how comes the hybrid silverado only gets 2mpg more than the regular one?

Question

http://www.chevrolet.com/pop/silverado/2007/hybrid_en.jsp

Answer 1

Its only a partial hybrid. It runs on battery power during stops and the like. Trucks are meant for power and gas-mileage is sacrificed. It is hard to get more mpg's out of a truck, but its a very good effort considering the fact that it gives up no power.

In terms of actual hybrid technology, its basically a truck with some modified features and not a complete build up from the ground. Thats why it only gets 2 EPA gas miles more than a regular one. I'm sure if GM actually put some effort into it, they might be able to churn out a quality product, but their profit margin has been shrinking so all of their research isn't as advanced as other companies' research in hybrid technology. GM focuses more on Hydrogen, biofuels and diesel than on hybrid technology.

Answer 2

In order to answer this Q, you must 1st understand the term 'Hybrid'
In order to be 'hybrid', a vehicle need only be able to utilize 2 or more sources of power.
There are several 'types' of 'hybrids':
full, mild, paralell, series, plug-in, etc

GM's silverado uses a mild hybrid system. It only 'shuts off the gas' engine whan the vehicle is at a stop or idleing, thus gas mileage is increased by only about 10-15%. However there is a "bonus" to some, because there is a built in generator which can power electric appliances, such as power tools.
GM's offering of this hybrid is not just for gas savings, but is meant to be environmentally 'greener' than it's non-hybrid.
And, for a truck driving contractor, 10-15% fuel savings & a built in generaterto power his chain saw at a work site where there is no electricity, this vehicle could be just the ticket.

If you are looking at Hybrid technology just to increase gas mileage, you need to look at a 'full hybrid'.

May I suggest a Ford Hybrid Escape?
This is the most fuel efficient SUV on the American market. The gas engine shuts off at ;stops, idles, & at speeds of up to 30-35 mph. Hence the 'city' type driving gets better gas mileage than the 'highway', and at highway speeds the gas engine is 'boosted by electric motor. Also uses a continuously variable transmission, which also saves gas & makes it feel & perform like the more powerful 6cyl sister (non hybrid Escape) The drawback of this vehicle is that it is not reccomended for towing.
As many people do tow with their SUV's

But, if you are looking ( at hybrids) for gas mileage ONLY, may I suggest the much smaller & way less powerful, 2 seater, Honda Insight?

For more info on hybrids go to :
http://hybridcars.com

Answer 3

Because it's not a hybrid at all. (Welcome to GM's "hybrids")

The GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado have no motive force from their electric systems.

Their fuel savings come from idle-stop and cylinder deativation. The tiny 42v battery only provides startup power (restarts engine after a stop) and powers the conventional power outlets in the cab and bed for power tools.

Strangely, the US IRS seems to think that it qualifies as a mild-hybrid, giving purchasers a $250 or $650 income tax credit.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=159966,00.html

However, 2mpg is still a 10% increase in fuel efficiency, so I guess I can't complain too much other than GM's watering down of the "hybrid" label.

Answer 4

Because it a perfect example of the new marketing technique called "green washing."

Green washing is when a company makes only very minor improvements to their product and then tries to cash in on how much more "environmentally friendly" their new and improved product is.

Unfortunately not all hybrids are equal and not all "green" products are really good for the environment.

Remember caveat emptor?

Let the Buyer Be Ware

Answer 5

was built to provide electrict power to contractors building houses and such. wasnt built for high mileage!

Answer 6

because it has a pretty big engine, it needs all it can take for speed since its a pretty heavy vehicle don't you think?

Answer 7

probably less emissions is why they call it a hybrid