The new GM hybrid pickups do take advantage of regenerative braking, however, which uses the kinetic energy developed by braking to recharge the batteries.
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| Two 120-volt, 20 amp (2,400 watt) electrical auxiliary power outlets are found under the rear bench seat and two in the pickup bed. (General Motors of Canada) |
Another GM advantage is that when the truck is stopped and the gasoline engine is shut off, the HVAC system can still be operational - not the case for Honda. Turn on the A/C while at a stoplight in the Insight, for instance, and the engine immediately springs to life. The Silverado and Sierra, on the other hand, use an electric pump for circulating hot water to heat the cabin, plus cold, dry air for the air conditioning system. An electrically driven hydraulic pump allows the driver to turn the powered steering wheel while stationary, without the need for the gasoline engine to power up.
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| The power source can be activated while the truck is running or after being shut off and the keys taken out of the ignition. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Contractors and campers alike will appreciate the four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical auxiliary power outlets, found under the rear bench seat and in the pickup bed. Good for everything from plugging in the laptop to powering a table saw, the power source can be activated while the truck is running or after being shut off and the keys taken out of the ignition. Importantly the system's power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system so overloads and short circuits won't be a problem. According to GM, the new hybrid pickups could maintain power for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to fill the tank. In an intelligent move, the engineers designed it to shut down before needing a complete refill, to allow enough gas to get to a filling station.