Do not expect too much. The 2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid will get a mild-hybrid system similar to the one the truck already offered 15 years ago. Also, we can witness this configuration in the Ram 1500 pickup. However, the GM needs to respond to the announcements from Ford and their F-150 Hybrid.
The company can combine a 5.3-liter engine with an electric battery. A slight boost in fuel economy is the only gain. But, these upgrades are not going to be radical. On the other hand, we could also see the hybrid built on the smaller V8 displacement.
The platform for the 2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid will be the same as for the rest of the lineup. Silverado entered a new generation this year. Besides a diesel engine, the company will make further updates. Besides the cosmetic updates, there are few other options for the engine room, and one of them is a hybrid drivetrain.
Ram 1500 Hybrid is There, Ford F-150 is Coming
Chevrolet is not leaving the market to its archrivals. Ram is making a breakthrough. The FCA stole the show in Detroit during the debuts of diesel engines. Now, they are first to offer a mild-hybrid system for the full-size Ram 1500 truck. It is a challenge for both GM and Ford.
The Blue Oval company is already spending big for the electrification. One of the priorities is an electric truck. However, before we see this one, a lighter hybrid variant will appear. We don’t know what exactly Ford plans with its F-150. However, we know their investments are worth billions.
It didn’t take too long for the first rumors about the Chevrolet’s hybrid truck to appear. Of course, the flagship model is a topic. If its main rivals are developing such technologies, then General Motors must also join the race, no matter if the 2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid is going to be profitable. On the other hand, hybrids are the future and electric sources of power will overtake the market from higher polluters.
2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid Engine and Specs
A 5.3-liter V8 engine seems to be the perfect choice for the hybrid truck. GM already tested the unit with the eAssist mild-hybrid system. However, the offer was limited for only a few states in the US. For the 2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid, we are not expecting any big numbers. The light system will improve the fuel economy for 1-2 mpg. Outputs will remain the same (355 hp).
All-Electric Silverado 1500 Truck
The new 2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid is not the ultimate goal for the company. General Motors is after the full electrification of the pickup truck. Well, Tesla and Rivian, two companies that are leaders in the EV segment are yet to deliver their products. However, both GM and Ford announced their plans to join the party.
The new all-electric Silverado is not coming in the next few years. Meanwhile, the 2020 Chevy Silverado Hybrid will start this process. We can’t say it is a pioneer since the same nameplate appeared already twice. But now, the company is investing more resources, financial and human, to take a first step in the evolution to fully electric segment.