Two-Mode Hybrid Program Cancelled For Next-Generation GM Trucks, SUVs In Favor Of New Project
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Before the beginning of this Labor Day weekend, news broke out that General Motors has opted to cancel its two-mode hybrid program bound for its all-new K2XX truck and SUVs. Such an expensive project being cancelled less than a year before the launch of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra is something that’s hard to believe, and has left many wondering if the K2XX program is in turmoil. However, the cancellation of this program isn’t as bad as the internet is making it out to be.
The biggest reason the K2XX two-mode hybrid program was aborted was because targets — such as fuel economy and cost effectiveness — were not being met in testing, not unlike the SRX hybrid that seemed to be almost finished before it was suddenly cancelled. Despite this, it doesn’t necessarily mean GM will not be offering something in its place. Considering upcoming fuel economy regulations, the company pretty much has to.
Keep in mind that it’s long been reported that these full-sized vehicles would eventually receive eight-speed automatic transmissions, which would undoubtedly add a few extra miles per gallon in overall fuel economy. Couple something like that with the growing trend of, say, GM’s BAS mild-hybrid system (eAssist) and consumers could very well have their high-efficiency full-sized vehicle at a more attainable price than the expensive two-mode hybrids on the market today.
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Does anyone from the partnership that created 2-Mode still make any vehicles that utilize it? If I remember correctly that would be mainly Daimler and Chrysler.
I’ve driven two Tahoe Hybrids. And while both my wife and I really liked them I did not like their price premium.
Based on current gasoline costs, I would need to drive one more than 15 years to make back the cost difference.
This combined with the sudden and unexpected increase in Hybrid weights for MY2013: 287 lbs for RWD and 39 lbs for 4WD; equals no sale to me.
The upgrade to this system is painfully obvious: drop the NiMH battery pack for Li-ion. But then you’re still using a four speed transmission in a world of eights.
Maybe it will come back in a few years – or maybe this will be the end of the experiment.
With hybrid sales low and CAFE being what it is (and the state of regulations in this country being what they are in general–a complete crock favoring corporate profits above the interests of the people) natural gas is simply far cheaper for GM. Sadly it’s an inferior option for consumers, which is why I suspect reports that Ford and Toyota are co-developing their own hybrid pickups are true. But hey, whatever, drill-baby, drill.
VIA produces fullsized Chevy trucks and vans that get Volt-like mileage – it’s epic technology. It’s nearly an exact match to what GM first envisioned for Volt. EREV trucks could be built en-masse and sold at $40,000. I believe the only reason GM doesn’t sue VIA for using the technology it invented ( EREV ) is because VIA won’t sell many at $80-90,000. Adding Bob Lutz to your team doesn’t hurt either.
Lots of folks spend $40,000 and up for fullsized trucks and SUVs. GM should build Voltec trucks, SUVs and CUVs like it’s MPV5 and spread the cost of the batteries over a broad range of products. Today I read that LG’s newly-built Michigan production facility has furloughed 400-500 American employees for lack of work. ELR and II gen Volt battery production won’t float that large plant. Neither will the tiny C.A.F.E compliance customers like Ford for it’s FocusEV.
It all comes down to economy of scale – VIA’s $80,000 Silverado becomes GM’s $40,000 truck sold in large numbers spread over many platforms. GM can either revert to it’s past and hire teams of lawyers, pay Congresspersons and presidential campaigns to bring down EV tax breaks and C.A.F.E. standards – or, they can buck up and put the money where their mouths are and build VOLTEC VEHICLES we can all afford.
BMW was the other partner in the 2-mode project. Everyone else has dumped this failed platform and I’m happy to see GM doing so as well. GM holds all the cards – a unique point in history. Let’s see how they decide to play the game.
I’ll hope for a fullsized truck we can buy that returns 70 mpg.
You’re right, those VIA trucks are sick. They can power your house if you lose your connection to the grid! Given the premium for the two mode, people in a position to buy one would do best to simply spring for the VIA version and get that 400 HP electric motor. I don’t know why GM doesn’t do it themselves, they would bring the cost down and if you sold it as an Escalade hybrid it would be about the same price right???
I am one of the biggest GM fans, but I get absolutely enraged about GM’s lack of initiative to make an up-to-date truck. Ford has redesigned their truck several times in the GMT900 lifetime, as has Dodge.
GM needs to crack down and make a proper modern truck from the start. How about releasing the truck with an 8-Speed, rather than letting the competition dominate for a few years?
GM should replace the hybrid with a TT 3.6 V6 along with the 4.4 Duramax, both as options.
You hit the nail on the head, buddy.
I hope we get to see (and use!) the 2.8 DuraMax that the rest of the world gets in the Colorado. It would be plenty of power for the Silverado commercial and/or fleet sales, with great fuel economy and plenty of torque – that market wouldn’t be as concerned about average 0-60 times, and doesn’t need the enormous hp/torque and expense of the V8 DuraMax. And it the new Colorado, it would give me the torque I need for the three or four times a year I pull my travel trailer, and give me great mileage in an easy to park vehicle the rest of the year. The new VW Toureg 3.0 Diesel has similar specs, and gets 20 city and 29 hwy in a 4wd SUV. I’d prefer a pickup and I’d like to be loyal to GM, but if GM doesn’t deliver what I need (a product they already have in other countries!), I may be tempted by the Vdub as a replacement for my full size chevy…
And the 2.8 DuraMax, while not inexpensive, is probably less costly than the 2-mode hybrid setup. It might be a little less on HP, but the torque and MPG’s should be as good or better, and would make it a viable alternative for 1/2 ton owners looking for better efficiency.
“Alternative”? nope this is the Future
“eAssist” is the next step for GM trucks. It works with the Buick LaCrosse and regal, and the Chevy Malibu, so it can be applied across all of the GM line where a plain ICE runs. Then Voltec must expand to cover the line, until the electrification is complete. No more gas or oil!