Chevy Silverado Hybrid Truck

By: Kara Gilmour
Staff Writer
Published: Oct 9, 2009

Chevy Silverado Hybrid Truck Information

General Motors (GM) did a great job when designing the new Chevy Silverado Hybrid Truck. The GM Hybrid is equipped with an advanced electric system to deliver a broader driving range. In addition, Silverado has been used by many professionals including construction job sites because of its durability and fuel efficiency.

Chevy Silverado has a new two-Mode system that is used to help with fuel economy. This full-size pickup can achieve 40 percent greater fuel economy than its conventional counterpart. The Silverado Hybrid has a starting price of $38,020. It can deliver up to 22 MPG (miles per gallon) on the highway.

While the Chevy Hybrid doesn't offer the best mileage, it does have a more powerful gasoline engine than other hybrids. It is equipped with a standard 6.0L, V-8, gasoline engine and a towing capacity of 6,100 pounds.

The full-size pickup achieves 40 percent greater city fuel economy. GM also improved its overall fuel economy by 25 percent. The Silverado Hybrid has been named the most fuel-efficient truck on the market by GM.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system works with a powerful 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine. The system provides all-electric driving at low speeds. The Chevy pickup has a towing capacity of 6,100 pounds, even when the truck is in its low-speed mode. The engine features the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Late Intake Valve Closing (LIVC) technology. It is definitely one of the most powerful hybrids on the market.

If you've been shopping for a hybrid truck, you've probably seen the term "Electrically Variable Transmission" that comes equipped with the Silverado. This is a very advanced system that shares the gasoline engine with the ESS (Energy Storage System). The ESS involves a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The battery is located in the chassis beneath the rear seat.

Another nice feature is that the two-mode hybrid system is completely seamless. The vehicle can operate solely on electricity at speeds up to 30 mph. The electric motor is less than half the size of those with single-mode hybrid systems. GM developed this technology and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities.

The Chevy Silverado Hybrid pickup has a 26-gallon fuel tank and offers a driving range of more than 500 miles. That is far more than the gasoline-version of the Silverado. The warranty covers both the powertrain and drivetrain for 5 Years or 100,000 miles.