GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi everyone,thought a few might find this interesting, we built a pilot truck this last week. contractors will love this truck, it has 110 outlets in the box and it quits running when you pull up to a stop sign or light and starts automatically when you step on the gas and let off the brake. pretty cool!! http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/env ... 52002.html

See, now explain this to me.The way I understand it, the gas engine shuts off, and then starts again. Isn't it proven that constantly starting and stopping an engine wastes more gas than idling would? That start process, from what I understand, repeatededly done is wasteful...

between the engine and transmission there is a big generator and it charges this big condenser under the rear seat when coming to a stop the condenser takes over and the engine quits, and electric pump keeps the power steering running. it isn't like you stop the engine by turning the key its instant on instant off. (to technical for me, maybe nova can explain it). it also has 110 outlets in the box and cab. here is another link.http://media.gm.com/events/productsemin ... NEW.pdfits shows how it works and other options

sounds like a hybrid vehicle

PHT: Parallel Hybrid Truck

quote:PHT: Parallel Hybrid TruckToday I drove a Parallel Hybrid Truck. I put it in neutral and park let it idle and a minute later the engine died and I touched the gas pedal and it started automatically, it did the same thing when i put the brake on in drive. the power steering is run by an electric motor when the engine isn't running. Needless to say I was Impressed, real nice option for the contractor in the family. (Shameless plug for GM trucks) We should be building saleable trucks in a few monthsWow, how technology is showing up on the new cars and trucks pretty soon we'll have speak and go.

quote: I touched the gas pedal and it started automatically, it did the same thing when i put the brake on in drive. LOL. Just like those gas powered golf karts! Pedal-down, starts and goes. Pedal-up, engine cuts out. Now...finally a TRUCK I can chase the penguin in. Silly penguin, he belongs in a zoo.Sorry, just watched too much "Billy Madison" the past week.

quote:Scherry2, I think Johny Cash has the song where he worked on the line and he took parts home in his lunch box over so many years. After it was all said and done, he put the car together and it had parts from like 1950-1970 or something like that. Good song. One Piece at a Time

quote:See, now explain this to me.The way I understand it, the gas engine shuts off, and then starts again. Isn't it proven that constantly starting and stopping an engine wastes more gas than idling would? That start process, from what I understand, repeatededly done is wasteful...Quite the contrary! Idling for more than about 10 seconds in a modern, fuel injected car uses more fuel than re-starting.This should be just the rig for our next blackout! (Can power a lot more than a Vibe!)

quote:Scherry2, I think Johny Cash has the song where he worked on the line and he took parts home in his lunch box over so many years. After it was all said and done, he put the car together and it had parts from like 1950-1970 or something like that. Good song. One Piece at a Time27 years and only 3 to go and your telling my secret. LOL

Just for clairifications sake....as I was reading the link...it said the truck had a pair of 110 outlets in the truck/bed. At first, I was under the imoression it had 110 outlets located throughout the truck/bed.Jim

quote:Just for clairifications sake....as I was reading the link...it said the truck had a pair of 110 outlets in the truck/bed. At first, I was under the imoression it had 110 outlets located throughout the truck/bed.it has 2 plugins under the rear seat and 2 pluggins on the inside of the box on the right side they look just like house plugs.they are 110/220 plugs (you can plug in a 110 or 220 into the same plug) the extra battery is under the seat and weighs 200 lbs.

Looks like the first produciton unit is being given to Miami-Dade Countyhttp://media.gm.com/servlet/Ga...=3640