GM started previewing its new "dual mode" hybrid technology to the press today. If the fuel consumption and cost premium estimates are true the vehicles could be a good investment.
GM was quoted by theSacramento Bee as saying that the 2008 Chevy Tahoe will get 25 percent better fuel economy than the current model. By my quick calculations, if gas stays at $3 a gallon and the Tahoe is driven 12,000 miles per year, that's $400 a year in savings, so even without considering the federal tax credit it would only take five years to get back the estimated $2000 premium.
GM is co-developing the technology with DaimlerChrysler and BMW, and is adding the ability to selectively turn off cylinders when they are not needed.
Regardless of your opinion of SUVs, it's better to have models that are more efficient on the road than the current versions with MPG ratings that are too young to vote. Hopefully we'll quickly see a rollout of many hybrid trucks and SUVs.
