The Right Truck for the Right Time

Doing the "right thing" and opting for a hybrid vehicle (HEV) doesnt have to mean giving up practicality, even if you need the use of a truck. At least this will be true once the summer is over and the annual barrage of new vehicles start to go on sale across the nation.

At this time Honda and Toyota wont only be joined by Ford in the race for hybrid gasoline-electric buyers this fall, with the introduction of its long anticipated Escape Hybrid, but General Motors will be the worlds first to market with a full-size HEV pickup truck.

If there ever was an automotive application that needed hybrid power, the light truck category is it. GM introduced its "FlexPower" hybrid

General Motors will be the worlds first to market with a full-size hybrid pickup truck. (Photo: General Motors)

But the Silverado

GM Director of Fleet Marketing John P. Gaydash (l to r) hands the keys to Miami-Dade Fleet Services Manager Olga Diaz and Equipment Services Manager Martin Dareff. (Photo: Gary I. Rothstein, General Motors)

In the hybrid truck, GM replaces the conventional electric starter and alternator with a compact electric motor. (Photo: General Motors)

"These hybrid pickups will save more fuel than gasoline-powered pickup trucks, with no compromise in performance or utility. In addition, Miami-Dade [and all those that purchase a Silverado HEV] will now have the flexibility and productivity of generating wall-quality electrical power from the GM pickup truck when in remote locations," commented John Gaydash, GM Fleet and Commercial marketing director.

How does it work? GM replaces the conventional electric starter and alternator with a compact electric motor, itself integrated between the engine and transmission in a patented, space-efficient manner. Unfortunately

GM hybrid pickups take advantage of regenerative braking, which uses the kinetic energy developed by braking to recharge the batteries. (Photo: General Motors)

Those used to the regular rumble of a big V8 at idle, or an even louder diesel, will find the hybrid a bit of a shock when the engine stops running when the truck is stationary. Releasing the brake pedal will immediately spark the V8 engine to life and full power is restored.

Unlike Toyotas full-hybrid technology, also adapted by Ford and soon Nissan, the Silverado and Sierra trucks make use of a less sophisticated partial or mild-hybrid system - much

Two 120-volt, 20 amp (2,400 watt) electrical auxiliary power outlets are found under the rear bench seat and two in the pickup bed. (General Motors)

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