Is the Silverado a hybrid or not?

[bookrats]

I think not. Take a look at [url=http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/columnists/story.html?id=7ba42770-f37f-4db3-9a3c-bbb1576f9ff6]this article from canada.com.

In short, it's a truck whose engine shuts down when it stops. The electric motor does not provide power to the rear wheels (except maybe under heavy loads?)

The electric motor does drive the power steering pump, though. (?!!)

Sounds like a GM vehicle to me. (Though the author thinks, viewed as "just a truck", that it's pretty good (for GM, anyway)).

[eg239]

I'd say technically, yes. Since it does draw some power from the electric motor, and since it does kill the engine at idle without having to restart it from the ignition, it fits a couple of hybrid requirements. Theoretically though I'd have to say no because... well the electric motor doesn't really do much now does it?

[john1701a]

The Silverado is most definitely *NOT* a hybrid!!!

It is nothing but a glorified traditional vehicle.

There is no blending of any kind.

The electric-motor does not provide any propulsion help whatsoever.

All GM did was increase the size of the already existing battery and already existing starter. That's it! The auto-stop/start feature is just a behavioral change, kind of like the fuel-cut feature already exisiting in many traditional vehicles.

The system doesn't provide any benefit on the highway at all either. A zero percent improvement is hardly worthy of the "hybrid" label.

[Frank Hudon]

does anyone really need a 5.7 or 6 liter V8 powered generator? a 4horse power Honda generator would provide as much power as this thing would. After the word gets out that this thing drinks gas just to use your Skill saw I doubt they will even sell 100.

[bookrats]

does anyone really need a 5.7 or 6 liter V8 powered generator? a 4horse power Honda generator would provide as much power as this thing would.

Exactly. The "duh" economics (i.e., buy a separate generator at <$$) make you wonder who the heck they're selling it to.

[Wolfman]

The Silverado is just another example of how hopelessly clueless Garbage Motors really is.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

The 2005 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid uses a system similar to that used by Honda. Here is the press release.

[Tempus]

The silverado system is nothing like the Honda system.

The electric motor is a glorified starter motor, and can be used as an electric generator, but it doesn't push the vehicle at all.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

The silverado system is nothing like the Honda system.

The electric motor is a glorified starter motor, and can be used as an electric generator, but it doesn't push the vehicle at all.

From the Auto123.com article:

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. The added torque provided by the electric motor will be appreciated by those that pull heavy loads, as it comes on immediately without hesitation, generating up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power.

Unlike Toyota's 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 the same as used by Honda.

[Bill60546]

I agree with Wolfman and John1701A.

An increase in MPG from 15 to 17 is an improvement, lame, but atleast its an increase. If GM really had the technology, or management with true leadership skills, a Silverado that got 30MPG would be something to be proud of. But now, its a day late and a dollar short. Maybe GM should visit Toyota in IN to see how the new Tundra Hybrid is coming along?