From Dale Wickell,
Your Guide to Trucks.
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Chevrolet unveiled its new hybrid Silverado truck at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Let's take a quick look at the Silverado hybrid before we get into the specifics:

• The hybrid truck will be available as a Crew Cab; choose either 2WD or 4WD

• Look for a 40-percent gain in city fuel economy and a 25-percent gain overall (when compared to a conventional Silverado); cruising range is more than 500 miles

• The truck is equipped with GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system

• Equipped with a 6-liter V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management and late-intake valve closing technology

• Capable of all-electric drive up to 30 miles per hour

• Towing capacity of 6,100 pounds for the 2WD truck

• The only (as of November, 2007) full-size hybrid pickup truck; goes on sale in late 2008 as a 2009 model

Hybrid Silverado Drivetrain

The truck is directed by GM's 2-Mode Hybrid System:

An electronic variable transmission (EVT) allows infinitely variable gearing when it's advantageous for the truck's efficiency, but automatically changes modes to act as a conventional transmission (with four fixed gear ratios) when necessary, typically when you're driving at higher speeds or have increased hauling needs.

The truck's Hybrid Optimizing System (HOS) constantly sends information to the EVT, optimizing transmission operations for best performance and economy.

Silverado's Energy storage system (ESS) is a 300-volt battery that's located in the chassis, underneath the truck's rear seats. It provides power to the EVT and stores the energy it captures during deceleration, when braking, and when the system converts one of the truck's two electric motors into a generator.

The ESS powers the A/C compressor and the Accessory Power Module (APM), which in turn feeds the truck's 42-volt power steering system, its 12 volt battery and other 12-volt systems.

The big battery is cooled by a system that draws air from within the passenger compartment. It has an 8-year / 100,00 mile warranty, and Chevy says the ESS has safety features to keep it from over-charging, over-heating, being penetrated by liquids, and from accidental access to its components.

The hybrid truck's 6.0L V-8 engine runs on regular gas. It's equipped with an Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. A computer controlled late-intake valve closing (LIVC) feature lets the truck run on 4, 5, or 8 cylinders, whichever offers the best performance and economy for the job.

Chevy doesn't have official EPA ratings for the hybrid truck yet, but based on their own tests and the new Tahoe's ratings, the company expects a 40 percent increase in city fuel economy when compared to a similar conventional Silverado.

That's a quick look at the new Silverado Hybrid, but we're still learning more about the truck. Stop back for updates.

Pictures of the Silverado Hybrid Truck