Saturn Vue Hybrid 2-Mode Plug-In Vehicle type: Crossover sport utility.
The Crosslane is a coupe, a convertible, a high-riding compact S.U.V., and, for good measure, a dual-mode plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid.
Similar to the research already done on the Saturn Vue, the same two-mode plug-in drivetrain will be used, according to anonymous GM sources.
To qualify, vans cannot expel more than 75 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer and be capable of at least 60 miles of range between charges, or 10 miles in purely electric mode for plug-in hybrids.
In car mode, the plug-in hybrid can rely on its electric motors and battery packs.
The choices are refreshingly straightforward (unlike the car's maddening Sync interface for infotainment systems), and, I think, would logically become a standard way of offering multiple modes in plug-in hybrids.
Plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles appear to be the next wave in helping transition from a gasoline-based transportation infrastructure to an electric-grid-sourced mode, though most plug-in scenarios ultimately rely on having the electric utilities converted from fossil sources to renewable generation in the long run.
Also, in recognition of the multiple operating modes that a plug-in hybrid can be built with (all-electric, blended, and gasoline-only), for the new fuel economy and environment label that will be mandatory in the U.S. beginning in model year 2013, EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSAA) issued two separate fuel economy labels for plug-in hybrids.
Regarding firmware v4.2, a "USB Auto-Connect" option will automagically revert the handheld into USB mode when plugged in but not during gameplay and it won't charge during gameplay either.
