In Concept (no production or release date):
Audi
Audi A1 Sportback Concept
Introduced by Audi at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the A1 Sportback Concept is a subcompact with a turbocharged engine integrated into its plug-in hybrid system. The vehicle achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 60 mpg in mixed driving and an all-electric range of 31 miles.
Audi A1 Project quattro®
The A1 Project quattro® is a plug-in hybrid subcompact that debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle uses a 1.4L turbocharged FSI® engine to power the front wheels and a 30 kW electric motor to power the rear wheels, achieving all-wheel drive.
Audi Q7 Hybrid
Audi premiered the Q7 Hybrid concept at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show. The “muscular” crossover SUV hybrid achieves an estimated 20 mpg, less than a 13-percent improvement. The Q7 Hybrid was intended for production, but these plans were canceled. Instead, Audi plan to release the smaller Q5 Hybrid crossover in late 2010.
BMW
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics sportscar
Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the four-seat sportscar concept uses an aerodynamic design and a complex hybrid drivetrain to get an estimated 63 mpg, reportedly without sacrificing sports car performance. It’s exterior design achieves a drag coefficient of 0.22, better than the Prius' 0.25. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine is combined with an electric motor on the rear axle, and the two electric motors on the front axle. This power train gives the car 356 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, getting it to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Buick
Buick Business Concept
The Business Concept, which made its debut at Auto Shanghai 2009, will use GM’s next generation belt-alternator-starter (BAS) lithium-ion hybrid system. Called a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) by GM, the Business Concept is only intended to be released in China.
Cadillac
Cadillac XTS Plug-In Sedan
GM revealed this luxury sedan plug-in concept model at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Reports are that XTS Platinum show car uses a plug-in hybrid system similar to that developed for the stillborn Saturn Vue 2-Mode hybrid. A direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 is mated to an electrically variable transmission, allowing the XTS to be driven by the gasoline engine, an electric motor, or a combination of the two. Cadillac says total output is in the realm of 350 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Cadillac Converj
Presented at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Converj concept uses GM’s new Voltec propulsion system. Like the Chevrolet Volt, this luxury coupe has an all-electric range of 40 miles. General Motors executives have put an official plan to produce the Converj to its board of directors. No possible release date has been announced, though according to the Detroit News it would likely be at least “a few years after the November 2010 planned release of the Chevy Volt.
Capstone
CMT 380
Capstone, manufacturer of electricity-generating microturbines, and Electronic Arts Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman built a hybrid sports car for the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The CMT-380 uses an electric power train with a range-extending diesel-fueled microturbine. A lithium polymer battery pack gives the CMT-380 80 miles of pure electric range, and the microturbine generates power for an additional 500 miles. Impressively, the microturbine burns its fuel so cleanly that no catalytic converter or other exhaust treatment is needed for the car to meet emissions requirements. Capstone says it may build a limited number based on interest at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but the car really serves as a demonstration of microturbine technology.
Chrysler
Dodge Ram Plug-in Hybrid
Despite the closure of its ENVI advanced vehicle technology department, Chrysler has decided to move forward with design and testing of a plug-in Ram Hybrid pickup truck. lab for testing the PHEV Ram will be built at the University of Michigan's Dearborn campus, and will be tested in real-world situations through use in fleets in 2011. The truck would have a next generation lithium ion battery with charge times of two to four hours at 220 volts, or four to six hours at 110 volts; a full hybrid system function without plug-in; a range of 655 miles.
Chrysler Town & Country EV
Introduced in September 2008, the Town & Country EV minivan is one of three range-extended electric vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI group. Like the others, the minivan is said to have a 40-mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles. Chrysler claims that it will have one of its range-extended electric vehicles or battery-electric vehicles on the road by 2010.
Citroën
Citroën Hypnos
One of three vehicles to debut the HYmotion4 hybrid system at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Hypnos is a diesel-electric crossover hybrid. The Hypnos achieves an estimated fuel economy of 52.3 mpg and emissions of 193 g/mile CO2. The HYmotion4 system will be first used in the Peugeot 3008 CUV, which is due to be released by 2011.
Citroën C-Cactus
The diesel-electric hybrid C-Cactus, which debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, achieves an estimated fuel economy of 69 mpg and emissions of 126 g/mile CO2. This minimalist compact hatchback is made up of only 200 parts. Auto Express reports that the C-Cactus will enter production, but the drivetrain has not been decided.
Citroën C-Metisse
Making its debut at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, the C-Metisse is a diesel-electric hybrid coupe that achieves an estimated 36 mpg and produces 280 g/mile CO2. PSA Peugeot Citroën has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced.
Citroën C4 Hybride HDi
Introduced in February 2006, the C4 Hybride HDi is a small family diesel-electric hybrid car with an estimated 69 mpg and emissions of 144 g/mile. Like the C-Metisse, PSA Peugeot Citroën has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced.
Daimler
Smart ForTwo MHD
DaimlerChrysler’s Germany-based Smart Car division launched the ForTwo with micro hybrid drive (MHD) in Europe in 2007. The mild-hybrid system employs a belt-driven starter/generator and switches the engine off when idling at stoplights to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Equipped with an automated manual transmission, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine delivers 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque. The ForTwo MHD returns a fuel economy of 66 mpg with a top speed is 90 mph. There is no word on whether the ForTwo MHD will be released in the United States. However, an electric drive version of the ForTwo with lithium-ion batteries is expected to arrive in America in the second half of 2010.
Ferrari
Ferrari Mille Chilli
In June 2007, Ferrari unveiled the Mille Chili hybrid concept car. Though not intended for production, this lightweight mini sports car was designed to test Ferrari’s first hybrid drivetrain for application in other models in order to meet strengthening emissions standards. Ferrari intends to release a hybrid around 2015 and introduce another concept at an upcoming American auto show.
Ford
Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Prototype
The Escape Plug-in Hybrid prototype is currently being tested by electrical companies to determine the effect of plug-in hybrids on grid infrastructure. Based on testing, the SUV achieves a fuel economy of 120 mpg in town and 70 to 80 mpg on the highway. The prototype has up to a 30-mile all-electric range.
Ford Reflex
At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Reflex concept car. The two-seat sports coupe is equipped with a diesel-electric drivetrain that delivers up to an estimated 65 mpg. A second electric motor is attached to the rear axle, giving the Reflex all-wheel-drive capability. The concept uses solar panels to power the headlights and taillights.
GMC
GMC Denali XT
Making its debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, the low-slung Denali XT concept is a utility vehicle with an ethanol-capable engine and two-mode hybrid system. The Denali XT concept is built on a car-like unibody frame and gets 50 percent better fuel economy than a comparable small pick-up.
Honda
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
Debuting at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, the Small Hybrid Sports Concept is a two-door hybrid sports compact that uses Honda’s IMA mild hybrid system. Honda reduced weight and decreased dimensions to boost overall mileage. The concept influenced the upcoming CR-Z hybrid, which will be released in 2010.
Hyundai
Hyundai Nuvis
Making its debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, the Nuvis, called a crossover utility vehicle, uses Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive system with lithium-polymer batteries. The Nuvis has an estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg city / 36 mpg highway.
Hyundai Santa Fe Blue Hybrid
Introduced at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid incorporates Hyundai’s own full, parallel hybrid system. The Hybrid Blue Drive system uses lithium-polymer batteries, which have a greater energy density than lithium-ion batteries. Projected fuel economy of the SUV is 38 mpg and emissions are 238 g/mile CO2.
Infiniti
Infiniti Essence
At the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the 592-hp luxury coupe Essence that uses Infiniti’s own parallel hybrid drivetrain to achieve a fuel economy around 30 mpg. The Infiniti M Hybrid, which is scheduled to be released in 2010, will likely use a drivetrain that is based on the one in the Essence.
Infiniti G35 Hybrid Prototype
The G35 Hybrid prototype is a testing mule used by Nissan in 2008 to test a hybrid system with twin-clutches. Engineers claim that the hybrid achieves 40 percent better mileage than the standard G35. The design of the prototype might find itself in the upcoming Infiniti M Hybrid, which is scheduled to be released in 2010.
Jaguar
Jaguar Limo-Green
Jaguar, Lotus, Caparo Vehicle technologies have been working with the UK government to develop a hybrid luxury sedan in a program called Project Limo-Green. The first concept of this work was displayed in the Jaguar 2010 XJ series. The Limo-Green uses a 145 kW, 295 lb-ft electric motor for propulsion, with a lithium-ion battery pack moving the car for 30 miles on a charge. The Lotus-developed 1.2-liter gasoline range extender takes over to provide 600-mile range.
Jeep
Jeep Patriot EV
Debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Patriot EV is one of three range-extended electric vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI group. Like the others, the SUV is said to have a 40-mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles. Chrysler claims that it will have one of its range-extended electric vehicles or battery-electric vehicles on the road by 2010.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV
Introduced in September 2008, the Wrangler Unlimited EV is one of three range-extended electric vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI group. Like the others, the SUV is said to have a 40-mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles. Chrysler claims that it will have one of its range-extended electric vehicles or battery-electric vehicles on the road by 2010.
Jeep Renegade
The Renegade is an open-air, off-road extended-range electrical vehicle that made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The all-wheel-drive Renegade boasts a 40 mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles when the diesel engine kicks in. Jeep claims this vehicle has an equivalent fuel economy of 110 mpg.
Kepler Motors
Kepler Motion Hybrid
Kepler unveiled the Motion concept hybrid sportscar at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show. The car uses Ford's new Ecoboost engine, a twin turbo direct injection 3.5-liter V-6 to drive the rear wheels, while an electric motor drives the fronts, giving the car all-wheel-drive. Kepler tweaked the gasoline engine to increase the output 550 horsepower, making for a combined 800 horsepower for the powertrain. To keep the weight down, the Motion uses a carbon fiber body, along with carbon ceramic brake rotors. Kepler plans to build only 50 of these vehicles, with production starting in 2011.
Kia
Kia Soul Hybrid
Introduced at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Soul Hybrid is a small, four-door crossover hybrid with an estimated fuel economy of 48 mpg and CO2 emissions of 188 g/mile. Kia does not plan to sell this vehicle in the US.
Kia cee'd Hybrid Prototype
Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the cee’d Hybrid is a five-door hatchback hybrid prototype created to take part in ‘real-world’ test activities. The cee’d Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy of 49 mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/mile.
Land Rover
Land Rover LRX Hybrid
Land Rover introduced the diesel-electric LRX Hybrid at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The compact SUV reduces fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent and decreases emissions to about 193 g/mile CO2. Phil Popham, managing director of Jaguar/Land Rover, has said that fuel economy could be as high as 60 mpg.
Lexus
Lexus LF-XH
The hybrid SUV crossover LF-XH was introduced by Toyota at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. The crossover concept marries a V6 engine with the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. The LF-XH influenced the design of the third-generation RX-series, which includes the RX 450h hybrid.
Lexus LF-Ch hatchback
Toyota brought a four-door hatchback Lexus hybrid model to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Toyota would not specify the hybrid drivetrain for this model, but both the more efficient four-cylinder version used by the HS 250h, and possibly a diesel drivetrain—something more accepted in Europe—were both under speculation.
Lotus
Lotus Exora Hybrid
It seems that Lotus and Malaysian company Proton may be closer to a production hybrid, as they are testing a Exora Hybrid MPV in the UK. The Exora Hybrid prototypes are expected to arrive in Malaysia for further testing by the end of 2009 or latest by early 2010. They could hit the Southeast Asian market as soon as 2011. The Proton hybrid system reportedly uses an electric motor as the main drive and a 1.2 liter 3-cylinder engine is used solely as a generator.
Lotus EVE Hybrid
Lotus Engineering demonstrated its new EVE (efficient, viable and environmental) hybrid drivetrain on a Proton Gen.2 compact at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The hybrid technology reduced emissions by 22 percent to 216 g/mile CO2 and improved fuel economy by 28 percent to 50.2 mpg. Reports indicate that a mild hybrid system might be integrated into the new Espirit, which is scheduled to be released in 2011.
Marussia
Marussia Hybrid Sportscar
Popular Russian actor, singer, and race car driver Nikolay Fomenko has created a hybrid concept “super car” that may see production. The Marussia is slated to use a 240-hp, 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, most likely from Renault or Nissan. For the electric side, Fomenko is reportedly working on the battery temperature issue with using nanotechnology with one of Russia's big construction bureaus. If successfully put into production, the vehicle would likely command a $100,000+ price tag.
Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid
As Mercedes brings its mild hybrid S400 to market, it unveiled the S500 plug-in hybrid sedan concept to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. S500 Plug-in Hybrid concept can reportedly propel the car under electric power only for almost 20 miles. Mercedes estimates its overall fuel economy at 74 mpg. S500 uses a 3-liter direct injection V-6 gasoline engine coupled to a 44-kilowatt electric motor. The lithium ion battery pack can be recharged in 60 minutes from a rapid recharger.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Concept – CT MIEV
At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi unveiled their Concept-CT MIEV. The hybrid compact has a motor built into each of its four wheels, achieving all-wheel drive. An AutoWeek report quoted a Mitsubishi executive as saying, "The prototype is in a highly finished state...This is not just a styling exercise." He noted that if the car is sold in the US, it may be based on the next-generation Colt.
Mitsubishi PX-MiEV
Mitsubishi rolled out its new plug-in hybrid drivetrain at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The PX-MiEV concept is an upscale Outlander-based SUV with front and rear wheels powered by two electric motors. The 1.6-litre gasoline engine both drives the front wheels and also serves as a generator for the electric motor. Mitsubishi says it would like put this technology into production by 2013, with the possible target of Lancer Evo XI sedan.
Opel
Opel Corsa Hybrid
GM introduced a diesel hybrid prototype of its Corsa sedan at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. he subcompact debuts GM’s next generation belt-alternator-starter (BAS) lithium-ion hybrid system. The Corsa boasts a fuel economy of an estimated 63 mpg and emissions of 159 g/mile CO2.
Opel Flextreme
Presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Flextreme uses a diesel version of GM’s Voltec system. The compact has an all-electric range of 34 miles, total range of 444 miles, and emissions of only 64 g/mile CO2. A rebadged version of the concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show as the Saturn Flextreme.
Peugeot
Peugeot SR1 Hybrid Roadster
In January, French automaker gave an early look at its hybrid sportscar concept, originally slotted for a 2010 Geneva Auto Show debut. The drivetrain is Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower electric motor at the rear. The all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2010 inside the 3008 crossover in Europe only, with other models to follow not long after that.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4
The first slotted production model hybrid-diesel drivetrain came to the 2008 Frankfurt Auto Show in Peugeot’s crossover SUV model. Peugeot expects the diesel hybrid to provide fuel savings of up to 35 percent over a non-hybridized engine with the same performance. The drivetrain has a 163-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel engine powering the front wheels, the rear-mounted 37-hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, or both at the same time. They will release this vehicle to Europe only beginning in 2010.
Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4
One of three vehicles to debut the HYmotion4 hybrid system at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Prologue HYmotion4 is a diesel-electric crossover hybrid. The Prologue achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 57.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/mile. The HYmotion4 system will be first used in the Peugeot 3008 CUV, which is scheduled to be released by 2011.
Peugeot RC HYmotion4
One of three vehicles to debut the HYmotion4 hybrid system at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the RC HYmotion4 is a diesel-electric GT coupe hybrid. The RC achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/mile. The HYmotion4 system will be first used in the Peugeot 3008 CUV, which is scheduled to be released by 2011.
Peugeot 308 Hybride HDi
At the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, Peugeot introduced the diesel-electric 308 Hybride. The small family car achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 69 mpg and emits 38 percent fewer CO2 emissions than its non-hybrid counterpart. Peugeot has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced.
Peugeot 307 CC Hybride HDi
Presented at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show, the diesel-electric 307 CC Hybride achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 70 mpg. The small family convertible can run on biodiesel. Peugeot has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced.
Saab
Saab 9-X 'Air' BioHybrid
Developed in parallel with the 9-X BioHybrid, the 9-X ‘Air’ BioHybrid is a convertible hybrid that debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The concept is optimized for running on E85 on which it emits 172 g/mile CO2, but it can also run on gasoline.
Saab 9-X BioHybrid
Debuting at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the 9-X BioHybrid is a compact hybrid optimized for running on E85 but able to run on gasoline, as well. The concept achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 37 mpg and emits 169 g/mile CO2 when running on E85. Industry buzz suggests that the concept will hit showrooms as the 9-1.
Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept
Premiering at the 2006 Stockholm Motor Show, the BioPower Hybrid Concept is a modified 9-3 convertible that uses the two-mode hybrid system and an electric rear-drive unit. The concept can run on any combination of ethanol and gasoline. It has an all-electric range between 6.2 and 12.4 miles.
Subaru
Subaru B5-TPH
At the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show, Subaru introduced the B5-TPH hybrid. The 3-door hatchback has a turbo parallel hybrid (TPH) powertrain that uses a boxer turbo engine. Subaru plans to enter the hybrid market by 2012 with help from Toyota, which owns a 16-percent stake in the company.
Subaru Tourer Hybrid
Subaru brought its Tourer Hybrid two-door coupe concept to the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission wed with a hybrid two-motor system that has a electric generator/drive motor in the front and a second electric drive motor in the rear. When the car is first fired up or running at low speed, the rear motor propels the car. At higher speeds under normal conditions, internal combustion keeps the car moving.
Suzuki
Suzuki Swift plug-in Hybrid
Suzuki introduced its plug-in compact concept hybrid at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The concept is designed primarily to be driven only on electric power on short day-to-day drives. It is powered by a 55kW electric motor with plug-in charging capability and has a 0.66 liter combustion engine that acts as a generator. The vehicle can run solely on the electric motor for about 12.5 miles and beyond that the engine will kick in.
Toyota
Toyota MR2 Hybrid Sports Car
Toyota and racing partner Gazoo have teamed up to create a new version of the now-defunct MR2 sports car, only this time, it’s a hybrid. Unlike the Honda CR-Z hybrid, this concept has opted for far more muscle, using a 3.3-liter V6 engine with the Hybrid Synergy Drive to deliver almost 400 hp combined. The lithium-ion battery pack weighs the vehicle down, but rumor has it going 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. No fuel economy estimates have been revealed. There are rumors that the MR2 could go into production by 2011, but that is currently only speculation.
Lexus LF-Ch hatchback
Toyota brought a four-door hatchback Lexus hybrid model to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Toyota would not specify the hybrid drivetrain for this model, but both the more efficient four-cylinder version used by the HS 250h, and possibly a diesel drivetrain—something more accepted in Europe—were both under speculation. Toyota now looks to be bringing a new version to the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, and it may just be a production model.
Toyota Camry Hybrid CNG
Toyota paired its Hybrid Synergy Drive with a natural-gas engine for the Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association Auto Show. This is a modified version of the car shown in Los Angeles in 2008. CNG Hybrid uses twin CNG tanks in the trunk of a Camry Hybrid, whose gasoline 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive was adapted to run on it.
Toyota A-BAT
Toyota showcased its compact, unibody pickup concept, the A-BAT, at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. PickupTrucks.com has reported that the A-BAT was given a green light for production, but the project has been put on indefinite hold.
Toyota 1/X
Introduced by Toyota at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the 1/X concept plug-in hybrid hatchback weighs a third as much as the Prius and almost achieves double its fuel efficiency—an estimated combined 90-plus mpg. The weight-reduction is partly due to the use of high-strength, carbon-fiber materials.
Toyota Hi-CT
Toyota presented its boxy, plug-in hybrid “urban truck,” the Hi-CT concept, at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. The Hi-CT has a removable trunk and an AC 100V accessory socket.
Toyota RiN
Resembling a greenhouse on wheels, the RiN is a plug-in hybrid concept that made its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. With features like a humidifier and leaf-shaped pedals, the RiN “focuses on increased comfort and serene and healthy living.”
Toyota Hybrid X
At the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, Toyota unveiled its Hybrid X concept. The hybrid sedan features an ultra-modern design and uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Toyota F3R
Attempting to reinvent the minivan, Toyota released the F3R at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. A design exercise, the hybrid minivan highlights a lounge interior and uses environmentally-friendly materials.
Toyota Volta
At the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, Toyota unveiled its series hybrid sports car concept, the Volta. The Italian-designed Volta boasts an estimated 0-60 time in just over four seconds while still offering around 30 mpg. Despite rampant rumors to the contrary, a Toyota representative we spoke with in January 2006 said that there are no current plans to produce the Volta.
Toyota FTX Hybrid
Presented at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, the FTX Hybrid is a massive, hybrid truck concept powered by a large-displacement V8 engine. The FTX is the forerunner of the future Tundra Hybrid, which has been delayed until at least 2013 or 2014 according to rumors coming out of Toyota.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe
VW brought its new compact concept hybrid to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle features a full hybrid drivetrain comprised of a 1.4-liter, 150 hp gasoline engine paired with a 27-hp electric motor fueled from a lithium-ion battery. VW says the concept would be good for 45 miles per gallon on the U.S. government's combined city/highway scale. This vehicle could be part of a redesign process for the 2011 Jetta or Golf, but there are no reports of either becoming available.
Volkswagen Up Lite Hybrid
Volkswagen unveiled this four-seat compact to the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is a diesel hybrid, like the smaller L1 concept, and uses a 51-horsepower 0.8-liter 2-cylinder TDI turbodiesel engine, and a 10-kilowatt electric motor. The ultra-light 1,530 pound vehicle may be good for up to 70 mpg, but there are no immediate plans to add the hybrid to the production version of the Up beginning in 2010.
Volkswagen Golf TwinDrive
Introduced by Volkswagen in June 2008, the Golf TwinDrive plug-in hybrid concept has an all-electric range of 31 miles and an estimated fuel economy of 113 mpg on the European cycle. The diesel-electric hybrid hatchback will begin fleet testing in 2010, but is projected to enter production no earlier than 2015. Motortrend has reported that the production version will use a gasoline engine. The Audi A3 may also incorporate the TwinDrive system.
Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid
At the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen displayed a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Golf, known as the Rabbit in the US. The parallel hybrid hatchback achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 69 mpg and CO2 emissions under 145 g/mile.
Volkswagen Touran Hybrid Prototype
In 2004, Volkswagen tested their Touran Hybrid minivan prototype against the same model with a diesel engine. The diesel delivered better fuel economy. So, Volkswagen stated that the company will not put hybrids into quantity production until the fuel economy and cost improve. The hybrid prototype achieved a fuel economy of an estimated 39 mpg.
Volkswagen L1 hybrid
First seen at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the ultra-slim 2-seater uses a hybrid-diesel drivetrain to get an estimated 170 mpg. It has a 0.8-liter two-cylinder diesel engine integrated with an electric motor. Volkswagen estimates a range of 416 miles on its 2.6 gallon tank.
Volvo
Volvo Plug-in Hybrid
The partnership between Swedish energy company Vattenfall and Volvo has yielded a diesel plug-in hybrid vehicle. The V70 plug-in prototype has an 11.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in five hours using a standard household outlet. The demonstration vehicle will use 71 percent of its battery pack to power the rear wheels for about 30 miles. After that, the diesel engine turns on and drives the front wheels. Vattenfall is designing charging systems that could be available in Swedish cities and homes by 2012, but no word on introduction to the U.S. market.
Volvo ReCharge
Introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the ReCharge plug-in hybrid concept is capable of going 62 miles on battery power alone, with a 1.6-liter flex fuel engine for longer drives. The converted compact C30 can drive 93 mile with a full battery charge and 0.73 gallons of gas. Volvo has announced that it intends to release a plug-in hybrid by 2012.
Buyer Beware the Hollow Hybrids:
Some vehicles have been introduced or will be introduced to the market with the hybrid label, but really only use some conventional technology improvements to gain marginal fuel economy improvements. Such improvements would be laudable if introduced as standard options throughout a model fleet. But to make these improvements to only a small number of vehicles and use the "hybrid label" to gain a greener stature undermines the integrity of the hybrid market. We have labeled these vehicles as "hollow hybrids" and, as a "caveat emptor" for hybrid consumers, we list these models below.
Conventional Vehicles profiting from the hybrid image
- 2005-2008 GMC Sierra "hybrid" pickup
- 2005 Dodge Ram "hybrid" diesel pickup
- 2005-2008 Chevrolet Silverado "hybrid" pickup
- 2007-2009 Saturn Green Line Vue SUV
- 2007-2009 Saturn Green Line Aura sedan
- 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu "hybrid" sedan
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