General Motors Corporation (GM) has been working on alternative automobile technology for some years now. The company spearheaded E-85 fuel usage in cars and the first to use turbochargers. As part of this company tradition, GM is working on developing its latest version of the Chevrolet hybrid, a hybrid version of the full-sized Tahoe SUV.

Apart from the Chevrolet hybrid, GM is offering the VUE Greenline and the Saturn Aura. More GM hybrid models are on its way to the market such as the Malibu mild hybrid, Yukon full hybrid, and two dual-mode hybrid versions of the VUE line.

Hybrid Technology

When a vehicle uses two or more unique fuel or power sources, you have a hybrid vehicle (HV). Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) include electric motors, internal combustion engines, and other rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS).

Driving an environment-friendly vehicle such as the Chevrolet hybrid can save the planet and fuel costs. Hybrid buyers can also qualify for government tax credits and other on-road driving benefits.

Chevrolet Full Hybrid

GM's original plan was to employ a mild hybrid version of the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. This has changed and GM has developed a full Chevrolet hybrid using two-mode hybrid technology.

When released in 2008, the Tahoe Chevrolet hybrid model will have electric motors designed to aid the 300hp V8 engine and located inside its transmission. The hybrid is expected to have plenty of power to supply the cars's full SUV needs.

The new Tahoe hybrid version will have modified front grille and front airdam to allow more airflow to cool down. It will have reconfigured running boards, rear spoiler and a shiftier aerodynamic contour.

One great thing about the Tahoe hybrid is that it can tow up to 6000 pounds of weight. Not even Toyota hybrids can do that right now. It will use dual mode hybrid technology. One drive mode will aid the vehicle during slow, city cruising. The other engine will be used during highway cruising.

The Chevrolet hybrid can lock the electric motors out of the drive train when high-power is required by the vehicle. With the use of aluminum in the hood and tailgates, the Tahoe Chevrolet hybrid is 300 pounds lighter. It allows Tahoe drivers to save as much as 25 percent on fuel in combined city and highway cruising.

New EPA Fuel Economy Labels

The relationship between EPA fuel efficiency scores and real world performance is one important factor when it comes to assessing various hybrid vehicles. Recently, EPA suggested new assessment modifications to create more accurate fuel economy ratings.

Four years from now, carmakers will be required to evaluate and assess fuel-efficiency scores from three various tests. The three cycles of tests include cold-weather operation, use of air-conditioning system at high temperatures, and high-speed intense car driving.

These EPA scoring modifications will allow car buyers to make better decisions when purchasing a car. More hybrid cars will rank better than others once these additional EPA assessments are used.

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