I live in the desert southwest, work trucks are a way of life for those in the nearby area that work and live on ranches and farms. I see huge pickup trucks more than I see SUVs or minivans. Now my neighboring farmers and ranchers can buy a new full-sized hybrid pickup – the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid.

The truck comes with an 8-cylinder Vortec 6.0L engine that uses a two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid system with regenerative breaking. The Silverado Hybrid has a 6,100-pound towing capacity and an EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive models have an estimated 20mpg in both the city and on the highway. According to General Motors, this is a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency over the non-hybrid.

“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 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 Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.” (Source: GM)

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