GM looking to develop plug-in hybrid

GM is said to be developing a plug-in hybrid capable of getting more than 60 miles per gallon. Although the vehicle wouldn't be in prod...

GM is said to be developing a plug-in hybrid capable of getting more than 60 miles per gallon. Although the vehicle wouldn't be in production for at least a year, GM is hoping to have a prototype available for the Detroit auto show in January.

This 'leak' may be in response to Toyotas announcement regarding their research into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Given Toyotas success in the hybrid vehicle business and GMs lack of success in selling their version of a hybrid, GM has been trying to play catch-up. And even though they had an all electric vehicle out in 1996 (the EV1), GM decided not to pursue the hybrid option.

GM will hopefully be able to solve some of the biggest drawbacks to its EV1, namely the limited range and having to plug it in to a special docking mechanism. Hybrids, at least, have solved the range problem by allowing vehicles to drive on gas only. Plug-in hybrids run on electricity only until the charge is drained. Then they switch to gas, which allows them to get higher mpg.

By plugging in, the power source is transferred from the oil and gas companies to the electric companies.

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