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2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Preview

New Hybrid Alternative Makes Sense

With the current, previously unforeseen fuel prices ruining the financial forecasts of countless contracting businesses, it only makes sense to get more fuel efficient pickup trucks and SUVs to market as soon as possible.

Toyota could have had an edge in this segment if it had introduced its full-hybrid system fitted to a Tundra, but some analysts would say they dropped the ball. GM hasnt, however, and therefore will bring its new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra gasoline-electric hybrids to a dealership near you later this year.

No other automaker has announced what seems like an absolute no-brainer, stuffing a hybrid-electric system into a vehicle class that is infamous

Beating Toyota to the full-size hybrid truck segment, GM will bring its new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra gasoline-electric hybrids to market later this year. (Photo: General Motors)

for guzzling fuel. GM introduced its "FlexPower" hybrid powertrain to the media at the 10th National Clean Cities Conference and Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since the introduction GM delivered fifty new Chevrolet Silverado (the GMC Sierras clone) extended cab hybrid pickups to Miami-Dade County for fleet use. Without a doubt this will just be the first of such orders, with governments and environmentally

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. (Gary I. Rothstein, General Motors)

conscious corporations quick to realize that going green looks good in the public eye.

But GMs hybrid isnt just a way for politicians and corporate execs to get on the good side of environmentalists. Its also a much more efficient hauler than its gasoline-only powered equivalent. Starting with a 5.3-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission, the addition of an electric motor and battery power storage allows it to achieve 10 to 12 percent improvements in fuel economy over the standard Sierra 1500 pickup.

In the hybrid Sierra, GM replaces the conventional electric starter and alternator with a compact electric motor. (Photo: General Motors) align="justify">John Gaydash, GM Fleet and Commercial marketing director stated, "These hybrid pickups will save more fuel than gasoline-powered pickup trucks, with no compromise in performance or utility. In addition, Miami-Dade will now have the flexibility and productivity of generating wall-quality electrical power from the GM pickup truck when in remote locations."

In a nutshell, 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 there isnt any added torque provided by the electric motor to help

Where the GM system differs from Toyotas full-hybrid technology, is that it uses a partial- or mild-hybrid system. (Photo: General Motors)

out when towing heavy loads, but nevertheless the electric motor does supply power to the transmission that in-turn delivers torque smoothing to the drivetrain. Up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power is generated.

If youre familiar with a V8s usual gurgling exhaust note, or the chugging of an even louder diesel, youll probably get a bit of a shock when the hybrids engine stops running while the truck is stationary. Releasing the brake pedal will immediately spark the V8 engine to life, restoring full power.

Where the GM system differs from Toyotas full-hybrid technology, also adapted by Ford and soon Nissan, is that it uses what some experts consider a less sophisticated partial- or mild-hybrid system - similar to that used by Honda in its

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

Insight, Civic Hybrid and soon to be released Accord Hybrid. The jury is out as to which is better over the long haul, but partial systems are not considered quite as efficient as full-hybrid systems, being that the gasoline engine needs to be running while under way - unless coasting. Full-hybrid systems can drive on electric power alone, until the batteries need to be recharged at which time the gasoline engine restarts.

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