2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid: "A no-compromises truck"

[Ming]

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
Source: GM
6/17/08



Partnering General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, the Silverado Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving up to 30 mph (48 km/h). That allows fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2WD models is 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway; 4WD models are estimated at 20 mpg in both city and highway driving. That mileage, combined with the Silverado Hybrid’s 26-gallon (98 L) fuel tank, delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles with 2WD models and more than 470 miles with 4WD models.

“The Silverado Hybrid’s combination of efficiency and capability make it a no-compromises truck for customers who work and play hard, but want greater fuel economy,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The Silverado Hybrid is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models. Each model is equipped with several standard, popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. Silverado Hybrid also offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags, and it is the only full-size truck with five-star side-impact ratings in federal crash tests.

The Silverado Hybrid’s fuel-saving performance is derived from GM’s advanced Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM’s hybrid technology system not only enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.

As part of the vehicle’s emission control system, the ESS is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

With GM’s two-mode hybrid system, the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.
The two-mode hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities. Scaled-down for use in passenger vehicles, the two-mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. The two-mode system was first introduced on the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid. It is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

With the fuel savings of the hybrid system and Silverado’s 26-gallon (98-liter) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

Integration of the hybrid system on the Silverado is seamless – the battery pack is located beneath the rear seat – and delivers a quiet driving experience. Contributors to this include:

* New exhaust system and resonator tuned for the 6.0L engine’s Active Fuel Management operation
* Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality
* Low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
* Electrically driven 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the standard, tri-zone HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off
* Electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
* Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants

Along with quietness, the Silverado Hybrid also delivers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks and a new hydraulic body mount. Located on the passenger side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides a dramatic improvement in highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or choppy road surfaces.

In addition to increased fuel economy, the Silverado Hybrid’s electrically variable transmission also provides tremendous trailering capability, enhancing driving smoothness and quality when towing. Towing capacity is 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg) with 2WD models and 5900 pounds (2,676 kg) with 4WD models.

Electric drive is enabled up to approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), even when towing, allowing fuel savings when the truck is towing a trailer.

The EVT incorporates grade braking and tap up/tap down shift control. It also benefits towing on curves or lower-speed back roads, as exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate the “shift shock” torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts, such as when slowing or braking.

http://www.autospectator.com/cars/mo...lverado-hybrid

[ChevyRules]

I would say a drop anywhere from 8-10,500 lb. to 5900-6100 lb. in towing capacity is a compromise.......

[DarkKnight67]

What will it cost? If it's anything like the Tahoe Hybrid, I can't see many people jumping right on for a $50,000 truck.

[WishIhadatruck]

A Hybrid Suburban would appeal to me the most but this would be my 2nd choice for a hybrid towing vehicle. I'm curious how this will compare to the diesel 1/2 ton that will be available in a couple of years.

Mileage is pretty impressive, just as good as the Tahoe. Better hwy for the 2wd actually. I love the look of the crew cab 1/2 tons. I'll pass on the big hybrid stickers however.

[drew630]

Originally Posted by ChevyRules

I would say a drop anywhere from 8-10,500 lb. to 5900-6100 lb. in towing capacity is a compromise.......

Yep, another reason the 4.5L diesel is more appealing to me.

[rueben44]

Great but why is it only 20/22 when the Tahoe with all the extra weight 20/21? Shouldn't it get about 23/24 or something like that? Also how much will it cost?

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by ChevyRules

I would say a drop anywhere from 8-10,500 lb. to 5900-6100 lb. in towing capacity is a compromise.......

There is some compromise but if you equip a non-hybrid 1/2 ton for max fuel economy you end up with a 6600/7500 lb rating for 2wd/4wd crew cabs. Not such a huge drop.

As for 1/2 tons towing 10,000+ lbs it is pretty unusual to find a trailer properly loaded (other than a boat perhaps) that the tounge weight won't put you over your rear axle weight rating or GVWR. Those numbers are for spec. sheet bragging mostly. Tounge weights should be 10-15% so a 10k lb trailer will have a tounge weight of 1000-1500 lbs. Of course a Chevrolet truck has a lot more payload capacity than a Tundra so it would stand the best chance of not getting overloaded, just don't bring any heavy passengers.

Originally Posted by drew630

Yep, another reason the 4.5L diesel is more appealing to me.

I think you're right, it probably will be more appealing. It shouldn't give up anything at all in the towing dept. I wonder if the 4.5L will be a more fuel efficient option for the 2500HD's compared to the 6.6L?

[ColinOpseth]

That's almost the same mileage (better city, even) than I got in my 2006 G6 GTP. And that car had a 3.9L V6 and couldn't pull more than a 1000 pound trailer. Great job, GM.

[leelander]

gm has already stated that the new 4.5 will(supposedly) get 20% better mileage than the gas engines that we have now. as for the the 2 mode tahoes-we had 2, and they both went before we could even clean them and put them on the lot. it's funny-they sound like big golf carts-until the gas engine kicks in.

[Canyonaro]

This is exciting news, although for me the cost for cost I would probably go the 4.5l diesel route. But in the end more good choices for trucks should be great for the General.

[FenwickHockey65]

I'm guessing that this will cost maybe around $35,000 or so.
I'll go for the 4.5L Duramax instead.

[Bvonscott]

^^ Think at least $50 grand

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Bvonscott

^^ Think at least $50 grand

I don't think so. It's not a Tahoe or something. And the regular Silverado starts at around $20k. The regular Tahoe starts at $35k. So theoretically, the Silverado Hybrid should cost less.

[mcool]

Originally Posted by WishIhadatruck

A Hybrid Suburban would appeal to me the most but this would be my 2nd choice for a hybrid towing vehicle. I'm curious how this will compare to the diesel 1/2 ton that will be available in a couple of years.

Mileage is pretty impressive, just as good as the Tahoe. Better hwy for the 2wd actually. I love the look of the crew cab 1/2 tons. I'll pass on the big hybrid stickers however.

I want to see a hybrid Avalanche.

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I don't think so. It's not a Tahoe or something. And the regular Silverado starts at around $20k. The regular Tahoe starts at $35k. So theoretically, the Silverado Hybrid should cost less.

This is a fairly loaded Silverado Crew Cab, not a base model. A 2LT 2wd Crew Cab starts at $29,685 and the 4wd starts at $32,835. I'm guessing the equipment levels are close to the 2LT but not sure.