Is the Silverado a hybrid or not?

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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:

 

GM

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?

 

From the Canada article, and most others:

Chevy's Silverado, though quite similar in construction to the Honda design, sends no power from its electric generator to the rear wheels. It does not aid acceleration, does not propel the truck from a stoplight and does not drive the rear wheels under light loads.

What it does do is allow the gas engine to stop at lights and save the fuel normally wasted during idling. This is where most of the 15% fuel economy savings GM is claiming for the Silverado come from. The system also drives the power steering pump, which also reduces drag. There are a few other details, but that's basically it. Again, no motive force from the electric motor goes to the rear wheels.

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It's 'similar' to the Honda system in that it has an electric motor that is bound to the ICE and cannot run independently.

That's about it.

If Honda's system is 'mild' then we need a new even wimpier word to describe the GM system.

But it a big starter motor does not a hybrid make.

 

Re: GM

But it's a bigger absolute saving in fuel than going from, say, 45 to 55.

15000 miles @ 15 mpg = 1000 gallons
15000 miles @ 17 mpg = 882 gallons: saving = 118 gallons = $236

15000 miles @ 45 mpg = 333 gallons
15000 miles @ 55 mpg = 273 gallons: saving = 60 gallons = $120

 

I think the proper term is: lowbrid

 

I always thought that hybrid vehicles here propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They could either be parallel (like the Honda) where both are connected to the drive train and share the work; series, where an internal combustion engine runs at a constant speed, turning a generator, which in turn charges the batteries and/or drives the wheels through an electric motor; or series-parallel (like the Prius) that sometimes operates as a parallel hybrid and sometimes as a series hybrid.

If this is true, what kind of hybrid is the Silverado? My conventional car has batteries, an alternator, and a starter. If I start turning the car off at stoplights can I call it a hybrid? I'm all for having hybrid power plants available for SUVs and pickup trucks, however, the Silverado is by no stretch of the imagination a hybrid vehicle. It is equipped with a fuel saving system and the generator can be used to run small power tools.

To quote a famous engineer "If you put wheels on your grandmother, she wouldn't be a wagon."

 

Really? Better check my sig.

I love my Dodge truck. You will have to pry my cold dead hands from the steering wheel to take it from me. I have 104K miles on the odometer, and use it for all manner of hauling, towing, and in some cases recreation. I bought a diesel so that it would last a VERY long time, and get the best possible fuel mileage for the vehicle's size. 23mpg ain't bad for a 6600 pound full size 3/4 ton truck.

You'll also have to shoot me first before you'll take my Prius. I love it just as much as the Dodge, and enjoy the 50 55 mpg that I've been able to receive from that car. As a commuter, and trip vehicle, it cannot be beat.

Now comes my latest acquisition - a 2004 Goldwing. My first pleasure ride on it came back with 40.8 mpg - not bad at all for a 6 cylinder touring barge of a motorcycle that will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Performance, comfort, fun, AND fuel economy all in one package.