|
The Malibu Hybrid wass a car with an identity crisis. They went to all the expense of a 36V (yet still belt-driven) hybrid system with NiMH batteries, and they added $4000 to the price of the car. An expensive hybrid system needs to see big MPG gains, but GM failed to take the opportunity to downsize the engine to compensate for the extra torque of the hybrid motor.
They charged an extra $4k for the Malibu Hybrid, which is crazy. I want to see a dirt cheap mild hybrid system - a giant belt-driven alternator to provide auto-stop, fast engine starts, and regenerative alternatoring. This would bring EOC and idle stop to the masses. Combined with a manual tranny, it would also increase the spread between hypermilers and EPA mpg. Keep the whole system cheap by keeping it 12V, thereby eliminating the DC-DC converter, the NiMH batteries, and the starter motor. GM (or Bosch), can you do that for $500?
|