Hands-On: GM’s 2009 Silverado Hybrid
By Chuck CageSummary/Conclusions
One wonders why trucks weren’t the first target for hybrid technology. In our experience, many Toolmongers drive more truck than they need on a daily basis in order to retain the capability to haul large loads, tow a heavy trailer for work (or a big-ass boat or camper for fun), or off-road.The Silverado’s complex drive system boosts its EPA-estimated MPG from 14/19 to 20/22 — a pretty significant increase. If you do a good chunk of city driving and put about 15,000 miles a year on your truck, opting for the hybrid would save you around $1,000 annually. Though GM hasn’t released pricing yet — we drove an early production sample — we did hear that the Silverado’s hybrid option would likely ring up a bit lower than the similar option on SUVs, so expect to pay $3,000 to $4,000 for it.
So we guess it’d just about pay for itself in three years. Your mileage may, of course, vary significantly. If you’re easy on the throttle and don’t haul very often, you might see significantly more than 20/22. (Or if you’re Sean, you’ll probably see a lot less.) And the more you drive — and the more the price of gas climbs — the more you save. If you qualify for state or federal hybrid-purchase tax breaks, this might be a no-brainer. At least you can drive to work in the carpool lane.
One thing’s certain: After driving it, there’s no doubt in our minds that the Silverado hybrid retains its capability as a truck — including a 6,000 lb. towing capacity. (Considering GM’s recent experience with hybrid SUVs, this isn’t surprising.) Four-wheel-drive versions will be available later next year.
Note: Don’t miss our test drive video — boat and all.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Note that “driving in the carpool lane” is state dependant — do that in Georgia solo and you’ll be getting a nasty ticket, hybrid or not.
Good to see that hybrid technology is coming to a wider range of vehicles though.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
About time. They have been making hybrid trains since the 30’s figured they could scale it down to a truck
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:04 am
[...] Hands-On: GM’s 2009 Silverado Hybrid Think battery power and regenerative braking are only for granola-eating hippies? Think again. GM was kind enough to give us a little time with their new-for-2009 (read: available in the first half of next year) Silverado hybrid. And we tried something you can’t do with a Prius: We tooled around town with three people onboard — and a 20′ SeaRay boat out back. [...]