Two-Mode hybrid may be a one hit wonder for Daimler, BMW
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jul 20th 2009 at 9:34AM 
Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery
What started as a very promising collaboration between General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and BMW is looking increasingly like a technological dead end. The two-mode hybrid system originally developed by General Motors' former Allison division for transit buses was to be adapted to light-duty applications by the three (later four after the DCX divorce) automakers. The system, which was designed to provide efficiency benefits at highway speeds as well as in urban stop and go driving, is mechanically complex and very expensive to build.
GM has applied it to many of its full size trucks and SUVs. However, the first Chrysler SUV application was short-lived and Chrysler's only other announced plan is the Ram pickups in 2010.
The Germans, meanwhile, created a repackaged version of the two-mode transmission that will appear in the Mercedes ML450 and BMW X6 later this year. Those will likely be the only applications of the system for the German brands. Future hybrids are likely to use a cheaper, more modular system – possibly derived from the mild hybrid system developed by Daimler and BMW. Both automakers are also looking at other technologies, including battery electrics, as an alternative. The Two-Mode alliance will likely be dissolved by the end of this year.
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt 11:19AM (7/20/2009)
I saw one of the ML450 hybrids on I-20/59 a few weeks ago near the Tuscaloosa, AL assembly plant. It had a manufacturer's plate and apparently didn't want me getting a good look. When I noticed what it was I started to get behind it for a quick iphone snapshot, and he quickly accelerated to well over 100 mph (paranoid much?). Anyway, they're fast, but I did snag a couple of crappy pics :)
I'm not sure they'll be worth the premium, but it's another step in the right direction for sure.
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Chris M 9:45PM (7/20/2009)
The dualmode hybrid transmission is much more complex, thus more expensive, than the hybrid designs from Toyota and Ford. The dualmode hybrids can get marginally better fuel economy at freeway speeds compared to an equivalent Toyota/Ford hybrid, but it is doubtful the minor improvement is worth the additional cost.
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