Detroit Auto Show:GM Hybrid Trucks Deliver Better Gas Mileage, Go-Anywhere 110-Volt Power Without Compromises

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003; You could forgive the customer for thinking of it as a 285-horsepower portable generator on wheels, since GM's hybrid pickup truck can power tools at a construction site or run appliances at a campground with its pair of 110-volt electrical outlets. But it's also a fully capable V-8 powered pickup that can haul and tow just as much as its rugged gasoline counterpart. It just happens to get 10 percent to 12 percent better fuel economy, thanks to a clever application of hybrid-propulsion technology. Based on the popular GMT-800 full-size pickup, known to consumers as the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, the hybrid truck features the powerful 5.3- liter Vortec V-8 engine, the same as the conventional versions of the truck. The hybrid propulsion package will be available as an option on GM's full-size pickups beginning in 2003. Pricing is still being determined, although it is expected to be competitive. In addition to the pickups which start production in 2003 for fleet customers (retail customers will be able to purchase the vehicles in 2004), GM will offer in 2007 a revised version of this system that adds GM's Displacement on Demand technology which will be made available on the next generation of GM's popular full-size SUVs, including the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe. This combination boosts fuel efficiency by 15-20 percent. This fits with GM's strategy of introducing hybrid propulsion in large market segments and in vehicles that use more gas.

The hybrid system: how it works Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, the hybrid truck features a compact electric motor that is integrated in a patented, space- efficient manner between the engine and transmission. The electric motor provides fast, quiet starting power and the ability to generate up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power. The electricity generated by the system has plenty of uses. It may be stored in a 42-volt lead-acid battery pack for future use, used to support on- board electric accessories, or employed to operate power tools or other appliances off the pair of AC outlets in the cab and bed. Total available AC output is 110 volts at 20 amps. As more 42-volt accessories become available in the future, the electrical architecture of the parallel hybrid pickup truck can accommodate them. At a stoplight, the gasoline engine stops running, but the accessories continue working on stored electrical power. When the light turns green and the driver steps on the accelerator, the gasoline engine kicks in again, with little or no delay or disturbance. To ensure full accessory capability while the engine is temporarily stopped, an electrically driven hydraulic pump provides power steering, an electric pump continues to circulate hot water if cabin heat is needed in the winter, and cold, dry air is supplied in the summer for an extended period through intelligent control of the conventional air conditioning system. The truck gets more miles out of each gallon of gas mainly because of the engine start/stop function and regenerative braking, which turns the motor into a generator as the truck decelerates, storing electrical power back into the 42-volt battery system or powering vehicle electrical accessories. Extra fuel savings come from quickly shutting off fuel any time the truck is coasting or braking, and using the electric motor to smooth out any resulting vibrations. In addition to all of its environmental advantages, GM market research has found that consumers would welcome the versatility offered by the hybrid's built-in 110-volt electrical power outlets. They typically mention using the 110-volt outlets for running power tools, camping equipment and other recreational gear. Not only is this power available no matter where the truck goes, but it is delivered quietly, cleanly, and without taking up usable space in the pickup bed. Some consumers even indicated they'd like to connect the truck to run essential appliances during power outages.