Advanced Technology
Vehicles
Click for Harry
J. Pearce CERES Conference Speech
GM is leading
the race in driving the next generation of advanced technology cars
and trucks. The following highlights some of those vehicles:
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GM's
Precept features a Fuel Cell Propulsion System. |
Parallel Hybrid
Truck.
General Motors
will produce a full-size pickup truck featuring a hybrid powertrain
beginning in 2004. GM's full-size hybrid pickup trucks, versions
of the popular Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra, will deliver
top performance with nearly 15 percent better fuel economy.
In late 2000,
GM will begin testing its hybrid pickups in demonstration fleets
in several us cities. The fleet of ten pickup trucks will feature
a conventional powertrain and driveline with an electric motor integrated
between the engine and transmission. Low-voltage lead acid batteries
will power the motor.
The demonstration
fleet featuring a parallel hybrid propulsion system will be one
of many new additions to GM's portfolio of advanced vehicles. It
will also be the first of its kind amongst full size trucks.
Hybrid Bus:
Allison Electric Drives™ Es System™. In late 2000, Southern
California will be among the first regions in the nation to receive
hybrid electric transit buses from New Flyer of America that feature
series hybrid propulsion systems developed by GM's Allison Transmission
Division.
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Allison Hybrid Bus has an electric drive. |
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The hybrid technology,
which uses a combination of electric motors, batteries, and an internal
combustion engine, significantly reduces emissions, increases fuel
economy by up to 50 percent, and increases acceleration by up to
50 percent. The system will cut oxides of nitrogen emissions by
up to 50 percent, while cutting particulate, hydrocarbon and carbon
monoxide emissions by up to 90 percent, when fueled with low-sulfur
fuel.
Leveraging Allison's
success in New York City, the GM Allison team has embarked on a
program partnering with metropolitan end users, bus, and engine
manufacturers to demonstrate both series and parallel hybrid electric
drive systems in real-world settings. The program marks the beginning
of a project that brings some of the most advanced, environmentally
compatible hybrid electric technology to the North American transit
industry in some of the nation's busiest cities.
GM Precept (Technology
Demonstration Vehicle). The GM Precept, introduced at the 2000 North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS), represents a new chapter
in vehicle efficiency. The parallel hybrid Precept is the world's
most aerodynamic five-passenger family sedan designed to achieve
80 miles per gallon composite (gasoline equivalent) and is the latest
demonstration of GM's capability and commitment to developing advanced
vehicles. The Precept is an example of the type of ultra-high-efficiency
architecture that GM is developing on its way toward putting environmentally
compatible vehicles on the road.
The Precept
was developed as GM's contribution to the Partnership for a New
Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). The PNGV is a joint collaboration
between the us Government and the domestic auto industry that began
in 1993. The specific aims of this partnership are lower emissions
and up to three times the fuel efficiency of conventional cars without
compromising safety, performance, affordability, or utility.
GM's Precept
boasts of nearly 130 technology innovations and 44 records of invention.
Many of these innovations and technologies will be integrated into
core vehicle programs in the future, providing real fuel economy
benefit to the customer.
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Secretary
of Transportation Rodney Slater congratulates General Motors
Vice-Chairman Harry Pearce after Pearce introduced the Precept. |
Chevrolet Triax
(Concept Vehicle). Introduced at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, Triax
is the next big step in high efficiency and environmentally compatible
vehicles. It offers the customer unprecedented freedom to choose
from various clean propulsion options. The five-passenger urban
activity vehicle has a multiple-propulsion architecture that is
able to accommodate a hybrid, internal combustion, or all-electric
propulsion system.
The Chevy Triax
concept vehicle depicts GM's strategy to develop innovative, advanced
technology, environmentally responsible vehicles that are technically
feasible, commercially viable, and meet the expectations of global
customers.
Triax is a showcase
for GM's leadership in developing strategic relationships and leveraging
the expertise of global partners. GM teamed with Suzuki Motor Corporation,
a recognized global leader in the design and manufacturing of efficient
small cars and motorcycles.
Electric Vehicle.
The EV1 is the foundation for future advanced vehicle alternatives.
using the competitive advantage that has resulted from the EV1,
GM is developing a portfolio of other options for the future including
hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. GM offered the GM Ovonic Advanced
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries as an option in the EV1 and S-10
electric pickup.
Other
Initiatives
In April 1999,
GM and Toyota announced a five-year collaboration to speed development
of advanced technology vehicles in the 21st century. More than a
dozen projects have been identified that will be researched together.
Specifically, the agreement calls for the development of:
- Common set
of electric traction and control components for future battery
electric, hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles
- Batteries
and battery test procedures, vehicle safety requirements, and
continued work on improved inductive charging systems for battery
electric vehicles
- Powertrain
and control systems for next generation hybrid electric vehicles
- Future systems,
design, fuel selection and processing to support production of
fuel cell powered vehicles
In March 2000,
Opel introduced a drivable fuel-cell Zafira HydroGen1 at the Geneva
Motor Show. Other innovative fuel-efficient car concepts include:
- The innovative, minimal consumption
concept car "G90" was unveiled at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show,
Germany. With its 44 kilowatts, 60 horsepower, three-cylinder
gasoline engine, the G90 produces only 90 grams of CO2
per kilometer, representing a fuel consumption of 3.88 liters
per 100 kilometer (equivalent to more than 60 miles per gallon).
This exceptionally low figure for a spacious four-seater in the
Astra class was achieved by innovative light-weight-design - the
car weighs only 750 kilograms - and aerodynamic design which is
represented by an excellent drag coefficient of 0.22.
- The Corsa
Eco 3 introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Germany in 1995,
was the first fully functional car to consume with just three
liters of fuel to cover 100 kilometers. This was reached by weight
reduction (750 kilograms), aerodynamics optimization (minus
20%), a 1.7l DI four valve diesel engine, start-stop system and
reduced rolling resistance.
GM believes
these technologies hold great promise for the future and continue
to exhibit GM as a technology leader.
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