Chevrolet Silverado : Chevrolet's Hybrid Pick-up

The Silverado is considered a "mild" hybrid by industry standards. GM, the world's largest automaker, has said its advanced hybrids -- those that can achieve a fuel-economy improvement of up to 35 percent -- are not scheduled to reach showrooms until 2007.

Features:

Easier to integrate into current models, mild hybrid technology fits with current trucks and requires few modifications.

The truck features a V-8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 percent to 12 percent better fuel economy than GM's conventional half-ton pickups.

The Silverado's hybrid system utilizes a compact induction electric motor, or starter-generator, that is squeezed between the engine and transmission, replacing the conventional alternator and starter motor. The motor provides near instant starting power and the ability to generate up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power.

This energy may be stored in a 42-volt lead-acid battery pack, used to support onboard electric accessories when the engine shuts down; or employed to operate power tools or other appliances off the AC outlets in the cab and cargo bed.

Using a powerful flywheel starter-alternator to quickly turn the engine on-and-off when slowing or stopping, mild hybrids generate a 10 percent increase in fuel economy when combined with regenerative breaking. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 18 city, 20 highway.

There is only one engine available, and fortunately it's the 5.3-liter Vortec V-8, producing 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. With this powertrain, acceleration, payload and towing are not compromised.

The MSRP for the 2-wheel drive will be approximately $32,000, with the four-wheel drive coming in closer to $36,000.

Specifications