With most people focusing on the projected all-electric future for vehicles, we may have forgotten about hybrid trucks. Despite the hype surrounding these trucks, there is little likelihood of electric trucks replacing the other trucks.
Getting a hybrid truck is a way of going green. They are powered by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine that work separately or together. The good thing about a hybrid truck is you don’t have to plug it in to charge the battery. Instead, it is charged by the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the battery going flat.
If you’re conscious about your carbon footprint, a hybrid truck is a great choice for you. And if you’re not sure which to pick, check out what we believe are the best hybrid trucks around.
Why Should You Purchase a Hybrid Truck?
Since the future of electric trucks is nowhere near, the likelihood of them replacing gasoline-powered trucks is low. Therefore, many are warming up to the idea of alternatively powered trucks like hybrids.
The concept of low fuel consumption trucks is quite appealing to most truck owners and emission-conscious individuals. Plus, with the price of gasoline always increasing, going hybrid may be the best solution. So here are the main reasons why you should buy a hybrid truck:
Fuel Prices Are Pretty High
The price of gasoline has been increasing at a swift rate for the last couple of years. Currently, it has hit the highest numbers in most states. So every driver, especially truck owners, is feeling the pressure of high fuel prices. Gasoline-powered trucks are known to consume the most fuel; therefore, most folks are turning to hybrid trucks. After all, trucks are designed to help conserve gas.
Hybrids are designed to help optimize fuel efficiency by switching between electricity and gas. Hybrid trucks have electric motors and a gas engine that add power to the truck while placing less strain on its engine. Therefore, getting a hybrid is an excellent method for saving cash on gas. Since the price of gasoline will continue increasing in the future, then getting a hybrid can save you a lot of money.
There Are Lots of Hybrid Pickups to Choose From
Even though the hybrid truck market is still growing, there are several hybrid trucks being released every year. In fact, several models were released in the last decade alone; therefore, there has never been a better year to get a hybrid than 2022.
For example, the 2022 Ford Maverick guarantees you about 33 miles per gallon on the freeway and 42 miles per gallon when cruising in the city.
Most Manufacturers Are Switching to Hybrid Pickups
Most manufacturers are switching to hybrid pickups. The introduction of a hybrid Toyota Tundra is the first sign that things are changing for the better. The Tundra was considered to be the thirstiest pickup in history. Therefore, if any hybrid Tundra can be manufactured, anything is possible.
Another company that has had great success in the hybrid truck market is Ford. Other companies like Ram have rolled out some of the most significant hybrid trucks in the market. Therefore, we suspect that other automobile manufacturers will start launching hybrid trucks soon.
What Are the Best Hybrid Trucks?
Trucks are of great value and importance as they can perform numerous functions. Pickup trucks have evolved over the years and currently have the same classy features as most luxury cars. This means that they are pretty costly and comfortable.
One of the best ways to lower the cost of managing your truck is by reducing fuel consumption by getting a hybrid truck. So here are some of the best hybrid trucks in the market:
GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Truck
The GMC Sierra 1500 hybrid is the first hybrid truck by GMC that was introduced in 2005. This model has undergone lots of modifications over the last few years. But one of its key features that still stand out is its dual hybrid system. The dual hybrid system lets the engine and the electric motors work simultaneously or independently.
The Sierra Hybrid is an excellent option for environmental-conscious folks who need a pickup. This truck has a V8, 6-liter hybrid engine with a reliable automatic transmission of about 379 HP. This truck also comes with a battery pack of approximately 300volts and two electric motors. The motors and the batteries are positioned below the rear seat to guarantee sufficient balance.
When boosted by electricity, Sierra 1500 hybrids can achieve a maximum speed of about 30mph. This truck also has a reliable fuel economy feature found in most hybrid trucks. To guarantee your safety, it comes with high-quality airbags situated on the side and the front part of the truck.
The 2005 Sierra 1500 hybrids come with a towing capacity of about 7,400lbs. This truck comes with 6 seats and 18-inch aluminum wheels. So you can use it to tow your trailer when going on a fishing or camping trip.
2021 RAM 1500
The Ram 1500 truck is an exceptional light-duty truck that has topped the market since it released its latest generation in 2019. This truck helped raise the bar for its class in terms of ride comfort, interior materials, and technology integration. But for the 2021 version, with other manufacturers launching their hybrid trucks.
The 2021 RAM 1500 comes with numerous upgrades, and these include:
- A reserve control system that can help steer your truck while you’re directing the trailer to the right spot
- Digital rearview mirrors
- Off-road readouts that are displayed on its 12-inch touchscreen
- Other unique features include active braking, collision warning, and pedestrian emergency braking.
The 2021 RAM 1500 comes with a V6, 305HP engine with a torque of about 269 lb-ft. This truck comes with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission that can guarantee a smooth ride. The 2021 RAM 1500 guarantees exceptional performance and off-road capabilities.
The 2019 RAM 1500 hybrid truck has some unique features that make it a bestseller. One of the key features that stand out is the eTorque hybrid technology found in their V6 engines. This truck is competent and environmentally friendly.
It comes with a mild-hybrid system that uses a unique belt-controlled motor generator instead of an alternator. The hybrid system can switch the cylinders and engine off when it’s idle to reduce engine noises and conserve fuel.
Check out how much a RAM 1500 can tow.
2022 Ford Maverick
Ford Maverick is one of the latest hybrid trucks to be introduced in the market. Ford Maverick comes with 4 doors and more than enough space for 5 passengers. Its 40 miles per gallon (mpg) city fuel-saving feature and the hybrid powertrain make it fuel-efficient as a tank can cover about 500 miles.
This hybrid truck comes with a 2.5-liter engine with a continuous variable transmission. Its CVT guarantees a smooth shifting experience for accelerating while driving on the highway. The Ford Maverick can tow up to 1,500 pounds thanks to its powertrains. Some of its exceptional features include 4 tie-down wires, 4 D-rings, threaded holes on its bed, and a pre-wired 12-volts power source.
Hybrid Ford F-150
The 2020 Ford F150 hybrid is a powerful truck that was meant to prepare folks for their all-electric future trucks. The Ford F150 comes with an exceptional fuel economic feature thanks to its electric power efficiency.
This multipurpose truck guarantees you a high versatility level. The 2020 Ford F150 has a 110-volt high power capacity and a high towing capacity. The F150 comes with a lithium-ion battery that can be easily recharged while powering numerous components of the truck.
The 2020 F150 has a higher off-road capability and a 375HP V6 engine. Initially, people believed that the 2021 F150 would come with a 4.8-liter V8 engine with hybrid capabilities.
But instead, 2021 is closely related to the 2020 Police interceptor hybrid and the Explorer Hybrid. The 2021 F150 is powered by a 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid engine with a total of 430HP. This engine is designed to cover about 700miles on a full tank.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
One of the best mid-sized hybrid trucks on the market is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This truck has numerous unique features available in 4 unique trims like the SEL and the SE with its premium and Limited version.
The Santa Cruz has a standard 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces a torque of about 181lb-ft and 191HP. This truck is also available in a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder engine producing a torque of about 311 lB-ft and 281HP.
Generally, its towing capacity is about 3,500 pounds. But its turbocharged engine can manage about 5000pounds thanks to its base engine and front-wheel drive.
This truck can manage 26mpg on the highway and 21mpg in the city. Its interior is quite spacious, and it has a 4-door cab with back and front passenger space.
Some of its unique features include Android Auto pairing and Apple CarPlay, which are displayed on its 8-inch touchscreen.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Truck
Another powerful and yet fuel-efficient hybrid truck is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck. The Silverado is a known gasoline guzzler, but if Chevrolet can produce a hybrid Silverado, then things are changing for the better. The Silverado Hybrid is fuel-efficient; it can consume 23mpg on the highways and 20mpg on the city roads.
Chevy made this possible by introducing an electric motor that could switch the truck between electricity and gasoline. Unlike standard trucks that have an alternator and starter, this one has a switch. The 2021 Silverado 1500 is available in 6.2 liters, 4.3 liters, 3.0 liters, and 2.7 liters engines. Plus, it comes with an auto-emergency braking system with some exceptional braking for pedestrians.
The fuel consumption is lowered by the electric generator that can generate about 14,000 watts. So you can go for either a 4WD or a two-wheel drive. This truck goes for around $39,640, and it comes with a 36-month warranty.
Toyota Hybrid A-BAT
Toyota is known as one of the leading car manufacturers on the planet, and as a result it’s the most popular brand of rental car in the USA. It’s no surprise then, that Toyota has produced some of the best hybrid vehicles like the Hybrid A-BAT.
The A-BAT is an exceptional hybrid with a high functionality level. Thanks to its innovative aerodynamic design, this truck has an easy flow of air. Its unique interior is customizable so that you can create more space for more loads or passengers.
You can convert a regular 4ft bed and four seats to a 2-seater with an 8ft long truck bed. The A-BAT has a DC power pack and a retractable navigation device, making it a unique truck. It has a hybrid-synergy drive system and power-split device. Therefore, the electric motor and gasoline engine can work separately.
The A-BAT truck has an exceptional fuel economy feature and produces fewer emissions. This truck comes with a reliable four-cylinder engine coupled with a hybrid synergy drive.
Advantages of Hybrid Trucks
- Lighter materials: Hybrid trucks require a small amount of energy to function. Therefore, most top brands use lighter materials when making their hybrids to save energy. These trucks also come with the lightweight engine than gasoline-powered trucks.
- It is environmentally friendly: The addition of electric motors and batteries improves their gas mileage. This makes them more environmentally friendly and a bit cheaper to operate. Its double engines are powered by gasoline and electric motors that help save on fuel and energy.
- It reduces reliance on fossil fuel: Hybrid trucks tend to use less fuel than their gasoline-powered counterparts. So they are a perfect introduction to the electric cars that will dominate the market in the future.
- It uses regenerative braking systems to power the batteries: The battery of the hybrid truck gets charged every time you brake. This is made possible by a mechanism that seizes the released energy when braking and charges the battery. Therefore you don’t need a charging point.
- They have a high resale value: Currently, folks are more open-minded to the idea of an electric and hybrid car. Plus, the ever-increasing price of gasoline makes a hybrid truck an exceptional vehicle. So you can resale it at a better price to others.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Trucks
- They are pretty costly: Hybrid trucks cost more than regular gasoline-powered trucks. So you should be ready to pay about $10,000 more for a hybrid. Luckily, you can get tax exemptions in some states; plus, the price of managing it is pretty low.
- They have less power: The gasoline engine in hybrid trucks is smaller than the one found in other trucks. The electric motor and gasoline power is less than the one produced by a standard gas engine.
- Accidents can be more severe with high voltage batteries: The batteries can electrocute the driver in case of an accident. The high voltage battery can be quite dangerous and may even cause an explosion. The high voltage batteries make it harder for people to access the truck and save the driver and passengers.
FAQs
Is there a small-sized hybrid pickup truck?
Yes, hybrid trucks vary in size. Ford has introduced the Maverick Hybrid truck, which is more compact but with the features that can be found in the standard hybrid trucks. It comes with a hybrid engine that functions perfectly with variable transmission to give it a smooth shift for accelerating. Despite its size, this truck’s towing capacity is about 1,500 pounds.
What is the price of the F150 hybrid?
Generally, the price of a Ford F150 ranges from $20,000 to $80,000. But the exact cost is determined by lots of factors, with the main one being the trim. The F150 pickups are well-rounded and highly functional with exceptional prices.
Does GM produce hybrid trucks?
Yes, GM produces hybrid trucks. In fact, they launched their first hybrid truck in 2005, which they have upgraded over the last few years.
Does Toyota produce hybrid trucks?
Yes, Toyota produces hybrid vehicles, mainly the Prius hybrid and the advanced A-BAT truck. Other than these hybrid options, Toyota plans on introducing some electric pickup trucks in the future.
What is a full hybrid truck?
Generally, full hybrid trucks are powered by engine combustion and electric motors. Full hybrids can use them at the same time or separately. Full hybrids are designed to use less fuel as they use the electric charge produced by the combustion engine to provide more power and save fuel.
Conclusion
Purchasing the best hybrid truck does more than save you some cash on fuel every day. This type of truck can help lower our dependency on fossil fuels and reduce air pollution. The good thing is that you will end up spending less on fuel than you would have on the standard trucks. However, the fact that it’s a hybrid means that it is less powerful than gasoline-powered trucks.
Leave a Comment