If your mind is set on buying a new Sierra, you have lots of choices this year. In addition to the hybrid version, GMC also offers the 1500, 2500HD, 3500HD, and the Sierra Denali. Prices range from about $20,000 to nearly $50,000 depending on what type of pickup you need (basic, heavy duty, luxury, green, or something in between).

The hybrid Sierra I test drove was a 4 wheel drive model with a standard price of $41,540. After the destination charge and a couple of options, it came to just under $43K. This model of the Sierra has a 6.0 liter, V8 engine paired with the same 2-Mode hybrid transmission found in the 2009 GMC Yukon hybrid (as well as several other vehicles). It is only available in a crew cab with a short bed (5 ft. 9 inches), and towing capacity is 6,100 lbs (some Sierra’s can tow over 5 tons, but the hybrid can still handle most car trailers or small boats). This hybrid truck has the Active Fuel Management system (which allows it to run on only 4 cylinders) and with the help of the electric motors it manages 20 miles per gallon in both city and hwy driving. That is a 40% improvement over the gas-only engine model.

Except for the differences mentioned above, most everything else is the same when you compare the hybrid Sierra to its non-hybrid counterpart. Two big differences are price and fuel economy, and if you are basing your final decision solely on those two factors (which would not be uncommon in these economic conditions) here are a few numbers that might help you.

The 4wd hybrid Sierra I drove (no leather, navigation, or premium Bose stereo) was $43,000 and was rated at 20 m.p.g. A comparable 4-wd Sierra 1500 would cost you about $39,500 and gets 13 mpg city/18 mpg hwy. Assuming you average 15 mpg with the Sierra 1500, you’d gain 5 mpg with the hybrid model at an extra cost of $3,500. With gas a $4 per gallon, it would take most drivers about 3 years to recoup that extra expense (and closer to 5 years at current fuel prices).

At the same time, many people who buy hybrids do so for other reasons including reducing their carbon footprint. The hybrid Sierra’s motto is “Work Hard | Tread Lightly”. If that is your plan and you need a full-sized pickup…I think you found it.

Here is a video of the 2009 GMC Sierra hybrid (along with the nearly identical Chevrolet Silverado hybrid):

Below are some large, close-up photos of the hybrid Sierra.

Though few outside of the trucking industry ever think about it, the amount of fuel consumption used in commercial hauling dwarfs the use by commuters and everyday drivers. While the idea of transportation costs is starting to affect the public, one company has been working for years to reduce the environmental impact of long-haul trucking.

Paccar Inc. is based in Bellevue, Washington and is leading the way in terms of commercial trucking hybrids. In September 2008, their Kenworth and Peterbilt lines began making medium-duty hybrids, which they leased in a pilot program to Coca-Cola and throughout Europe. They have also won several awards, including the Enviromental Protection Agency’s Smartway designation and the National Medal of Technology for it’s innovations in green trucking.

Paccar’s hybrid versions of commercial trucks do cost upwards of $40,000 more than the same truck built to use conventional fuel. This cost barrier may prohibit some companies from making the leap to green transportation. One thing that could help is tax advantages set in place by the incoming US administration of Barack Obama. Many companies, though in theory committed to being green, are not willing to incur major losses to save the planet and will need a financial incentive to do so.

One of Paccar’s greatest partners in their eco-push has been Eaton Corp., a mechanics manufacturer that helps Paccar improve trucks’ fuel economy by configuring hybrid systems which harness energy while the truck is breaking and store it for later use.  One of the greatest challenges these two face are customizing trucks. Different trucking needs result in having to reconfigure the hybrid components of each truck, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. This article, by IndustryWeek really looks into the ins and outs of Paccar and Eaton’s partnership. It’s pretty interesting to see how a components manufacturer and end unit company can work together to innovate a whole industry.

One of the newest trucks to be converted into a hybrid system is the 2009 Chevy Silverado. This truck will be similar to the 2008 Tahoe/Yukon hybrid in that it will have a two-mode hybrid transmission, 300 volt nickel-metal hydride battery, an aluminum block 6.0 liter engine, and push-rod V8. At speeds of about 30 miles per hour or less, the Silverado hybrid will get up to 30 miles per gallon because it can run in full electric mode at those speeds. Once the regular hybrid system kicks in, this truck gets 21 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.

Pick-up loyalists may fear that hybrid power means less hauling power, but that is not the case with the 2009 Silverado. It can still tow up to 6,100 pounds. However, there are a few departures from the standard-fuel Silverado.  First off, the hybrid version will weigh about 300 pounds more because of the added weight of the battery and hybrid system. Cosmetically, the truck will have a less extreme air dam to reduce drag. Interior comfort will be increased because liquid mounted cab mounts have been added to reduce vibration for the passengers in the crew cab.  Low rolling resistance Bridgestone tires will give the truck even better mileage and a cover on the bed will produce les drag.

When driving the hybrid Silverado, which will be available in mid-2009, the additional 300 pounds from the system is quite noticeable, especially going up hills. However, the truck does speed up quick once you hit the highway. As part of a fuel conservation strategy, the Silverado gets in and stays in v4 mode as long as possible, this doesn’t necessarily affect the way it drives, just the way it uses fuel.

Once this hits the market in 2009, I hope a lot of pick-up users will see the benefits and make the swap. Any increase in fuel economy is a good thing, both for the planet and for your wallet!

You may never have thought of the small town of Denton, Texas, a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth, as an epi-center of the environmental movement. Heck, you may not have ever thought of Denton, Texas period. These days, though, Denton and one of the largest companies headquartered there, Peterbilt Inc., are doing their best to change your way of thinking.

Peterbilt Inc., a division of PACCAR Inc., is rolling out a new line of hybrid commercial trucks – the Class 6 Model 330, for short-haul work, and the Class 7 Model 335, for utility operations. Before being introduced to the greater public, Peterbilt signed with their hometown to provide these green trucks to the city of Denton, putting the suburb at the head of the green game.

The Model 330 weighs about 26,000 pounds and does not require a commercial driver’s license. Thanks to the unique Eaton Hybrid Power system (which captures energy during routine driving situations and stores it to be later applied as electric torque, which mixes with the engine’s torque), the 330 has 30% better fuel efficiency than a comparable standard diesel-powered truck. Overall, the 260 horse-power, PACCAR PX-6 engine in the 330 can create up to 860 pounds of torque.

Meanwhile, the Model 335 weighs in at 33,000 pounds and is great for beverage distribution, pick-up, delivery, and utility operations. The Eaton Hybrid Power system, working with the Power Take-Off system (which captures energy as the engine idles) allow this model to save over 50% in fuel costs when compared to a comparable diesel-only truck. This truck also employs the PACCAR PX-6 engine and both models use lithium-ion batteries.

The pay-offs for these trucks aren’t just environmental, owners save in fuel costs as well as on their taxes. A $6,000 tax credit is given for the Model 330 and a $12,000 tax credit is given for the Model 335. The environmental savings, though, are significant with fewer emissions also being a result of the hybrid technology – less hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen are released into the air with these two Peterbilt trucks.

Last week, these trucks were introduced to the world beyond Denton, Texas at the Medium Duty Hybrid Demonstration Tour in Napa Valley, California, put on by Peterbilt. Response was good and as fuel costs rise and the environment continues to be a growing concern; we can expect to see more hybrid trucks by Peterbilt and others in the industry to enter the marketplace.

Want to see more. See this video.

At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota unveiled a concept car that took the idea of a hybrid truck to a new level. The A-BAT, which stands for “Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck”, is a sleek four-passenger truck built on top of a car platform and uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive – the auto maker’s gas/electric hybrid model.

The A-BAT takes a design cue from Toyota’s best-selling hybrid, the Prius, and has an aerodynamic trapezoid shape to increase fuel efficiency. Even though it is an extended cab truck, the A-BAT is a full 27 inches shorter than Toyota’s current standard-fuel truck, the Tacoma. Toyota’s goal was a hybrid truck that maximized fuel efficiency, stayed true to a pick-up driver’s hauling needs, and at the same time provided the versatility that many drivers look for in a vehicle.

A press release from Toyota announcing this concept truck stated:
The A-BAT concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota’s North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today’s market.

The concept car was loaded with features, such as a navigation system, Wi-Fi, and solar panels on the dashboard to help power these gadgets and also recharge the car’s battery. Drivers can expect a smoother ride than most trucks thanks to the compact, car-like design. The truck’s 4-foot cargo bed can be extended to double its length when the tailgate and rear wall of the bed are folded back and tall objects can ride in the cab thanks to a retractable translucent roof panel.

The sporty and sleek look of the A-BAT continues inside with vibrant colors and futuristic design (see photo links below).

So, what do you think so far? Would you buy one? One of the key details missing in all our research on this one was “How many miles per gallon will it get?” Speculation is all over the board, but based on its size and engine, our thought might be around 35 mpg. Another question on many people’s minds is the approximate A-BAT price. Thus far, we’ve heard nothing and found no estimates from any of the industry experts. We’re assuming it would cost a bit more than the 2009 / 2010 Prius, so maybe somewhere around $30,000 to start. What is your guess?

So, when might the A-BAT be available? With the exception of Toyota asking for some feedback on the ABAT in March of 2008, there really hasn’t been any news since the Detroit Auto Show. You can bet when we learn more, it will be posted here!

Here are some exterior A-BAT Pictures from MotorTrend.
Here are the interior A-BAT Photos, also on MotorTrend.
The official ABAT page from Toyota.com.
Watch an A-BAT Video on Autobloggreen.

When looking to move your fleet from standard work trucks to hybrid models, there are several different options to look at. Because work trucks have a much wider variety of uses compared to passenger vehicles, the mechanical needs of such trucks are much greater and though they can utilize hybrid technology to cut costs and environmental damage, they must use hybrid technology in different ways.

Parallel diesel hybrids
Eaton Corporation has developed the diesel electric hybrid, which closely resembles the way hybrid technology works in passenger vehicles. Diesel fuels an electric generator which then charges a battery that turns the trucks axels, allowing it to move forward. Energy normally lost during breaking is stored and used to further power the vehicle as well, making this type of engine technology ideal for stop-and-go traffic. Coca-Cola is among the companies first major orders and plans to use these trucks for delivery.

Hybrid hydraulics
According to nextenergy.org, hybrid hydraulics captures the vehicle’s kinetic energy during breaking by pumping hydraulic fluid from the low-pressure reservoir to the high-pressure accumulator. The fluid compresses nitrogen gas in the high-pressure accumulator and pressurizes the system. This recovered energy is used to supplement or substitute the engine’s power during acceleration. This system can even be installed on existing work trucks.

Natural Gas / Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Odyne recently unveiled the first hybrid truck that uses compressed natural gas to power its engine, combined with batteries that are recharged by plugging them in each night.  The rechargeable electric hybrid drive system was displayed in a refuse vehicle (aka a garbage truck) that will be used by the city of Fresno, California and is expected to reduce fuel costs by 40%.

UPS is in the process of unveiling how it will use hybrid technology in its own delivery vehicles to cut down on fuel wasted in city traffic. UPS has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to build a fleet of delivery trucks that will both save the company money and save the environment.

For a detailed look at what hybrid work trucks were showcased at 2008’s Work Truck Show, visit this site and check back on the hybridtruck.net blog for more information on how hybrid work trucks can save your company money and who is buying the existing trucks and becoming more competitive.

Make no mistake, this hybrid truck will be tough. With 332 horsepower and over 6,000 lbs of towing capacity, it is built to handle any job that its gas-only counterparts can. According to the official website, it is 100% Sierra. Even better news is that this ‘09 Sierra will be available in 2WD and 4WD models. Maybe the best news for General Motors is that Toyota doesn’t offer a competitor in their hybrid truck line…yet.

MotorTrend has a nice video here from the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. More news should be released soon, so check back for the full review soon.