2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

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What is it?
2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

What's special about it?
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid won't be the first full-size hybrid pickup truck — a title already earned by the 2005 Chevy Silverado Hybrid. But that halfhearted mild hybrid didn't actually integrate an electric motor into the drivetrain like the 2009 edition will. And this makes all the difference in the world.

The essential element in the Silverado Hybrid is the same two-mode hybrid system that GM is using in the Tahoe and Yukon full-size SUV hybrids. Based on a system first developed for diesel-electric municipal transit buses, it puts two electric motors in the four-speed automatic transmission's case to create an Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT). The EVT mounts conventionally behind the truck's standard 332-horsepower 6.0-liter V8, and the first electric motor operates during low-speed work while the second powers the rear wheels at higher velocities. Both utilize electricity from a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack mounted inside the truck cab.

As with other hybrids, the batteries in the Silverado Hybrid are charged using regenerative braking and a direct connection with the gas engine. In order to maximize fuel mileage, the V8 features GM's cylinder-deactivation technology, which lets the engine run on just four cylinders during highway cruising. And the engine shuts down when the truck comes to a stop.

The combination of the hybrid and active fuel management technologies means the Silverado Hybrid can run up to 30 mph purely on electric power (even while towing) and run more often as a V4. This all adds up to 40 percent better fuel economy in city driving and a 25 percent improvement for the EPA's combined driving cycle. "Silverado Hybrid will deliver fuel economy comparable to many small and midsize trucks that are equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines," says Ed Peper, Chevrolet's general manager. "And all the while it will deliver the capability that customers expect of Chevy full-size trucks."

That capability includes a maximum payload of 1,459 pounds for the two-wheel-drive Silverado Hybrid and 1,418 pounds for models equipped with four-wheel drive. The 4x2 will be rated to tow 6,100 pounds, while the 4x4 can lug 5,900 pounds. All Silverado Hybrids will be crew cab four-doors with the short 69-inch cargo box on a 143.9-inch wheelbase.

Beyond excellent fuel economy, competitive performance and full-size truck ability, Chevrolet is promising that the Silverado Hybrid will be among the quietest and best-riding trucks it has ever built. Besides the obvious advantage of operating on electric power at low speed, the V8 has a new exhaust system and resonator tuned to work with the cylinder-deactivation system, the P265/65R18 tires are tuned for reduced road noise and the electrically driven air-conditioning compressor and power steering system will operate with reduced vibration. Chevy even promises that the fan cooling the battery pack will be whisper-quiet.

Smoothing out the body movements is a specific Z85 suspension tune. From the outside, about the only indication that the Silverado Hybrid is special will be the specific wheels, tonneau cover over the bed and a slightly deeper front airdam. Oh yeah, and those giant "Hybrid" graphics running down the side of the truck, too.

The duty cycle of a full-size pickup can be extreme. One day it's hauling nothing but its driver, then it's loaded down with five people and a couple of motorcycles, and finally it's towing a trailer big enough to pass for a Hyatt Regency. If GM has pulled off making a hybrid drivetrain work under all those circumstances, this truck could be a game-changer. And if GM has the guts, the hybrid system ought to work with the company's upcoming small diesel V8, too.

The Silverado Hybrid will go on sale in late 2008. Expect the price premium to run somewhere around $3,500.

What's Edmunds' take?
GM pulls off a hybrid trick even Toyota hasn't dared to attempt. — John Pearley Huffman, Contributor