Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

Description:

Among the 1^st vehicles to use the advanced 2-mode powertrain that has been developed by the team of General Motors, Daimler Chrysler and BMW are the Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The launch of this vehicle ushers in a new range of full size SUVs that are considerably greener when compared to their gas powered cousins. However, it is surprising to note that the title of “Green car of the Year” was conferred on the Tahoe Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show for the year 2007. The panelists might have been a bit too quick to react since the Tahoe Hybrid does not even comply with the CAFÉ (corporate average fuel economy) standards.

The heart of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid consists of General Motors 6 liter Vortec V8 along with cylinder deactivation technology. This means that this engine can turn off 4 of its 8 cylinders when the additional power is not required thus saving fuel. A 300 volt battery lies hidden below the 2^nd row seats and the Tahoe Hybrid’s 2 electric motors are located within its transmission. This hybrid vehicle can run on two different modes to enable it to run at peak efficiency. For low impact and low speed driving the Tahoe Hybrid works just like the other hybrids. Whenever possible, this hybrid stops the V8 engine permitting it to be powered by either one or both the electric motors.

The 2^nd mode is useful when one is driving on the highway and in this mode either one or both electric motors can run simultaneously with the V8 engine whenever a power boost is required. The dual mode transmission holds the key to the entire system which tries to keep the engine of the vehicle running at optimum rotation per minute to permit low consumption of fuel. Basically it maintains a balancing act between the electric motors and the V8 engine. The transmission is also accountable for making the changes between the 2 different modes smoothly and seamlessly. The result of this technology is visible in the 25% improvement in fuel economy on the whole, over the gas-powered cousin of the Tahoe Hybrid. The 40% improvement while driving in the city is impressive too.

The 2 wheeled drive model of the Tahoe Hybrid has got an EPA rating of 21 miles per gallon while driving in the city and 22 miles per gallon while driving in the highway. This is far better when compared to the standard Tahoe that provides 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. It seems unbelievable, but the CFE (city fuel economy) of this huge SUV is equal to a 4 cylinder Toyota Camry. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid uses several other methods to achieve its goal of maximum green motoring. It uses an innovative air conditioning unit that conserves power, it boasts of low-resistance lightweight aluminum wheels along with a tire pressure monitoring system that comes as part of standard equipment. .