sierra hybrid for 2014.

It would be nice to trade in for a 2015 next year if they are still making them.

 

2013 is the last escalade hybrid before the new body style. so, my guess is there won't be any hybrid until the new body style 2015 escalade is out. my guess is a MY 2016.

 

This is about $20K more expensive than your typical suburan (after you get the gov't rebates).

So it will save you $4K/year on gas (at $3.50/gal x 15,000 miles) considering typical suburban gets about 12 mpg.

5 year payback. Makes twice as much sense as Hybrid Tahoe.

 

I have to add my .02. I think the EREV concept is sound except for the efficiency loss when producing electric from the gas engine. That being said I really think a gas turbine or a wankel properly tuned for a constant speed would give the same mileage and better electric production from a similar amount of fuel due to the fact that there is a smaller amount of parasitic loss due to moving parts mass being reduced in the liquid fuel engine. Also its pretty easy to tune a wankel or a gas turbine to run on about anything that will burn...ie...vodka power~!
I wish Bob Lutz good luck on his venture here and "see you" at the reno air races with the "jet boys"?