Going green is an objective of many modern companies in this economically tough time. Purchasing hybrid vehicles for your business is one way to go green and save on fuel costs for your company. Hybrid vehicles combine the best of both worlds in terms of fuel consumption. A hybrid vehicle uses gasoline, but will utilize less gas than a standard vehicle because the hybrid also utilizes electrical energy. Fuel savings is significant and many businesses may soon opt to purchase hybrids for their work trucks.
The availability of hybrid trucks is still very limited in the US at this time. Currently, only various models of the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra offer hybrid capbilities. However, several models of these two hybrid work truck brands are available to the consumer. In a side-by-side comparison of miles-per-gallon fuel consumption, as well price of the truck and other fuel-related features, such as size of the gas tank and cost to fill the tank, five models of hybrid trucks from the two US manufacturers rise to the top of the heap as the best in class.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Two-Wheel Drive Crew Cab, Short Box 1HY
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Two-Wheel Drive Crew Cab, Short Box 1HY is priced at $39, 265, relatively lower than similar work truck models. However, this truck is evaluated as the best for the price. Also, when compared to other, higher priced hybrid trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 holds its own. This hybrid work truck averages 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The fuel tank holds 26 gallons. and the cost to fill the tank is about $89.00 at today’s prices. That’s an annual fuel cost of about $2707, more than likely a big savings to your business.
2. GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Four-Wheel Drive Crew Cab, Short Box 3HA
Coming in as a close second is the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Four-Wheel Drive Crew Cab, Short Box 3HA. This truck is comparable in every way to the top-rated Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid. However, the list price is a bit higher at $42,785. Fuel specifications for this truck are nearly identical to those of the Chevy Silverado 1500: 20 MPG in the city and 23 on the highway. The fuel tank also has a 26 gallon capacity and the annual fuel costs are the same as the Silverado at about $2707 per year.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Two-Wheel Drive Crew Cab, Short Box 2HY
With specifications similar to the top-rated Short Box 1HY model, the main difference between this model and the Short Box 1HY is the price tag. This truck’s list price is $46,045. Fuel capacity and consumption are identical to its 1HY counterpart, and the cost to operate this truck is the same as well.
4. GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Two-Wheel Drive Crew Cab, Short Box 3HB
This model is again very similar to the Number Two rated GMC Sierra 1500, Short Box 3HA, with identical fuel consumption and capacity. The price is a bit higher for this truck at $46,415.
5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Four-Wheel DriveCrew Cab, Short Box 1HY
This truck in the Number Five spot adds the four-wheel drive capacity to the top-rated Silverado model truck. Again, fuel capacity and consumption are identical to its Number One counterpart. The price tag is a bit heftier given the 4WD feature at $42,415. However This truck is still a bargain compared with any of the GMC Sierra models.
In years to come and provided the market will support the vehicles, more truck manufacturers will produce hybrid work trucks and more of a selection will become available. Though the two truck manufacturers that currently produce hybrid work trucks vie for position in the Top Five list, consumers can look forward to more manufacturers entering the game and opening up a wider selection. According to all reviews, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is your best bet for the price for your next hybrid work truck.
