LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid
Click image for hi-res gallery
GM is spreading the full-size 2-Mode hybrid wealth from its big SUVs to its trucks. While the last Silverado Hybrid's claim to fame was its ability to act as a worksite generator, the all-new 2009 version is designed to deliver markedly improved fuel economy. Powered by the same 332 hp/367 lb-ft 6.0L V8 hybrid drivetrain as the Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade hybrids, GM claims that the truck will see a 40% increase in city fuel economy and a 25% overall bump compared to its non-hybrid sibling, making it the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market (EPA numbers are still TBD). It can run in all-electric mode up to 30 mph, even when towing (up to 6,100 lbs). Depending on the state of battery charge, all-electric operation can continue for up to one full mile. GM engineers also implemented a number of improvements to make driving quieter under all conditions, which is a.) nice for the occupants and b.) makes for a more seamless transition between electric-only and engine-on modes. In addition to the quiet tuning, the Silverado Hybrid receives aero tweaks in the form of a new front air dam and a standard tonneau cover for the bed. The most obvious tradeoff owners have to make is the loss of some potential in-cabin cargo space, as the battery pack resides under the back seat. That floorspace is normally unoccupied in non-hybrid Silverados and can be used to haul items when the seat bottom is flipped up and out of the way. Some of that utility is obviously lost in this application. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect to pay a premium for the green tech when the truck arrives in showrooms during the latter half of 2008.
[Source: GM]
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Silverado Hybrid
PRESS RELEASE:
2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HYBRID IS THE INDUSTRY'S
MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT FULL-SIZE TRUCK
LOS ANGELES – Affirming its commitment to fuel solutions and truck leadership, Chevrolet announced the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, a full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market, besting the current V-8 leader – the non-hybrid Silverado.
Partnering General Motors' patented 2-Mode Hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, the Silverado Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance while maintaining full-size pickup capability. The hybrid system provides all-electric driving at low speeds, allowing fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. Silverado Hybrid can tow up to 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg).
"The Silverado Hybrid is the newest example of Chevy's heritage of truck innovation, which stretches back 90 years, and exemplifies Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Silverado Hybrid will deliver fuel economy comparable to many small and midsize trucks that are equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines – all while delivering the capability customers expect of Chevy full-size trucks."
The Silverado Hybrid goes on sale in late 2008 and is based on the award-winning Silverado platform that was introduced for the 2007 model year. It will be offered in the Crew Cab body style; 2WD and 4WD models. Each model features Silverado's "Pure Pickup" trim and comes standard with several popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package.
"Silverado has one of the broadest and deepest lineups of models, configurations and capabilities," said Peper. "The Silverado Hybrid adds to the breadth and depth of offerings, while carrying the core elements that make Silverado one of the most well-equipped and safest trucks in the market."
Silverado offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags; and is the only full-size truck with five-star side impact ratings in federal crash tests.
Hybrid details
The Silverado Hybrid's fuel-saving performance is derived from GM's advanced Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM's hybrid technology system not only enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.
With GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system, the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.
The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities. Scaled-down for use in passenger vehicles, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM's energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile's impact on the environment.
With the fuel mileage savings of the hybrid system and Silverado's 26-gallon (98-liter) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles – enough to drive from San Francisco to San Diego.
Quiet and smooth
Integration of the hybrid system on the Silverado is seamless – the battery pack is located in the chassis, beneath the rear seat – and perceptible only in what it lacks: noise.
"The Silverado Hybrid is exceptionally quiet," said Mark Cieslak, vehicle chief engineer. "From a passenger's perspective, the refinement of the hybrid system is quite evident throughout the driving experience, and showcases itself when the vehicle is moving under electric power."
Contributors to the quiet driving experience include:
* New exhaust system and resonator tuned for the 6.0L engine's Active Fuel Management operation
* Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality
* Low-rolling resistance, "quiet-tuned" P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
* Electrically driven 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. Includes the standard tri-zone HVAC system
* Electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
* Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants
Along with quietness, the Silverado Hybrid also delivers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks for its Z85 suspension and a new, hydraulic body mount. Located on the passenger-side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides a dramatic improvement in highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or choppy road surfaces.
"The hydraulic mount makes a dramatic improvement in ride quality," said Cieslak.
Additional details specific to the Silverado Hybrid include aerodynamic aids. A slightly deeper front air dam and a hard tonneau cover for the bed reduce air drag, fostering maximum efficiency. The tonneau cover has a three-segment design that enables easy folding or removal.
Trailering performance
In addition to increased fuel economy, the Silverado Hybrid's electrically variable transmission also provides tremendous trailering capability, enhancing the smoothness and driving quality when towing. Electric drive is enabled up to approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), even when towing, allowing fuel savings when the truck is towing a trailer.
"Along with being very smooth, the EVT always provides abundant torque at all RPM levels for easy towing," said Cieslak. "It is particularly helpful on grades, as the EVT's greater ratio spread allows the engine to hold optimal rpm for smooth, steady performance, with no hunting between higher and lower gears."
The EVT incorporates grade braking and tap up/tap down shift control. It also benefits towing on curves or lower-speed back roads, as exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate the "shift shock" torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts, such as when slowing or braking.
"All-around driving performance, whether towing or not, is excellent," said Cieslak. "The smoothness and quietness of the EVT is the icing on the cake that comes with fuel savings."
Hybrid heritage
The 2009 Silverado Hybrid is the second full-size hybrid pickup from Chevrolet. The previous-generation Silverado was offered as a mild hybrid that professionals found useful as a power generator at worksites.
The new Silverado Hybrid, which features GM's sophisticated hybrid system answers the needs of a broader range of customers and takes advantage of significant technological advances that have been realized since the previous hybrid was offered. The Silverado Hybrid joins the recently introduced Tahoe Hybrid, which also uses the 2-Mode system.
Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jim 11:24AM (3/16/2008)
My wife and I have a 2007 Tahoe, rated @ 21 MPG highway, and we have yet to get even close to that; our best was 17.1. I'am skeptical of these figures.
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Rick Esselink 8:02PM (11/11/2008)
I am in the market for a new truck. I like the concept of an HYBRID pick-up.
Hopwever I won't be buying one because of price.
There should be a price REDUCTION for buying an hybrid.
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Torstein 6:52PM (11/20/2008)
Still don't know if it's available as 1500, 2500 or 3500 series...............or?
Looks like it's only going to be available as crew cab!!!
In that case, unfortunately its' NOT FOR ME - I want 4 x 4 ext. cab only!!!!
I have to go looking at Ford, Dodge and ------ then!
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compy386 8:47AM (11/14/2007)
I can't believe GM is the first company to think of this. Trucks are the best vehicles to make into hybrids because they're the vehicles that need it the most. I think people who buy Priuses either really love the environment or are just really bad at math. It's not worth the cost. But on a big truck. Companies do tens of thousands of miles and spend a lot of money on fuel. a 40% (hell even a 10%) savings is a lot of money and worth the initial investment.
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Guenther 11:02AM (11/14/2007)
Why is it so hard to believe GM was first with this? Because engineering life in Warren and Pontiac looks like an episode of Hee-haw??? /sarcasm/
I still think the small diesel option will make more sense to commercial truck owners. One segment that could well benefit from the technologies on these vehicles is the livery business. If you can cut down idle times, especially in horrid NY traffic, you'll save a lot of fuel. A Town-boat gets about 10mpg in city driving.
nadnarb 5:59PM (11/15/2007)
Im sick of people saying Prius owners cant do math and are enviromental fruitcakes. I have a relative that drives one daily and is curently saving over $600 per month on gas and saved car payments after trading in her SUV. She gets about 54 mpg and is happier than anyone Ive seen with in one.
compy386 11:53PM (11/15/2007)
nadnarb - I'm not comparing SUVs to the Prius. Your friend could have gotten a Civic and probably get 40+ mpg. It would have save money. The battery in the Prius runs close to 5,000. I can almost guarantee that the Civic would save her more money in the long run unless she drives 30K+ miles a year.
Willem B 8:48AM (11/14/2007)
I like it.
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VP 9:03AM (11/14/2007)
Cargo space under the seats is fair tradeoff for this kind of awesome gas mileage. This would be a very nice truck for construction & other fleet owners.
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TBlueMax 9:05AM (11/14/2007)
Would like to see GM pair their 2-Mode Hybrid system with their upcoming 4.5L diesel V8. That would likely yield very significant gains in fuel economy but would likely drive the price even higher.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/gm-announces-clean-diesel-v8-for-pickups-and-the-hummer-h2/
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bfg0 2:56PM (11/14/2007)
That diesel engine looks awesome. I want to put one in the back of an '89 Porsche 911.
motorman 9:16AM (11/14/2007)
i hope it will be available in a basic truck not just the top of the line because that would make it cost as much as my 08 corvette.
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RMc 9:20AM (11/14/2007)
While I'm glad to see that the city efficiency is improved by "40%," the quoted 500 mile range on 26 gallons works out to just over 19 mpg. I guess that's a marginal improvement but a diesel would probably get 20% better yet.
I'm not really that impressed.
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Pete 9:32AM (11/14/2007)
You're not impressed because you really don't understand the engineering behind this stuff...
FThorn 9:37AM (11/14/2007)
You think the engineers are phoning it in?
Harvest 10:10AM (11/14/2007)
Be impressed.
The 2008 Silverado gets a combined average fuel economy of around 16 mpg. A 25% increase in this bumps that up to 20 miles per gallon. While this may not seem like as big an improvement as other hybrid drivetrains make when you look at the overall fuel savings the real difference comes out.
Compare this to the improvement the 33 mpg 2008 Hybrid Camry makes over the 26 mpg non-hybrid model.
At 20,000 annual miles the improved gas mileage of the Silverado saves...
20,000 miles / 16 mpg = 1,250 gallons
20,000 miles / 20 mpg = 1,000 gallons
1,250 - 1,000 = 250 gallons / year
Whereas the Camry only saves...
20,000 miles / 26 mpg = 769 gallons
20,000 miles / 33 mpg = 606 gallons
769 - 606 = 163 gallons / year
For every Full Size truck customer that GM convinces to buy a Hybrid Silverado they'll be conserving more fuel than each midsize car buyer Toyota convinces to upgrade to the Hybrid Camry. Pretty impressive... and better for all of us.
Detroit looks a little more green after all.
RMc 10:40AM (11/14/2007)
The 2008 Silverado 6.0L 4 Door 2wd (same configuration as pictured above) non-hybrid is rated at 18 mpg highway with a range of 468 miles (when using 100% highway mpg.)
"With the fuel mileage savings of the hybrid system and Silverado's 26-gallon (98-liter) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles – enough to drive from San Francisco to San Diego" ---Now I am assuming that the above quote is using 100% highway mpg. This works out to 19.23 mpg.
So, in other words, this hybrid has a gain in about 1 mpg highway?
I do agree that if you look at combined mileage, it looks much better because as we all know, hybrids show their improved efficiency at stop-and-go type city driving. If a potential buyer drives mostly stop-and-go below 35 mph, then this hybrid truck makes a lot of sense to them. Chevy is exploiting the 25% gain in overall mileage due to the major 40% improvement in city efficiency but the "cruising" efficiency is barely helping the overall efficiency.
But the fact that the highway efficiency is barely better than the standard 6.0L 4Dr 2WD, leaves me unimpressed.
Compare to a heavier, bigger diesel such as a Ram 2500 or Silverado HD and you'll find that they get around 20 mpg highway (although they are not required to test or publish their EPA mileage data due to the weight being in the commercial vehicle category.)
Guenther 11:06AM (11/14/2007)
RMc- look at any hybrid- Highway fuel economy is never improved much- think about it- it can't. The only benefits are from the improved aero and tires- which should be available on all regular base models.
HineyWipe 12:55PM (11/14/2007)
@Harvest. Nice numbers but the Camry still saves over 300 ADDITIONAL gallons over the Silverado.
Still, why GM fails to utilize space in the bed walls rather than usable interior (isn't that the point of getting a 4door???). And God help ya if those are Lithium batteries...
Or what about option to add another extended battery pack to the bed (under a toolbox ...). Such a waste of design and space....
why not the LS2/LS7? 2:04PM (11/14/2007)
Very true. And once the Camry takes 15 sheets of 4x8 plywood in the back, contractors can shift to it and save even more fuel.