2005 Used Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Buying Guide
Chevrolet shows its commitment to energy consumption with the introduction of the all-new Silverado Hybrid, a full-size pickup truck that reduces pollution while losing nothing of the power required of such a vehicle. With the state of things it’s about time, and Chevy should be commended for their leadership on this issue.
A similar model is offered with another GM division, GMC, with its Sierra pickup truck. The hybrid option is available on two- and four-wheel-drive extended cab Silverado models with a short cargo bed. It will be available in limited quantities to retail customers in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada and Florida for the 2005 model year.
The keys behind the Hybrid label are four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets ( APO). They are located under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed. Customers can conveniently operate power equipment without taking up the bed space typical portable generators would use.
Under the Hood
The Silverado Hybrid really doesn’t lose any of the power that regular extended cabs do. The engine it uses is the same 5.3-liter Vortec V8 that generates up to 295 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. A 4-speed automatic transmission is mated to the motor for hands-free shifting.
A key contributor to the Hybrid’s fuel efficiency is its ability to automatically stop and restart the engine under different operating circumstances. Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, Hybrid pickups use a compact 14-kw electric induction motor or starter generator integrated in a patented, space-efficient manner between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows automatic engine stops/starts to conserve fuel.
Three valve-regulated lead-acid batteries store power for the 42-volt system. The “deep-cycle” batteries employ absorbent glass mat technology, specifically designed for hybrid vehicles, and are tailored to GM performance requirements. They are stored in a single energy box that is mounted under the rear seat.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Like other Silverado models, the Hybrid doesn’t shirk on the comfort features. That extra money in your pocket that you save at the pumps won’t make you feel uneasy either.
Available redundant steering-wheel controls allow owners to personalize several functions and safely access infotainment options and provide easy access to the OnStar system. A standard automatic temperature control, dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system heats you up and cools you down.
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