GM Delivers Worlds First Full-Size Hybrid Pickup to Florida

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 with the worlds first full-size HEV pickup truck.

GM introduced its "FlexPower" hybrid Chevrolet Silverado to the media at the 10th National Clean Cities Conference and Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Later in May, GM will deliver fifty new Chevrolet Silverado extended cab hybrid pickups to Miami-Dade County for fleet use. No doubt this will just be the first of such orders, with governments and environmentally conscious corporations quick to pick up on trends that prove

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)

But the Silverado 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 garner from 10 to 12 percent

A hybrid Sierra will also be offered, also capable of boasting "best fuel economy of any full-size truck" specifications. (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 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

In the hybrid truck, GM replaces the conventional electric starter and alternator with a compact electric motor. (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

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

The new GM hybrid pickups do take advantage of regenerative braking, however, which uses the kinetic energy developed by braking to recharge the batteries.

Relatd Vehicle Listings