Hybrid Vehicles Guide

Overview: With plenty of power and torque on tap, the Silverado Hybrid shows truck owners that a hybrid vehicle doesn’t just have to be a small car. The Silverado is every bit as capable as its gasoline-only brothers, and though it only offers a slight increase in fuel economy, it brings its own unique set of features to the table. With lots of features and nifty options, we think that this truck is a solid entrant into a crowded market.

Detail: We don’t quite understand how you can take a pickup truck, which is typically associated with being the “workhorse” of an automotive lineup, and strap a hybrid power train to it. And, even if it can be done, will it even make a difference?

To answer our questions, we are testing a brand new Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, fully optioned out. This truck has 300 horsepower and 330 torque on tap, and has a tow rating of that is equal to the gasoline-only variants. It is powered by the same 5.3 liter V8 that powers the other Silverado’s.

What’s the Difference?

This truck contains two 110 volt batteries which are connected to the hybrid system. This vehicle has the advantage of being able to power standard electric devices, such as a power saw or laptop, without having to purchase an expensive electrical converter. Simply plug the appliance into a power jack and enjoy.

We noticed that the truck was much quieter when traveling at low speeds through town. We can only assume that this is the electric motor doing its thing. When puttering around, the truck operates and feels the same as the other trucks, only the hybrid experiences a modest increase in fuel economy. All of the variations of the V8, hybrid or not, operate using regular gasoline. With gas prices as high as they are, that’s a good thing.

In Closing…

With the government offering $2,000 cash back on the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, there is no reason not to purchase a Silverado hybrid. The hybrid model only costs an additional $2,500, and after the rebate, a mere $500. Even if you plan on owning this truck for only a year, you’re likely to see some kind of return on your dollar.

The price of the truck isn’t the issue. It comes down to usability, and whether or no the Silverado hybrid is really worth your time. The modest increase in fuel economy might not be as pronounces as we’d like, but the addition of standard electrical plugs and other small features are actually a nice touch.