Hybrid Tahoe

[bookworm]

My city is scrambling in a panic to control fuel costs. Our fleet manager is recommending hydrid vehicles. I have the following questions. Does putting emergency lights on a vehicle, say like a Chevy Tahoe hybrid, void any warranty on the vehicle? Does anyone around run Tahoe hybrids (or any other hybrid emergency vehicle?) I have my reservations but am willing to go the way of the hybrid vehicle. I do not want to be left with an electrical lemon.

[CanadianFyrTrks]

I'm betting that the issues of an electrical problem affecting Hybrid vehicles are very rare indeed. These vehicles have become so refined that it is truly a thing of the past.

As for Adding an Emergency Lighting package, call a local dealer. I think that it's a safe bet your vehicle won't have it's warranty void by adding a simple lightbar, perimeter flashers and a traffic advisor.

Good Luck Bookworm

[taskforce16]

I think any vehicle might be subject to a warranty issue if lights and sirens are installed. Either in a hybrid or a tradional gas or diesel engine. I think it is best to contact the local dealer or manufature for clairification.

[jbrescue]

My question wouldn't be about warranties. What would happen when the extra load is put on the system? Is the hybrid even able to keep up with the electrical demand, or will you be running your gas motor to keep up anyhow? What is the capacity for adding on to the hybrid battery system?

[NickSBFD6]

I'm no expert on hybrid technology, but here's my take:

I can't see how the warranty issues would be any different than a regular vehicle. On the Hybrids I've seen the conventional 12 volt system is completly seperate from the electric propulsion systems. I work for an emergency vehicle upfitter, the only hybrids we've seen so far were Ford Escapes. With those, our lighting and radio equipment tied into the 12 volt system just like it would in a regular car.

I think JB has the bigger concern, can the hybrid system keep up with the 12 volt charging system demands of a ton of aftermarket equipment? I would reccomend minimal LED lighting and a mid power radio if your radio coverage is adequate. This would reduce current drain, and presumably the run time of the gas engine.

I think once the city pays the premium for the Hybrid Tahoe over the Fleet SSV Tahoe any gas savings would be moot. But like most of the "go green" movements, it's far more political than practical.

-Nick

[ctxffman]

I'd research the reviews of the GM Hybrid system before I get too excited. The initial reviews I read stated the gas version got the same or better mileage. The gas engine took a second to get up and running from a stop. While on a hill, in my neck of the woods, it would roll back when you took your foot off the brake to press on the accelerator. You could bump the vehicle behind you.
No, I haven't driven one, but this is what I've read.
See if you can find something on Pickuptruck.com, TruckTrend.com, Motortrend.com. etc. Edmunds.com
The Escape is selling out. but it's a small vehicle.

[dano8696]

Supposedly, the FDNY has received a large order of Hybrid GMC Yukons for the battalion units

[neiowa]

My city is scrambling in a panic to control fuel costs. Our fleet manager is recommending hydrid vehicles. I have the following questions. Does putting emergency lights on a vehicle, say like a Chevy Tahoe hybrid, void any warranty on the vehicle? Does anyone around run Tahoe hybrids (or any other hybrid emergency vehicle?) I have my reservations but am willing to go the way of the hybrid vehicle. I do not want to be left with an electrical lemon.


Then your city fleet manager is an idiot. The SUV mfg are darn near giving away their "conventional" trucks. On the other hand you can pay a few thousand over retail and buy a "Hybrid" that performs worse and will need a replacement battery at considerable expense in ____ months/years.

So do the math for him on how much you save on fuel driving an over priced toy (lower operating expense) vs the savings in purchase cost (capital expense). If you working in a warped dimension where capital equipment comes out of someone elses budget (the taypayer's left pocket) while operating funds come out of your (the manager's) budget (the taxpayer's right pocket) it all can be justified.

Don't forget to include the unknown costs of maint/repair for the "hybrid" on which your mechanics are not trained to repair. What's the residual value of the thing in a few years when you're done with it and the battery is dead?

[FIREMECH1]

Hey bookworm...

A nearby city has 2 of them, about 9 months old. They make 3-7 runs a day. They're both 4WD, and were optioned out with a GM 250amp alternator.

They run for lights, the standard 4 corner stobes, 2 led strobes in the rear glass, and 2 more in the grill. The rest of the electronics are the standard radios and equipment that all other Bat. Chiefs have installed.

Everything is still under warranty as it sits, with no exceptions. As of now, there has been no problems with either Tahoe.

As for your tech's ability to repair them, they are a step up from Joe's Garage techs, if they are EVT Certified. Most techs, me included, have been trained on Hybrids as far back as 5-6 yrs ago. So they are not that magical or mysterious to repair.

If you need more info, let me know.

[bookworm]

Thanks for the replies. Our meter readers just got a hybrid Escape. They are talking about putting me in one of those. I just do not think the city will cough up the cash for a hybrid Tahoe. I feel like we are experiencing a great deal of knee-jerk reaction to a perceived crisis. Anyway, thanks for the insights. I will keep everyone posted.

[sklump]

I just completed training on the Tahoe hybrid, officially any added accesories void the warranty. They are getting close to 30mpg and have alot of power, they will smoke all 4 tires.

[Rescue101]

"Officially"any accessory added by anyone OUTSIDE of a dealer "voids"the warranty and has since about 1909. I've never had a problem in this regard but that's just me. T.C.

[neiowa]

Still no hybrid fan can explain the payback on buying one of the things?

Hug a spotted owl, eat some bark, bash corporations, worship Obama, buy a hybrid. A religious experience.

[MMFireBuff]

I came across this L A County Fire Lifeguards are now using Escape Hybrids.

The article talks about some of the adapts done to the Escapes to make them ablle to work for them.

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/24/la-county-ocean-lifeguards-find-themselves-in-ford-escape-hybrid/