Chevy Hybrid Silverado Review

[FireEngineer]

An interesting small review of the "Hybrid" Silverado in use as a work truck. Note the "increase" of 1 mpg over a regular Silverado.

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/sh...rticle&partID=1

Wayne

[bruceha_2000]

I like this article, tells it mostly like it is. ie, you aren't going to get enough power from those 110 outlets to REALLY do contractor level work. There is at least 1 point of potential confusion

Ride. When the gasoline motor shuts down and the battery takes over, the mechanical transition between power sources is seamless. However, signs of the transition appear elsewhere: The air conditioner blows warmer air and there is a 1/2-second stutter when you step on the gas before the gasoline engine kicks back in. This small hesitation is somewhat annoying, and during this pause, the vehicle rolls as if it's in neutral.

. The Silverado can not be driven on electric alone. And they DO seem to know that:

the Silverado never drives solely on its batteries. Instead, the battery kicks on to operate vehicle systems when stopped, like for a traffic signal.

I think I would find a 1/2 second delay starting the engine at a stop a bit annoying. And I'm not sure but this quote suggests that the engine shuts down if you are coasting, but not stopped. I don't think I'd care for that either.

[john1701a]

How does one measure a 1 MPG difference?

The margin of error is that around 1 MPG. So realistically, it would be difficult to prove any improvement at all.

[krooster1234]

Needless to say, another laughable product by GM... I feel sorry for their employees, because their future looks bleak IMO....

[TonyPSchaefer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a\";p=\"51200)</div>

How does one measure a 1 MPG difference?
The margin of error is that around 1 MPG.  So realistically, it would be difficult to prove any improvement at all.[/b]

Maybe it's a very large value of 1. ;-)

Someone else predicted Chevy's next move: note that the sales of the hybrid Silverado is terrible and therefore summize that the American truck owner simply does not want a hybrid truck. Then snub the hybrid 'fad' and move on with super-sized, conventional trucks.

[flareak]

"chevy is taking strides to help protect our future" the article says?

strides my buttocks

[Sun__Tzu]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(flareak\";p=\"52453)</div>

\"chevy is taking strides to help protect our future\" the article says?
[/b]

Was the article written by someone at Toyota?
: )

[Frank Hudon]

that article alone will cost GM thousands,well maybe not, but hundreds of sales. If you don't think that the contracting trade guys don't listen to that sort of thing, think again. To call an auto-stop/auto-start a hybrid is nonsensical in the extreme but to think that people will by a 350 cubic inch powered generator and use it day in and day out must have been the dumbest thing that ever came out of the GM board room. What were they thinking of, a 9 horse power generator could do that work and on 1/64 the amount of gas. Boy's pick the gernerator up and put it in the back of your 1999 Silverado and go to work. 1 gallon of gas a day.

[john1701a]

Don't you find it fascinating knowing that electric motors provide low-end torque far better than an engine? And that torque is exactly what true pickup owners desire.

It won't take too terribly long before the market in general discovers this. Those die-hard supporters will really be torn. Will they jump the GM ship to get the better design. Or will they continue to show loyalty to the company, despite the shortcomings of their "hybrid" technology (which the electric motor doesn't provide any torque at all).

[V8Cobrakid]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(flareak\";p=\"52453)</div>

\"chevy is taking strides to help protect our future\" the article says?

strides my buttocks
[/b]

It's GM.. "our" future means "based off of dino oil" lol sad but true

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a\";p=\"52674)</div>

Don't you find it fascinating knowing that electric motors provide low-end torque far better than an engine?  And that torque is exactly what true pickup owners desire.

It won't take too terribly long before the market in general discovers this.  Those die-hard supporters will really be torn.  Will they jump the GM ship to get the better design.  Or will they continue to show loyalty to the company, despite the shortcomings of their \"hybrid\" technology (which the electric motor doesn't provide any torque at all).
[/b]

Does Toyota have a plan for a Hybrid Truck? With the electric engine.. it would get off the line faster.. and you could cruise further in "no arrows" mode. Not sure how helpful stealth would be though. If the truck is empy i guess.