GM testing market with 'mild-hybird' half-ton pickups

It appears General Motors is ready to give the idea of hybrid pickup trucks another shot, with the automaker announcing "mild-hybrid" versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

Based on two-wheel drive Silverado 1LT and Sierra SLT crew cab models, the so-called "eAssist" versions add a "light electrification system" to the half-ton trucks using components sourced from existing electrified models in Chevrolet's lineup, including the 2016 Volt and Malibu Hybrid.

The trucks come with GM's 5.3-litre V8 under the hood mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the added bonus of a small electric motor on the engine's accessory drive and a lithium-ion battery pack under the front seat.

The electric motor, designed in the likeness of the ones found in the Volt and Malibu Hybrid, "acts like an electric torque booster," making as much as 44 lb.-ft. of extra torque, which, along with 13 additional horsepower, comes into play during acceleration and passing, according to the automaker.

The electric motor also enables the engine's cylinder deactivation system to run for longer periods.

It is coupled with an air-cooled 0.45-kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the front seat that uses the same battery cells as the ones found in the Malibu Hybrid.

It provides as much as 15 kW of power to the electric motor, while the regenerative braking system puts electricity back into the battery.

The software used to control the battery system is based off a modified version of the software for the Chevrolet Volt.

GM says the entire system adds roughly 100 lbs. to the trucks' curb weight.

All told, the automaker claims city fuel economy spikes 13 per cent compared to non-hybrid 5.3-litre Silverado and Sierra pickups, hitting 18 mpg—equivalent to 13 L/100 km.

At 24 mpg, or roughly 9.8 L/100 km, highway fuel economy is slightly better than non-hybrid versions of the trucks.

Now for the catch: GM says it will only build 500 Silverado eAssist and 200 eAssist models for the 2016 model year, which will be sold exclusively in California.

It said it will "adjust production for 2017 model year" based on feedback from initial customers.

The eAssist option adds US$500 to the sticker price of the trucks.

This is the second time GM has sold a hybrid half-ton, with the previous generation discontinued following the 2013 model year.