When you think of hybrid, you think of both fuel economy and energy efficiency. Travelling around 16.7mpg is not bad but we expect 40mpg for a hybrid model.
In the mid 2000, GM entered a co-development with BMW and Chrysler to create a hybrid model. It is a twin-mode hybrid powertrain. There were lots of issues when GM launched SUV and Hummer model by 2007 and the recession and unpredictable prices of gas triggered the start of this hybrid model. Truck buyers decided to go on hybrid because of fuel economy. The starting price of this model is $40,000. Afterwards, BMW and other automotive manufacturer launched their own hybrid though all of them had a hard time marketing this one.
GM claims that Silverado can get up to 30mph on electric power not to mention the fuel power. Silverado Hybrid V8’s active fuel management system shuts down has the ability to shut down the 8 cylinders of the truck to conserve gas. The regenerative brakes are a little bit grabby and hard to modulate smoothly, a common characteristic of such energy-capturing systems, but the driver acclimates easily enough. Electric power steering doesn’t draw undue attention to itself, but we’re not fans of the thin-rimmed, old-school GM steering wheel in this truck. Something meatier, with a softened radius on the leading edge, would be appreciated.
