Making the Silverado into a hybrid. Chevrolet has done it before and it’s doing it again.
It starts with a Silverado 1500 with the 5.3-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic, then adds the newest version of its eAssist propulsion system, which consists of a 24-cell, air-cooled 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a reengineered liquid-cooled power inverter, and a small induction motor. The setup only adds 100 pounds to the Silverado’s curb weight, but it boosts output by 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque. With the help of Active Fuel Management, Regenerative Braking, and Start/Stop functionality, it also increases fuel economy. EPA-estimated city mpg goes up by 2 to 18 mpg compared to a regular Silverado 1500 with the 5.3-liter V8 and eight-speed transmission. The eAssist-ed Silverado is capable of covering 24 highway mpg and is good for a combined rating of 20 mpg.
According to Chevrolet, “The eAssist propulsion system, including the 8-speed automatic transmission, will be a $500 premium over a comparably equipped two-wheel drive Silverado 1500 crew cab in 1LT trim.”
Roughly 500 2016 model year Silverado’s with eAssist tech will be sold exclusively through dealers in California. Chevy will adjust 2017 production of the green machine based upon the feedback about the 2016 trucks.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
