Chevrolet has announced that it will sell a select number of 2016 Chevrolet Silverados with eAssist technology. In the Silverado, eAssist will use technology already in place in the Malibu Hybrid and Volt. With eAssit, Silverado drivers are expected to achieve up to 13 percent better fuel economy in city driving.

“Silverado already leads the full-size truck segment in V8 fuel economy,” said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevrolet Trucks. “For customers and small-business owners who use their trucks for more urban driving, the addition of eAssist can further reduce their fuel costs without sacrificing the utility they expect in a full-size truck.”

The compact, lightweight system increases curb weight by approximately 100 pounds, and delivers an additional 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor.

The eAssist propulsion system, including the 8-speed automatic transmission, will be a $500 premium over a comparably equipped two-wheel drive Silverado 1500 crew cab in 1LT trim.

Approximately 500 Silverado eAssist trucks will be available for the 2016 model year, exclusively through California dealers. Based on feedback from these initial customers, Chevrolet will adjust production for 2017 model year.