So, the day has come. The new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid goes on sale for 71,685 dollars. The Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations.
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The new Cadillac delivers up to 6,000 pounds of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds on 4WD models. All of Escalade's standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition.
Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.
The Escalade's 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. The Escalade's 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a luxury SUN.
In the city this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.
GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (ENT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work in concert with the standard 6.OL V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising.
This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.OL V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.
The key to Escalade's 2-Mode hybrid system is the electric power used to propel the vehicles is generated by hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed. Its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems.
This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in several dozens of major North American cities. ■