The Sierra Hybrid does take advantage of regenerative braking, however, which uses the kinetic energy developed by braking to recharge the batteries.
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| GM hybrid pickups take advantage of regenerative braking, which uses the kinetic energy developed during braking to recharge the batteries. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Another Sierra advantage is that when the truck is stopped and the gasoline engine is shut off, the HVAC system can still be used - not the case for any of Honda's hybrids. Turn on the A/C while at a stoplight in the Insight, for instance, and the engine immediately springs to life. The Sierra, on the other hand, incorporates 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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| Contractors and campers alike will enjoy the convenience of the four 120-volt 20 amp (2,400 watt) electrical auxiliary power outlets in the Sierra. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
It's difficult to guess if contractors or campers will appreciate the four 120-volt 20 amp electrical auxiliary power outlets more, but it's a fair bet each will make good use of those under the rear bench seat and in the pickup bed. Ideal for everything from plugging in a 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. 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 Sierra hybrid 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.