Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
MPG & MSRP:
Automatic (2WD) 18/21, $30,345
Automatic (4WD) 17/19, $31,835

A mild hybrid, GM's first offering to the public is more about adding the convenience of electric power for accessories than the benefit of fuel economy or emissions. Also available as the GMC Sierra, these hybrid pickups feature GM's 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups. The GM hybrid pickups feature four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical auxiliary power outlets under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed that can accommodate up to four accessories while driving or when parked. With this auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition. The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the engine down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits. What makes these pickup trucks more fuel-efficient is a compact electric motor that generates up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power. This is used in lieu of a traditional starter/alternator. As with most hybrids, at a stoplight the gasoline engine stops running. When the light turns green and the driver releases the brake, the gasoline engine kicks in again.