Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid: 4 reasons why it may not return

General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid pickup at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2007, launching it for sale in the U.S. in late 2008 as a 2009 model. The gasoline-electric full-size hybrid truck (pictured below) remained in production from 2009 to 2013, though a lukewarm response from buyers meant that it was eventually succeeded by the 2014 model without a hybrid powertrain.

So, what does the future hold for the Silverado Hybrid and hybrid trucks in general? Read our detailed story to find out.

General Motors’ all-electric product strategy

GM intends to ditch internal combustion models from its line-up while making the switch to an all-electric portfolio by 2035. The American automaker will also be spending USD 35 billion by 2025, with the funds primarily allocated to future EV models and autonomous driving technology.

Prioritizing zero-emissions over mid-way hybrids

In an interview with CBS Mornings that aired on YouTube on September 8, 2022, General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra was questioned about the brand’s intentions pertaining to new hybrid models. Barra explained that GM was only betting on the end-game (i.e., EVs), leveraging considerable technological & environmental benefits set to be gained from its all-electric Ultium platform, while also suggesting that a hybrid system’s lower efficiency further dampens its overall appeal.

As it stands now, it appears that all of General Motors’ investment is going into either building pure gas-powered vehicles or pure-electric models, with the new C8 Corvette E-Ray being among the few exceptions or maybe the only one.

Silverado EV serves various customer types and needs

More reasons for GM not to launch a Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid again stem from the fact that the all-new Chevrolet Silverado EV will be available in multiple variants across multiple price points, suiting different customer requirements. In addition to the regular variant, there’s a Silverado EV Work Truck for fleet customers, a Silverado EV RST for customers who want higher street performance, and a Silverado EV Trail Boss for customers who demand special off-roading capabilities. This leaves little room for a semi-electrified new model that likely won’t offer the same level of benefits and capabilities.

The Silverado EV has a GM-est. range of over 400 miles. It supports DC fast charging speeds up to 350 kW, thanks to its 800-volt Ultium platform. GM estimates 100 miles of range in 10 minutes and a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. A ‘Wide Open Watts’ mode in the RST variant unleashes up to 754 hp and 785 lb.-ft. of torque from two electric motors, with GM estimating a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds.

Might not be as cost-effective as a fully-electric truck

Hybrids have more moving parts than a clean-slate EV, naturally leading to higher maintenance bills. The electric Silverado has about 45% fewer part numbers than the gas-powered truck, which means potentially little to no extra service costs.

Fully-electric vehicles usually cost less in terms of their running costs when compared to a similar hybrid model, being at least 10% cheaper in daily use, as per a report SolarReviews published on January 23, 2023. These might be yet more factors for General Motors to not pursue a Silverado Hybrid.

Featured Image Source: YouTube/General Motors