Chevrolet Hybrids

The name Chevrolet certainly isn’t foreign to the American population. After all, who hasn’t heard the definition of a classic car being a “57 Chevy?” In looking at Chevrolet, though, classic cars and pick-ups come to mind, and not necessarily hybrid cars. Don’t write Chevrolet off yet, though, but actually go take a look at Chevrolet. The sedan and truck known from Chevy are getting a remix, in the form of the more technological and eco-friendly hybrid.

2005 brought changes to Chevrolet’s line-up, introducing the Equinox Hybrid vehicle, which, fascinatingly enough, was a hybrid SUV, one of the first in in the market, but not nearly as widely known. The Chevrolet Tahoe was right before the Equinox, and recent developments with Chevrolet have made the Equinox unavailable for pricing, so it seems that this new, unique take on one of the more gas-guzzling vehicles in the mass market has not seen the light of day in some time, and no information has been given on whether or not the vehicle will return. Even if there are major changes, the original Equinox was going to use a similar hybrid system that the Chevy Tahoe had, as well has having a major boost in fuel-efficiency from its typical gas-powered mate.

Putting the Equinox aside, Chevrolet offers both sides of the hybrid argument, the disappointingly less than fuel-efficient Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and the more affordable and much more fuel-efficient Chevy Malibu. In comparison to the Tahoe’s 20 miles to the gallon, the Malibu can boast over 30 miles per gallon, making the Malibu a vehicle to consider when window-shopping for hybrids.

Coming soon from Chevrolet will be the Silverado Hybrid, which is going to be the first pick-up truck hybrid (I don’t know about you, but I think that just sounds really cool). Originally slated for 2004, it has taken some time for this long-awaited innovation to arrive on the market, but considering the bad reception of the Tahoe and the competitive edge that Chevrolet wanted on the sedan front of the hybrid movement which prompted the Malibu, the Silverado is now finally going to be available with technology that should make things more accessible.

The Silverado should be available in limited supply in the fall of 2008, but will make its mass market debut in 2009 so they will be more available for every buyer. While still a good six months away from its premiere, this is definitely a vehicle to keep an eye on. A hybrid pick-up truck: Talk about completely changing around the stigma on trucks as gas guzzlers and turning them into more fuel-efficient vehicles that will be great for the whole environment.

As for other items on Chevrolet’s market, the Concept Camaro has been rumored to possibly be a hybrid. Granted, there’s nothing official yet, but, considering the major changes that would need to be made in order to make this classic staple a hybrid, there should definitely be more information on this particular item later

Solar power