With all the hype surrounding the new 2010 Toyota Prius and its arch rival the 2010 Honda Insight, a hybrid pickup truck like the Silverado can get lost pretty easily. Without huge mileage numbers to brag about, the Silverado hybrid is left trying to convince a skeptical public that it's worth paying extra to get 20mpg.
Engineering Editor Jason Kavanagh digs into the numbers, and the technology, to see what this truck is all about. His conclusion? Makes more sense from an environmental standpoint than a financial one. Are you surprised.
Full Story: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
firstwagon says:
09:10 AM, 04/29/09
The big question is what will gas prices do as the recession ends? I don't think anyone is foolish enough to believe they will stay as low as they are now so the 10 year payback number is wrong.
It beat your long term truck by 4 mpg and would probably do even better in the hands of someone who would actually buy a hybrid.
I would have more concern with that trick transmission. That's going to really expensive to have repaired if it fails and I doubt your average corner transmission shop could do it. Potential long terms costs like that could really erase any fuel savings.
cwc1 says:
05:19 PM, 04/29/09
"Makes more sense from an environmental standpoint than a financial one. Are you surprised. "
That could and should be levied at most of the "environmentally friendly" vehicles that have been hyped for the past few years.