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A Guide to Hybrid Pickup Trucks

For many hybrid owners, the full-sized pickup truck represents all that is wrong with the American vehicle: big, overpowered, and thirsty for fuel. But the reality is that pickups are immensely popular—mostly because many Americans need the hard-working hauling and towing capacities of a hybrid truck.

The Toyota A-BAT is a four-seat hybrid pickup with a four-foot rear bed and roof-mounted solar panels to charge its onboard accessories. The vehicle might appeal to all those other pickup drivers who seldom load lumber, but want versatility, roominess, sleek styling, and top-notch fuel efficiency.

An entirely new generation of hybrid trucks is in the works. Version 2.0 of the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid hit showrooms as 2009 models. The two-mode hybrid system going into trucks increases fuel economy by 25 percent to 18 in the city and 20 highway—far from Prius territory, but respectable for a three-ton truck with a 6.0L V8 powerplant under the hood. Dodge Ram Hybrid will use the same two-mode powertrain as the GM trucks, and is expected to get roughly the same fuel economy. And recently, auto companies have begun exploring the potential for a “lifestyle” pickup: a smaller, more fuel efficient unibody hybrid truck that offers a car-like ride combined with modest towing and hauling capabilities.

A List of Hybrid Trucks

Sort by:	Name	Combined MPG	Technology	MSRP	Available	Description
	GMC Sierra Hybrid	23 MPG	Hybrid	$39,600	Now	The GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup truck’s gasoline V8 engine and electric motors provide a not-insignificant 33-percent increase in overall fuel mileage.
	Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid	21 MPG	Hybrid	$39,200	Now	The two-wheel drive (2-WD) versions of the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid proudly trumpet the crucial stats for full-size pickups.
	Chevrolet Silverado E85	13 MPG	E85 Ethanol	$29,400	Now	America's prototypical pickup is a natural fit for E85.
	Ford F-150 E85	11 MPG	E85 Ethanol	$22,100	Now	Ford's best-selling pickup truck offers flex-fuel capabilities.
	Ford Transit Connect Electric	n/a	Electric	n/a	2010	The all-electric small service truck with car-like driving dynamics could be the first commercial vehicle with a green halo.