Segway Battery
Segway Battery
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Flextreme From General Motors
NAIAS was a Saturn concept, the Flextreme, a vehicle which defies easy categorization. It was one of several vehicles GM management rolled out.
The Flextreme is a concept plug-in hybrid, representing a possible new styling direction for Saturn. GM is heading having a dedicated plug-in hybrid. They’re hoping to have a plug-in VUE (also rolled out at the NAIAS) and the company is working fast on bringing the Chevrolet Volt to market.
The Flextreme’s proposed 34 mile all-electric, emissions-free range doesn’t sound like much, but for the person commuting to work, it should cover the vast majority of commutes. I can imagine that when someone pulls up at their place of business, electrical outlets will be available to recharge the Flextreme during the 9-10 hours the person is at work. Once home, they can recharge their car again.
GM is looking at also placing a 1.3L diesel engine in the vehicle which would help extend the driving range of the Flextreme and recharge the battery. The automaker says it would only take about three hours to fully recharge a tapped out Flextreme battery.
The above feature with the Segway compartment I did not notice at the show, but it is an intriguing one nonetheless. Just think: if you need to get around the work or school campus once you park your Flextreme, then a Segway can be rolled out and used instead.
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