Chevy & GMC hybrid pickups now available nationwide
General Motors
has expanded the availability of its full-size hybrid pickup trucks
nationwide beginning with the 2006 model year. The
Chevrolet Silverado
and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups are the world's first full-size hybrid
pickup trucks, provide the highest estimated city fuel economy of any
full-size truck in the market and offer customers the added benefit of
a 2400-watt built-in generator. The trucks were previously available in
select markets.
I really think hybrids could make a real impact in the pickup truck
market...
Besides the increased fuel economy, and excellent power, the ability to have a
built-in generator to power hand tools is huge benefit. The GM hybrid trucks
are just the tip of the iceberg, as I'm sure other truckmakers also
have them on the drawing boards.
- Permalink | Comments (3)
- Posted by: Bob Holland November 3, 2005, 6:22 AM
- Categories: Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, Trucks
2400 watts is nothing to sneeze at. That'll power more than a few tools.
In the wake of Katrina, I find this type of feature extremely appealing. I've lost power for 8 days at a time in the Mid-Atlantic, an area not known for rough weather, and lost the contents of my freezer on multiple occasions.
All hybrids should think about offering this, at least upcoming bigger ones (SUVs and trucks). I think it's a key potential selling feature for hybrids.
This hybrid system would make a great package for contractor's vehicle in the HD trucks. In the half ton, 500 lbs of batteries is a third of the vehicle's payload rating (1575lbs for standard 4x2, 1090 for the hybrid) so most real work will overload it.
But because HD trucks aren't covered by CAFE, they will probably never bother to put it in.
If this thing really gets 19 MPG average they will sell (18 city is great). $1500 may be a bit steep but having a generator built in would be worth it to contractors of even homeowners looking for a back up.
Will wait to see actual mileage since the car based hybrids do not meet all the MPG/EPA hype at about 3 times the costs.