What is it? Unlike previous hybrids, the Vue Plug-In will have an electrical plug to charge up from a common 110/120v household electrical outlet. GM says it will use a two kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery that will take four to five hours to recharge. That will give the Vue Plug-In a range of 10 miles on battery power without starting the engine. Lots of details remain to be worked out, including whether the vehicle will be able to drive in electric-only mode at higher speeds. GM claims it will be able to get twice the fuel economy of the standard Vue for short trips within the 10-mile electric range.

What is new or notable? This will likely be GM's first plug-in electric vehicle, previewing their more ambitious series hybrid Chevrolet Volt architecture. The Volt uses an all electric powertrain with an engine or fuel cell to charge the batteries. The Vue is more like a traditional hybrid that can be plugged in for additional fuel mileage.

When will it be available? General Motors says sometime in 2010.

Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z

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