According to some rumors, General Motors plans to launch its new plug-in hybrid Crossover at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. This year, one of GM’s brands, Chevrolet, has presented a similar concept, the Volt MPV5. GM’s latest plug-in hybrid vehicle is likely to follow the concept of Chevrolet Volt 2011 model.
Dave Barthmuss, the Group Manager for environmental and energy communications at General Motors said that they’ll have a surprise in the form of plug-in hybrid vehicles at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt MPV5, the new Crossover plug-in hybrid is expected to have more advanced features.
The Volt MPV5 Concept will be equipped with a 152 PS (150 HP) electric motor capable to deliver 273lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque and only a 1.4-liter gasoline engine, added for an extended run. The electric motor will be powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Acting like a generator, the combustion engine extends the hybrid range from 51.5 km (32 miles) on battery power alone to up to 482 km (300 miles). It’s true that GM’s plug-in hybrid vehicle could not be compared to Nissan Leaf, a pure EV, regarding the range. However, Barthmuss did not exclude the possibility to see a pure EV launched by General Motors in the near future.
