GM Hybrids Update

I got a chance to meet with a few executives at GM involved with their hybrids programs afternoon. While these meetings seemed rather choreographed, I did manage to glean some interesting information from them.

Micky Bly, GM Director Global Hybrids

I had a great conversation with Micky about weather GM’s hybrid program has been a success. We touched on a few points that I think are informational:

• Leadership – It’s clear that GM wants to be a leader in Hybrids (and FlexFuels, PHEVs, and whatever other technologies are viable). He noted that all of GMs prescribed production runs have been sold out. The issue, however, is that these products are not being sold in volume. He did admit that suppliers are stretched to the limit, but are making deliveries. I wasn’t able to get any numbers out of Micky (no surprises there). But their high-profile models – Saturn Vue Greenline, Tahoe Hybrid, Malibu Hybrid – continue to be listed on their corporate website as having “limited availability”. I should expect that given the direct incursions of Toyota on their territory (pick-ups, cross-overs) that they would tout their market success of their hybrids. But they’re not – they report no sales figures (yet). The bottom line is that while GM’s intention is to be a leader, it currently does not have a record of leadership (or at least gains) in this segment.
• Phased roll-out: Micky admitted to me that GM has plans for 8 hybrids to be released by the end of the year (they currently have 5 – Vue, Aura, Malibu, Tahoe, Yukon? – not sure if that’s the fifth or the 2-Mode Vue). This means that they have another three annoucements through the remainder of the year. Their plans, however, is to continue to announce a new hybrid model on a quarterly basis. While that might sound a bit measured, it makes sense from the standpoint of building out a supply base. This should give their suppliers the opportunity to scale production and manage the roll-out in an organized manner. That’s good for consumers too.

Argonne gives thumbs up to PHEVs

GreenCarCongress reported on a study conducted by Argonne National Labs that tested, under controlled conditions , the efficiency and GHG emissions of various power trains.  The end result is a list showing the energy/mile for each of these options.

A good time to discuss PHEVs and EVs

(Detroit News Image)

I’ve been critical of PHEVs and EVs lately. Mostly because advocates don’t seem as though they are representative of the population at-large. I was in Chicago when this storm hit. A foot of snow came and buried everything. This image gives a small glimpse of what snow can do to a car. There are a few things to take away from it:

1) Where do I plug-in? This is a typical urban street – filled with apartment livers who park on the street. In a PHEV world, where do they plug-in? What if they forgot (like I forget to plug-in my phone every night and rely on recharging it in my car)?

2) This is pretty cold weather. I’ve seen metal bent and reshaped in temperatures this low. So the notion of a battery or electric motor scares me a bit. Will they withstand the cold. Will they stand-up to the salt (if the city could actually get around to salting).

3) Would you want to drive around with a plug-in without a gasoline engine? You can refill your gas in a few minutes. But recharging seems like hassle in weather like this.

Let’s be clear: I’m not against PHEVs or EVs. I actually think they’re great ideas that have some really great prospects. But they’re only one solution that meets only some of individuals’ needs. I have issues with their viability for many people in different walks of life. This recent Midwestern storm underscores my concern. The Midwest represents around 25% of the U.S. Population (consider also the demographics of similar climates in Asia and Europe). So it seems as the prospect of a sale of PHEVs or EVs would be tough.

If I had a choice, I’d much rather have a Chevy Tahoe in this condition (a hybrid would be fine – but I wouldn’t bother plugging in during weather like this). I only add this commentary to add to the debate. PHEVs are great – but they’re only part of a solution.