Hybrid Trucks

[Admin]

Hybrid Trucks

The hybrid powertrain is one of a wide range of technologies we are using to maintain our progress in light truck fuel efficiency. We are currently offering the industry’s first hybrid pickup truck, which features a conventional powertrain and driveline with an electric motor integrated between the engine and transmission.

The engine provides the same performance as today's V-8 Vortec engines, but improves fuel efficiency by 10%. These full-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups can be equipped with flywheel alternator starter technology (http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/04/400_products/421_alt_hyb.html#fas) and are currently available to our fleet customers. Retail customers in California, Oregon, Washington State, Nevada, Alaska and Florida can place orders at their local dealers now.

Along with our FAS (http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/04/400_products/421_alt_hyb.html#fas) (flywheel-alternator-starter) system we offer the BAS (http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/sustainability/reports/04/400_products/421_alt_hyb.html#bas) (belt-alternator-system).

Flywheel Alternator Starter (FAS) System

GM hybrid pickup trucks get more miles from each gallon of gasoline mainly because of the engine start/stop function and regenerative braking, which turn the motor into a generator as the truck decelerates. Extra fuel savings come from quickly shutting off fuel any time the truck is coasting or braking, using the electric motor to make the transition seamless to the driver.

Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, the hybrid truck features a compact electric motor integrated between the engine and transmission, known as a flywheel alternator starter system. The 14,000- watt electric motor provides fast, quiet starting power, the ability to generate up to 2,400 watts of continuous electric power, and 10% fuel savings.

The electricity generated by the system has many uses. It may be stored in a 42-volt lead-acid battery pack for future use, used to support on-board electric accessories, operate power tools, or even run essential home appliances during power outages using the pair of 120-volt, 20-amp outlets in the cab and bed. This technology is currently available to fleet and commercial customers throughout the country and is available to retail consumers in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Florida.

The FAS system is in production on the 2004 model year Chevrolet Silverado hybrid and GMC Sierra hybrid trucks (http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/300_hybrids/fact_sheets.html). The hybrid trucks are available as an extended-cab pickup truck on the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. It is equipped with a 42-volt lead-acid battery pack, a modified 4-speed automatic transmission, 5.3L V8 engine, and is available in both 2WD and 4WD.

[LEADFOOT]

as meany problems as todays cars and trucks have with electronics the more complicated they get the more problems they have. i wouldn't buy one of these trucks. if it ever broke down i wouldn't be able to work on it. i hope it has a long warranty program.

[ZR1-S10]

I don't like the fact they put the electric motor between the engine and trans. I can't find the article put GM once took a 2.2L S10 and turned it into a Hybrid. They used the 4-banger to power the front wheels and 2 electric (one on each wheel) to power the rear. This gave the truck AWD a 60HP/70TQ boost, and 25% more MPG. And with the two systems being apart you don't have to deal with drivline loses on the electric motor and if one system fails the other can get you home without being a drag on the other. That is how you build a Hybird and is alot better the crap out there right now!

[Maximus]

Once they get the hybrids as dependable and as affordable as regular gas engines I will be first in line to get one.I am tired of having to depend on foreign oil to supply our transportation.They can get some electric motors to put out like big hp/tq.My TA isn't bad on gas for what it is but I really wouldn't want to have it as my daily driver.I will never own anything larger than a V6 for my daily driver.And I wouldn't mind having a little compact car for my daily driver.Like a Cavalier,Corolla,Eclipse,Civic,Altima,or pontiac Vibe.My S10 is decent on gas but I would love to have something that got better mileage.Here is a article and pics of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept-E.Check this out.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), today provided a glimpse into the future through the Eclipse Concept-E.
But perhaps the future is more clearly visible through the glowing plasma bulb located in the car's center console. Because when the Eclipse Concept-E's parallel hybrid motor is switched on, that plasma indicator light glows with its own unique energy, letting the driver know that there's more here than meets the eye.Upon initial glance, what meets the eye is a highly styled coupe. Featuring plasma running lights and taillights; neon crackle-tube indicators and brake lights; and a glass roof that offers ambient luminescence of its own, the Concept-E could be called a study in light.But an innovative all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration-in which parallel engines provide power to both the front and rear axles-also makes the Eclipse Concept-E a study in high-tech mechanics. Thanks to this unique hybrid system, called E-Boost, the Concept-E delivers a continuous, uninterrupted stream of power even while the six-speed automated manual transmission changes gears. The result is a car that boasts performance to match its aerodynamic appearance.The Eclipse Concept-E suggests that performance and fuel efficiency need not be mutually exclusive," said Ulrich Walker, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. "E-Boost is environmentally friendly technology, but it's also pure driving fun. The Concept-E is proof that hybrid technology can do as much for power and performance as it can for fuel consumption," Walker said.









Engine The Eclipse Concept-E's front wheels are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC). Driving the rear wheels is a rear-mounted E-Boost electric motor which provides an additional 200 horsepower, for a total output of "470 horsepower". Because it is not affected by gear changes, the throttle-actuated electric rear motor gives the Eclipse Concept-E a constant source of power when it's needed, which directly translates to higher, more efficient performance.Besides raw speed, the hybrid powertrain also improves fuel economy and lowers emissions when compared to vehicles with engines that develop in excess of 450 horsepower. And when value is added to the equation, the Concept-E is at least equal to its mass times the speed of light, squared.
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This just shows me that we can have our cake and eat it to.Meaning we can make hybrids that get awesome gas mileage but can make awesome power at the same time.I hope this technology makes it in to production and the market soon.

[bvr775]

i know i'm alone on this, but I like the idea of haveing gas/electric cars and trucks on the road. they'er actualy easyer to work on than you may thinck and there are some ampheads that hav electric cars running in the single digits.