Joint Hybrid Venture Begins To Bear Fruit
By Michelle Krebs May 4, 2007This week, General Motors allowed the first test-drives of its 2008
Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrids that go on sale later this year.
That drive was significant beyond the vehicles themselves.
The SUVs are the fruits of an unprecedented venture, also involving DaimlerChrysler and BMW, to take hybrid technology to the next level. And they are only the first fruits. A host of vehicles from GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW are scheduled to roll out over the coming years.
These kinds of ventures are required to find the technological solutions to reduce or even eliminate environmentally destructive emissions and reduce or even eliminate the world’s dependence on petroleum for fuel. And ultimately save the planet.
It's the global moon shot of our time.
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Assuming that original Tahoe MPG is 15 MPG
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guides-real-world-fuel-economy-champions-cga.htm
Assuming that new Hybrid Tahoe MPG is 18 MPG
Assuming gas is $3 per gallon.
Assuming driving 12,000 miles per year.
Then the hybrid Tahoe owner would save $400/year on gas (compared to conventional Tahoe).
It is rumored that GM will charge a $2000-$4000 premium for the hybrid Tahoe.
If the premium is $2000, this is pretty much a no-brainer for people in the market for a Tahoe. You will do good for the environment for almost no cost over 5 years.*
If it's more like a $4000 premium, then this product is simply like the Prius: It's an environmental charity case.
*My calculation uses a conservative 18 MPG overall for the Hybrid Tahoe. If GM somehow lives up to its claims of 40% increase in city driving, this would lift overall fuel economy to 21+ MPG which would absolutely blow my mind. If it really achieves this type of fuel efficiency, then the Tahoe really could be worth ~$3000+ premium. Good for the consumer, GM and the environment.
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