Autos with bigger, less fuel-efficient engines will benefit more from hybrid technology, thus big pickup trucks, vans and SUVs are prime candidates for the fuel-saving benefits of hybrid technology. The Chevy Silverado hybrid pickup feature GM's 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel conservation over GM half-ton pickups.

It features a powerful 42-volt lead-acid battery pack underneath the rear seat, an auxiliary starter-generator between the engine and the transmission, an electronic control module, and a regenerative braking system, which charges the battery while braking, and coasting.

With an auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition. The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the power plant down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits.

A compact electric motor that generates up to 14,000 watts of constant electric performance makes these pickup trucks more fuel-efficient. The main function of the three deep-cycle lead acid batteries is to assist the starter generator to instantly restart the motor. When the Silverado Hybrid comes to a stop while in Drive or Park, the motor will automatically shut off. When the driver takes his/her foot off the brake and puts it on the accelerator, the motor re-starts automatically and almost seamlessly.

One feature of GM's Hybrid pickups that is likely to attract those looking to buy is its two 120 volt power outlets inside the box near the tailgate, and another two 120 volt outlets inside the rear cab. These can be used for performance tools, compressors, generators, heaters, appliances or any other electrical appliance. The outlets can be deactivated with a button on the dashboard to avoid any unauthorized use of the external 120 volts outlets.

The Silverado Hybrid extended cab is a comfortable, smooth-riding pickup with a quiet, V8 power plant, a roomy cab with good ventilation and excellent outward visibility, and a rugged durable chassis.

GM's new gasoline-electric pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado Hybrid pickup, is the latest car to take advantage of the gas-saving benefits of hybrid technology. At Partstrain, thousands of GMC Parts are in stock right at your fingertips. Just browse on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC and you can now search for your own GMC car parts, order them, and have it delivered directly to your door at half the cost other competitors charge. If your search for your GMC auto parts comes up short, just call one of its sales professionals to help assist you in finding the right auto parts you need. Its GMC vehicle parts online catalog is the largest state of the art catalog to use for searching up GMC auto parts.

About the author:
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading automobile parts suppliers in the country today.