Electric

2016 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado eAssist: Return of the Hybrid Pickup

by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
GMC Sierra eAssist
Photo: GMC

Do you remember the hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra? Back in 2004, GM had the brilliant idea of launching a more fuel-efficient variant of their thirstier vehicles. In its transmission, a small electric motor was used to recharge the batteries. Said motor could also be used to restart the V8, which means the truck had an automatic start-stop system.

For most of your driving however, you relied on the gasoline engine. This truck was a science experiment; after a few years, GM offered to buy back the Hybrid Sierras and Silverados from their owners at more than their value.

For 2016, the automaker will offer a new version of these trucks: dubbed the GMC Sierra eAssist and Chevrolet Silverado eAssist, these vehicles will sadly only be offered in California... probably only because of local emissions regulations.

The technologies found in the eAssist trucks are pretty much the same as they were 10 years ago: an electric motor produces 13 horsepower and 44 pound-feet of torque, combined to the 5.3-litre V8's output for a grand total of 355 hp and 383 pound-feet of torque.

Thanks to the electric system, the duo gets automatic start-stop. The motor can also help during takeoff, meaning the V8's cylinder-deactivation system will work for longer periods.

This means both trucks announce a fuel consumption of 13.0 litres per 100 km on the highway and 9.8 in the city. This is barely better than the conventional variants of the pickups, but whatever.

Only 500 Silverados and 200 Sierras will be offered in 2016.

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