I'm talking about a truck the size of a Ford Ranger, Chevy S-10 or Colorado, etc. Why is it taking so long to incorporate hybid technology into trucks, vans and SUVs?
2006-08-02 06:54:07 · 16 answers · asked by MTSU history student 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Ford will as a 2008 model.
As for a Fuel Cell vehicle, Honda will be first to offer a commercially viable production car for regular use. The FCX concept will be coming out as a Honda Accord FC for the 2009 or 2010 model year, the hydrogen generator will have to be bought separately, but can be installed in your garage and will convert the gas you use for your stove into Hydrogen(H2). The infrastructure for providing H2 to the masses wont be there until about 2012 or 2015. It depends on the government, and how involved and how much funding they provode for jump starting this. Also, since it is a green type of energy, its not something that is coming from the military, where generally speaking, most of our gadgets and improvements to life, (radios, GPS, cell phones, computers, etc...) generally come from. So it will take a very active roll from the general population.
I believe though that Ford will be first with a hybrid version of the Ranger. Chevy is too involved in FC technology(hoping not to replicate the flop of the EV1 from the 90's), and M85 engines. Chrysler is to involved with trying to turn a profit, so their R&D into alternative fuels relies heavily on what Daimler passes down.
2006-08-02 07:08:30 · answer #1 · answered by jeff the drunk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chevy offers a hybrid Silverado.
GM offers a hybrid Sierra.
Toyota has shown a hybrid concept truck.
The concept of a small hybrid truck is somewhat unsound. The reason that a hybrid offers better gas mileage is because it can allow one to use a smaller gas engine for cruising with the assistance of an electric motor when acceleration/torque is needed. This is a significant savings in larger vehicles. However, because small trucks already use smaller engines the fuel savings don't yet offset the additional cost of manufacturing a hybrid.
2006-08-02 07:06:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's been done, but not well.
GMC tried marketing the Sierra in 2005 with an ISG (Integrated Started Generator) and Hummer did an H2H (Hydrogen powered, in part) in 2002 but neither were well received or cost effective.
I think the first company to get it right will be Toyota, if & when they do it.
Why is it taking so long? Because the truck buying population and the eco-conscious population only overlap to a small degree. It's all about demand.
2006-08-02 07:01:15 · answer #3 · answered by Word Game Addict 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, as far as trucks I don't know, but Ford has a hybrid SUV in the Escape.
2006-08-02 06:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by jensarquist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're looking for a battery truck, its will be a long time. The technology/performance is not there for a truck.
The whole percieved need for them is junk science anyways. Don't worry about the enviroment, get what you want.
2006-08-02 06:59:20 · answer #5 · answered by Archer Christifori 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably toyota within the next 2 years
2006-08-02 06:58:06 · answer #6 · answered by casey_leftwich 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, Ford has a hybrid pickup out now or about to be released.
2006-08-02 06:59:07 · answer #7 · answered by ne0aes0p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toyota will be introducing hybrids on every platform in 2008.
2006-08-02 06:59:32 · answer #8 · answered by Jeremy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can get a hybrid Ford Explorer or escape
2006-08-02 06:57:54 · answer #9 · answered by Spaceman spiff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chevy and Ford has them out already
2006-08-02 06:57:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋