New Buick crossover joins Chevy Volt on GM’s hybrid lineup

Hybrid and all-electric vehicles have gained a reputation for boasting small spaces with great mileage. That isn’t attractive for those who have to move lots of people or cargo, and apparently GM hasn’t forgotten that segment of customers.

The company just confirmed rumors that it will be producing a Buick crossover vehicle in 2011 that takes advantage of GM’s plug-in hybrid technology. An earlier version of the crossover will also debut in 2010 that uses direct-injected gasoline engines and that’s expected to ring in at 30 miles per gallon.

This is a step in the right direction for GM because it puts them at the forefront of filling a need so far ignored in the auto industry. It’s also providing some synergies for the company as parts of the Chevy Volt’s makeup will be repurposed – chiefly lithium-ion batteries.

LG Chem - the supplier of our battery cells for the Volt - has also been selected to supply the lithium-ion cells for the new Buick plug-in hybrid, and its Troy, Mich.-based subsidiary Compact Power will supply the pack. According to a company press release.

A 3.6L V-6 flex-fuel engine and electric motor will work in tandem or separately in the hybrid version, adjusting depending on road conditions. It will be rechargeable in a standard 110 volt outlet, similar to the Chevy Volt.

One significant difference from the Chevy Volt though is the range available on electric-only mode. The Buick crossover hybrid version is able to make it about 10 miles before needing a kick from the gasoline engine, that’s compared to the Chevy Volt’s 40 miles.

Still, for the segment GM is targeting that shouldn’t be too much of a deterrent because they’re used to much worse mileage. If production stays on schedule, this could provide a significant wedge for GM as it pushes back toward profitability.