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The two hybrid truck models of 2007 include the Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid Classic, and the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Classic. Both trucks cost about the same, ringing in around, 28,000 dollars. The regular non-hybrid version of the Silverado costs about 5,000 dollars less, the GMC is about 7,000 dollars less than its hybrid version.
So what exactly do you get for that extra money? You get about 10 less horsepower, and 2 extra miles per gallon in the city, highway miles are the same. So what's the point? Nothing really, at this point in time, it doesn't make sense to pay more money for a hybrid truck, the technology just isn't out yet for a reasonable hybrid truck.

According to www.fueleconomy.gov, the cost of fuel for a year with the hybrid Chevy is 2,470, and the regular Silverado is 2,625. So you save 155 dollars a year, in order to make up the extra 5,000 dollars, you'd have to drive your hybrid chevy for 32 years. That is simply not practical. Its the same with the GMC, except that you need to make up 7,000 dollars so it'll take you even longer.
With regular hybrid cars for example the Toyota Camry, the hybrid version is about 6,000 dollars more, but the fuel costs are about 455 dollars cheaper per year based on statistics from www.fueleconomy.gov which means you'll make up the extra cost within 15 years, which is a little more reasonable. Most people who own trucks don't keep them for 32 years, however owning a sedan for 15 years is more feasible.
In summation buying a hybrid truck doesn't help too much. You can't really say that you're doing anything better for the enviroment, as you're still using just about the same amount of fuel, you're not saving a significant amount of money on gas, and no one really knows what the upkeep on hybrid engines will entail ten years down the road. My advice would be to make do with the truck you have until a more efficient hybrid V8 hits the market. There is no reason to accept a hybrid engine that doesn't give you at least 10 extra mpg's. American truck drivers should push for a more efficient hybrid truck.

Learn more about this author, Chauncey Dumfry.
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