GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW debut new full hybrid system
The Global Hybrid Cooperation partnership - a joint venture of General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and BMW - took the wraps off its new state-of-the-art “full hybrid” system Thursday.
The system integrates electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission into a unit comparable in size and complexity to a conventional automatic transmission. The magic happens via the unit’s combination of four fixed gears with two electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, granting a total of six distinct operating modes:
- Input-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 1, operates from vehicle launch through the second fixed gear ratio.
- Compound-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 2, operates after the second fixed gear ratio.
- First fixed-gear ratio with both electric motors available to boost the internal combustion engine or capture and store energy from regenerative braking, deceleration and coasting.
- Second fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking,
- Third fixed-gear ratio with two electric motors available for boost/braking.
- Fourth fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking.
In comparison to conventional hybrid systems, the GHC design is claimed to provide better combined city/highway fuel economy, better performance, and better towing capability.
More details in the full press release after the jump.
[Source: DaimlerChyrsler]
GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW Premiere Unprecedented Hybrid Technology
