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GM To Offer Hybrid Trucks Again - Do You Want One?


Gorehamj
  • John Goreham
    Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
    2/25/2016
    Back in 2012 GM dropped hybrid trucks. The General had given it a go and sales and margins were just not where the GM folks wanted them to be. Those drivetrains were mild hybrids, and these new ones will also be. Today, both GMC and Chevy announced eAssist trucks. The expected 13% gain in MPG City is not a huge jump, but let's be honest, trucks make sense as hybrids in many situations (not all). One situation they might be well suited for are work trucks that make most of their runs at low speeds in cities and towns. I worked out of a pickup every day for four years in exactly that situation, and our company used full-sized, rear-wheel GMC and Chevy drive trucks with 6-cylinder engines. We even towed trailers with that setup and they worked perfectly. For some, this truck could be a money-maker.

GM says the new systems will only add $500 to the cost of a 2016 Silverado 1500 crew cab in 1LT trim. GMC will add it to its 2016 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab 2WD model with the SLT Premium Plus package. That truck will have a beefy Eaton locking rear Diff. and a 9,400 pound trailer rating. Silverado eAssist models will be matched to the 5.3L V8 and the Sierras will as well or with the 6.2L V8. Here is what GM says the trucks with eAssist can do:

◾Electric Power Boost: The on-board electric motor provides up to 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of supplemental power during acceleration and passing. The electric motor also enables the Active Fuel Management system on the 5.3L V-8 engine to operate in 4-cylinder mode for longer periods, resulting in additional fuel economy benefits.
◾Stop/Start capability: Added fuel savings are achieved by seamlessly turning the engine off when stopped at a traffic light or in congested traffic and turning the engine back on when the accelerator is pressed.
◾Regenerative Braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system.

Coupled with active cylinder management and aero enhancements the eAssist trucks will add 2 MPG to the all the mileage numbers of the trucks that get it. So figure for the 5.3L trucks 18 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway and a Combined 20 mpg rating.

GM is also not slinging any BS. This is a trial run and the trucks will all start out in California. If it works out it will expand. If not the program will be ended. What are your thoughts?


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