The Hybrid Suv Blog

AFS Trinity XH Extreme Hybrid Suv

2008-08-31T22:52:00.001-07:00

AFS trinity unveils a new hybrid suv, AFS trinity XH, with a whopping 150 mpg. WoW!

AFS Trinity XH claims to have developed a new hybrid technology which makes it possible for the plug-in hybrid vehicles to attain 150 mpg with a 40 miles in full electric mode. We all know, hybrid suvs are the suvs of future, this wonderful car repeats it.

It is said that in full hybrid mode, it will just take 7 seconds to achieve 100 miles, isn't it awesome? They also claims that XH just costs 1$ per 40 miles on electricity. One should compare it with a 5$ for normal gasoline engine.

AFS Trinity XH Extreme Hybrid Suv

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

2008-08-22T06:49:00.001-07:00

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid for 2009 is no different from the earlier versions and does not include any surprises. It is just a mix of the Chevy Tahoe and Yukon hybrid suvs. The hybrid version of Escalade 2009 has nothing to boast as unique in styling except the hybrid badge over it. Escalade is a large luxury SUV.

The technology is not different from the GMs patented two mode hybrid. The hybrid version retains all the qualities of non-hybrid Escalade in design and aesthetic. The Cadillac signature is clearly visible. The front grills and interiors are a pleasure to be in.

Usual hybrid technologies like EVT and regenerative breaking is also embedded into the system. Breaking is not entirely regenerative. Escalade balances between the regenerative and hydraulic breaking system to provide the best driving(breaking) experience. Auto Stop mode is included with the Gasoline engine. It automatically changes mode of fueling according to city or highway driving. Active Fuel Management™ and sequential fuel injection technologies power the fuel injection of 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV 2008

2008-07-31T03:52:00.001-07:00

The new Mazda tribute is an efficient heavy hybrid Sport utility vehicle. It comes with the modified MZR 2.3-liter gasoline engine which is optimized to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle. And powered electrically at low speeds.

The 2008 model of Mazda Tribute is a full hybrid model. This means that Tribute can run completely on electric power only . You can go upto 25 mph before changing to gas engine. In terms of gas mileage, you can expect about 34/30 (city/highway.) with the 2WD model and 29/27 for the 4WD version.

The regenerative breaking system is the same as in other hybrid models to recharge the battery during deceleration.
Mazda Tribute comes with a very luxurious interior and pleasing exterior. I'm impressed with the new looks.

The major specs are:

155 hp
2.3-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 153hp @ 5800rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
62 liters fuel capacity.
4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Electronic power steering - rack-and-pinion arrangement with power assist tehnology
16x7 aluminum alloy wheels with 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires

Whats bad about hybrid cars or suvs?

2008-07-21T13:15:00.001-07:00

Most of us will certainly agree that hybrid Suvs or hybrid cars in general are good for the planet earth since it causes least environmental pollution and will consume less fuel. But it is not the same regarding hybrid machines every time. There are many concerns like the one quoted in nytime article on hybrids regarding hybrid vehicles.

It is said that flow of electrical current to the motor that moves a hybrid vehicle produces magnetic fields, which are associated with health regarding issues like leukemia in children and cancerous effects in adults.

Concerns also prevails about chances to get a serious electric shock from a hybrid vehicle from its battery. You should follow these instructions to avoid getting a serious electric shock from your hybrid suv..

Hybrid Suvs for the year 2008 , complete list

2008-02-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hybrid SUV scheduled for the year 2008 are

1. 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line Hybrid
2. 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
3. Mercury Mariner hybrid suv
4. Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid 2008
5. Toyota highlander 2008
6. Ford Escape 2008 Hybrid suv
7. GMC Yukon Hybrid
8. Chevy Tahoe 2008 hybrid suv

Lets now watch and see which all is gonna make its way really green.Post your comments

Mahindra plans a diesel hybrid pickup for 2010

2008-02-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

Indian Automaker Mahindra and Mahindra plans a hybrid pickup truck for sale in United States. They except it to be out by 2010 and this will be the first diesel hybrid truck to hit the light duty market in US. The new hybrid is named Appalachian and will be powered by 2.2 L diesel engine designed by Bosch but details of its electric counterpart is still unknown.

Output is 145 horsepower with 300 lb ft of estimated torque. It can carry upto 2,600 pounds and will be available in 2 or 4 wheel drive. The hybrid Appalachian should have a fuel economy more than 40 miles per Gallon. It will be built in India partially and will be assembled in Ohio.

GMC Sierra hybrid pickup truck

2008-02-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

A highly fuel efficient hybrid pickup truck from GMC, the GMC Sierra Hybrid , delivers a high 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy comparing to its non hybrid counterpart. The Sierra Hybrid gets the same two mode hybrid drivetrain and 6.0L Vortec 8 used in the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids, as well as the Silverado Hybrid pickup truck.

The engine of this hybrid suv generates 345 horsepower at 5200 RPM and 375 pound-feet of torque at 4000 RPM,Publish Post this is not less than incredible. The superb fuel economy is guaranteed by the four speed automatic transmission system. Engine capacity precisely is 26.0 gal. The is being assembled in Ontario, Canada and Flint, Michigan. The 2008 GMC Sierra Hybrid can carry 1722 Lbs worth people or goods.

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid truck 2009

2008-02-13T05:12:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet Silverado is the second second best sold truck in America. Now with the improved 2009 or 2008 version of Chevrolet silverado hybrid truck has to emboss everything about enhancement. A truck providing a combined(avg of city and highways) 16mpg is only possible with a hybrid model. No wonder in an awesome score of 630,000 regarding sales of this truck ina single year.

Tech specs:

Cost to Drive25 Miles	$4.24	$4.47
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles	1.32 gal	1.39 gal
Cost of a Fill-up	$75.35-$98.53	$75.35-$98.53
Miles on a Tank	445-581 miles	421-551 miles
Tank Size	26.0-34.0 gal	26.0-34.0 gal
Annual Fuel cost*	$2541	$2685

There are 3 silverado models for 2008. A 1500 version with starting price $18,425 , 2500 hybrid - $25,295 , $3500 hybrid - $29,340 .

Technologies behind hybrid SUVs

2008-02-11T01:09:00.000-08:00

There are lots of hybrid vehicles on the market. Many companies have given their own name for the hybrid technology they have developed for their cars or SUVs. We will see a few of them in a list.Remember that this list will continue.

The hybrid SUV Jargon:

Full hybrid ::
This term is used when the SUV can launch at low speeds without consuming hardly any gasoline. The Toyota, Lexus and Ford hybrids belong to this genre while Honda hybrids are not. Some of GM hybrids are full hybrids.

Mild hybrid ::
Mild hybrids should be self explanatory from full hybrids. These type of hybrid SUVs/cars will require use of Gasoline to start and attain even low speeds.

Remember that both full and mild hybrids have to use gasoline at higher speeds.

Mild hybrid vehicles can be subcategorized . GMC uses a Start/Stop type hybrid system in which the SUV/car gasoline engine becomes idle at times and can be started at the instant of demand. The Integrated Starter Alternator with Damping (ISAD) hybrid system powers the electric motor system to move the hybrid vehicle rather than just giving a start or stop capability. The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system is also a similar technology regarding mild hybrids which helps in movement using electric technology other than simple start/stop. But this differs that it uses a yet more powerfull engine for the electric part making it prominent.

Parallel hybrids::

It is the most commonly used hybrid technology in which both electric and gasoline engine simultaneously power the transmission of the SUV/car.

Series hybrids:

In series hybrid SUVs or cars, the gasoline engine turns a generator, and the generator in turn either charge the batteries or power an electric motor that drives the transmission.

Thus a direct involvement of gasoline engine in transmission does not take place. Toyota Prius Hybrid SUV is a mix of both series and parallel systems.

Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (PHEV)::

These are the hybrid cars/Suvs in which batteries are connected to a electric power source in order to recharge using some plugs. GMC uses this technology.

HSD ( Hybrid Synergy Drive ) ::
The hybrid synergy drive includes a set of technologies developed by Toyota for their hybrid suvs. These technologies are used in Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Lexus GS 450h, and Lexus LS 600h/LS 600hL till now.

Lexus RX hybrid 08, green car for 2008

2008-02-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Lexus Rx 400h hybrid suv is a version of RX 350 crossover vehicle with an embedded hybrid gene. The 'h' factor, as Toyota (Lexus is a division of TOYOTA) claims, adds greenery to the vehicle reducing environmental emissions significantly. They bets this to be the most advanced hybrid engine ever built. The lexus RX 400h is available as both front and all wheels drive.

The hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine with ECVT and delivers output power of 268mp max. Mileage - 26mpg in highways and 24 in cities. RXh 400h AWD is priced at $42,580 RXh 400h FWD at $41,180.Reaches 0 - 60 mph in 7.3 and 7.5 seconds for both models respectively.Thus the tech specs.

Classified as a green hybrid suv, the Lexus RX 400h meets all the requirements to be classified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle standards. The various other standards and technical terms related to a hybrid sport utility vehicle will be explained in next post.

Mercury Mariner hybrid suv for fuel economy

2008-02-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

Mercury Mariner hybrid suv is one among the niche of hybrid suvs. Priced at $26,955.00, the Mariner is able to achieve 400 miles on a single full tank of fuel and gives an average mileage of 30mpg. For the first time since its introduction, this hybrid suv is available in a dual option front or a four wheel drive.The hybrid system in the Mariner 2008 uses a 2.3L 4 cylinder engine, with a 133 hp output, mated to a continuously variable transmission system (CVT).

When tested, the acceleration was similar to a vortec-8 engine, yet mariner features a smaller gasoline engine. Another good news is that Mercury offers an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty with the entire system. What else do you need?Regenerative disc breaks have some back and provides a remarkable fuel economy.Ford have placed significantly improved cabin electronics system comparing to old hybrid models.
The negative thing is that price is a bit high considering the SUV standards. Also the resolution of the navigation system is poor.Yet this is not a big factor while a hybrid suv is rated.

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, 32mpg for $24000

2008-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

A 25/32 mpg in city/highways are numbers at par with the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid 2009 or a bit more to it. It is that which makes 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line, the green hybrid suv of new gen a fuel economy leader. Another awesome number is $24,795, a price lesser than any other hybrid suv available in market. It works on a principle of belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system which combines advanced control system along with an accurate electric generator for city drive.
The smooth curves combined with vibrantly selected colors give a gentle suv look which not much other of this genre can demand. A improvement of 45% regarding fuel economy is ensured by GM with respect to its non hybrid counter part. 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line embeds many more technologies such as a regenerative breaking system, an electric power support during acceleration and cutoff of fuel supply during deceleration. A very low fuel consumption is another feature, the result is, of course, fuel economy. Regarding safety measures, six airbag system and registered Stability Trak provides a full level protection for passengers.The Eco light Illuminates when the vehicle is meeting or exceeding the US federal government's fuel economy rating.

Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid 2008, the economical sedan

2008-02-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Saturn's Aura Green Line hybrid 2008 is among the best economical sedans available in market.A European-inspired design is clearly visible in every corner of this hybrid suv. Actually this midsize 2008 version is just a carryover from the 2007 one.
The Aura Greenline is one among the 12 hybrids GM launches , providing customers with many levels of fuel savings at different price points on vehicles ranging from cars to fullsize Sport utilities.

Major tech specs:

This hybrid suv again is powered by two mode hybrid technology used in earlier versions. Comes with a 2.4 L cylinder featuring hybrid propulsion system.

Mileage -24/32 in cities/highways.
seating - 5
Available in 9 colors including jewel red tint coat and carbon flash for extra coast.
power adjustable folding mirrors available in body color.
2.4L ECOTEC hybrid with 164hp power output engine.
4 wheel antilock disc breaking.
AC, defogger, cruise control
5 spoke 16 inch machined alloy wheels.

Toyota highlander 2008 with HSD

2008-02-02T07:09:00.001-08:00

Toyota highlander 2008 features the HSD technology developed by Toyota for its hybrid vehicles. It has improved technology. Its again a green hybrid suv with an improved output of 270 hp. Yet mileage does not show significant improvement from its 2007 base model which remains the same as 27/31 in city/highways.

Its not the multi-reflector halogen headlamps with auto-off feature or Smoked chrome grille surround and inserts thats going to pay off but the reliability of Toyota since years.To more tech specs, the Highlander's suspension has been revised to handle stylish 19-inch wheels, rated Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV-1) regarding emission ratings and also features electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) w/ECON mode. It weighs 5000 pounds more than the 2007 model.

Even though highlanders fuel economy lags behind the Toyota Escape hybrid, this suv will be a nice option for those who love riding comfort with reasonable fuel economy fuel economy.The base model starts at $33,700 and will range upto $40k. 2008 Highlander Hybrid's interior is nicer than that of the 2007 Lexus RX 400h, for a viewer comment.

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Chevy Tahoe 2008 hybrid suv

2008-01-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

The Chevy Tahoe 2008 hybrid suv is the 2008 green car of the year.This cool hybrid SUV is available in two or four wheel drive.It, along with the GMC Yukon Hybrid is the first dual mode hybrid power train developed by a combined effort of GMC, BMW and Daimler Chrysler. It can deliver around one fourth more power and efficiency than other conventional ones.This one also combines GM's displacement on demand technology with a combined electric drive system of the trio. Both Yukon and Tahoe hybrids are scheduled to be launched this year.

The same vortec V8 engine is used here also like the Yukon hybrid suv 2008.The suvs of this genre might help in a drastic increase in the sales of Suvs in general.One of the major problems ever regarding Suvs was its fuel efficiency, which is almost solved in these models.The Chevy Tahoe 208 hybrid will provide a fuel efficiency of 25 and 21 mpg in cities and highway respectively.The company might be focusing on its Hybrid badge in advertising campaigns rather than its masculine look.This is almost clear by its very prominent suv badge.
The basic principle of the dual mode system is as follows.It is optimized for two modes of driving, ie, one kind for city and another for Highways.It will be automatically powered electric in cities to avoid wastage of fuel and gasoline in highways to provide mileage.
From a user experience, a data we retrieved tells that the original Chevrolet Tahoe non hybrid was getting a mileage of around 15 to average.Now we have to add 20 percent to that which implies a 19 to 24 which is almost at par with the data given by Chevrolet.

GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV 2008

2008-01-29T23:37:00.000-08:00

One of the big 2008 hybrid suvs include the GMC Yukon Hybrid which comes with a trademark VORTEC V8 engine and features the first dual mode hybrid propulsion system in a sport utility vehicle.It boasts a 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.A lot about it is heard about even if it arrives only at the end of this year.

Some of the patented technologies used in the Yukon hybrid suv 2008 are Active Fuel Management and a advanced innovative hybrid

technology. It will thus deliver up to expectations up to the mark regarding fuel efficiency and power.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid is powered by an aluminum small-block V8 engine which maintains important performance attributes of full-size

trucks, such as towing at 6,000 pounds. To offset the added weight from the hybrid propulsion system, General Motors redesigned

certain vehicle components to optimize aerodynamic motion. These design changes include a new hood, front and rear fascias and a sleek GMC grille.

The all new dual mode hybrid system has a patented fuel saving technology with two different modes for highway and city driving.

The first mode features low speed for low roads and is powered by electric power only.Thus fuel is saved in huge amounts in traffic jams by operating in electric mode only.In the second mode which is designed for highways, the vehicle operates in various hi tech hybrid technologies mentioned above.The four mode automatic transmission system is a powerful minute system that can be used with gas and disel engines.

The GMC youkon hybrid SUV 2008 is also said to save fuel to great extend.This is attributed to "power train" technology which gives fuel economy and Active fuel management technology which automatically shifts from 4 to 8 cylinders when less power is required.

Ford Escape 2008 Hybrid SUV

2008-01-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Ford Escape is the first hybrid SUV to hit the roads. Now they have launched their latest edition Ford Escape 2008. It was one of the biggest newsmakers of LA Auto show featuring over 1000 variety Suvs which is also the biggest motor show in the world. It is a redesigned versio with better environmental and power capabilities. Ford also introduced the new gasoline version of the 2008 Escape hybrid, which they claims to be highly efficient.
The ford escape hybrid is a comparatively lesser costlier hybrid which gives it a good mileage even without an electric motor: It's rated at 30 mpg on the highway. Its electric motor and batteries are to operate for the lifetime of the vehicle without any maintenance.Exterior styling is very nice, not unlike most Fords, lots of room inside. A $3000 US tax credit too.But riding comfort could have been made better with a bit more added luxury.
It is also a green car, with lowest emission obeying all the government standards.

I will rate the Ford Escape hybrid SUV at 3.7/5.

Here are some of the Ford Escape 2008 wallpapers.

What is a Hybrid SUV?

2008-01-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

A Hybrid SUV is a Sport utility vehicle that combines two kinds of fuel sources to benefit from both with its own advantages. It generally uses a gasoline source and RESS ( Rechargeable energy storage system) as two different sources. It will be optimized to obtain more fuel economy and power.Recent Hybrid SUVs have a fuel cost of around 3$ for 25 miles, mileage around 30 MPG and an annual fuel cost of 1500$.