2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid with OnStar Gen 9.0 System

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid - Front Side

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is the only hybrid in the full-size truck segment, delivering 33-percent greater city fuel economy and a 23.5-percent improvement in overall fuel economy – with the capability expected of a full-size truck, including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity.

Estimated fuel economy for both 2WD and 4WD models is 20 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Combined with a 26-gallon (98 L) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles.

The Silverado Hybrid combines General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8 to deliver highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving up to 30 mph (48 km/h). The system saves fuel using electric propulsion, even when towing a trailer.

The Silverado Hybrid is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models. Each model is equipped with several standard, popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. It also offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid - Indicators

In the Silverado Hybrid, the hybrid system itself generates the electricity used to propel the vehicle. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity and store it in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy moves the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

First introduced on the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, the two-mode hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is approximately half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed for and is still used in hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities. Scaled down for use in passenger vehicles, the system saves fuel where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. The two-mode system is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

Quiet and smooth
Integration of the hybrid system on the Silverado is seamless – the battery pack is beneath the rear seat – which helps deliver a quiet driving experience. Additional contributors include:
* New exhaust system and resonator tuned for the 6.0L engine’s Active Fuel Management operation
* Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality
* Low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise
* Electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the standard, tri-zone HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off
* Electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
* Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid - Left Side

Along with quietness, the Silverado Hybrid also delivers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks and a hydraulic body mount. Located on the passenger side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides a dramatic improvement in highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or choppy road surfaces.

Trailering performance
In addition to increased fuel economy, the Silverado Hybrid’s electrically variable transmission also provides tremendous trailering capability, enhancing driving smoothness and quality when towing. Towing capacity is 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg) with 2WD models and 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg) with 4WD models.

Electric drive is enabled up to approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), saving fuel even when the truck is towing a trailer.

The EVT incorporates tap up/tap down shift control. This benefits towing on curves or lower-speed back roads, as exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate the “shift shock” torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts, such as when slowing or braking.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid - Rear Side

In addition to the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Silverado Hybrid’s Energy Storage System, GM’s Five-Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make Chevrolet a better choice for customers. Coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, Chevrolet offers free courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.