New Fuel Vehicles

A few luxury auto manufactures test the hybrid market in 2009. Here are a few that we have found out about.

• Green AutoSol Unnamed next-generation compact hybrid, priced lower than all other hybrids
• Honda Unnamed next-generation compact hybrid, all-new, priced lower than Honda Civic Hybrid
• Lexus RX400h 2010 model refresh
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• Porsche Cayenne
• Saturn Vue Green Line (AHS II) (SUV, FWD, 2010 model, Plug-in capable, Lithium-Ion batteries)
• Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid
• Toyota FT-HS Sports Hybrid
• Fisker Karma
• BMW X6

Here is the current list of 2008 hybrids on the market

2008

• Aptera Motors Typ-1h (three-wheeled, two seat)
• Audi Q7 2009 model
• Cadillac Escalade (AHS II) 2009 model
• Chevrolet Equinox (SUV)
• Chevrolet Malibu (midsize car) Mild hybrid
• Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid (AHS II) (fullsize pickup) 2009 model
• Ford Fusion Hybrid (midsize car) 2009 model
• Gaia Transport The Pod One plug-in hybrid sports car
• GMC Sierra Hybrid (AHS II) (fullsize pickup) 2009 model
• Mercury Milan Hybrid (midsize car)
• Roewe 750 (midsize car)First Chinese hybrid car

In an effort to spread the use of hybrid technology to a broader range of mass-produced vehicles, GM plans to upgrade its current mild hybrid system. With this as the backdrop, the company’s unveiled the new and improved hybrid system for the first time, in the Saab 9-X BioPower hybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, as production starts in 2010. According to GM, this improved technology would use lithium ion batteries which can produce three times the power of the present nickel metal hydride battery pack. All this improvement will result in a 15 to 20% increase in fuel economy and efficiency in comparison to similar gas-powered vehicle. According to GM Chairman Rick Wagoner “This new system is another important step in our broad-based strategy to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions.” Living up to the company’s long standing commitment for increasing fuel emissions and efficiency, the new system is expected to be ready for production in North America by 2010 with global markets following soon thereafter.