Toyota has decided not to move forward with the small stylish A-BAT hybrid pickup concept. If the United States is going to tackle oil use and carbon emissions in any significant way, the country will need to improve the efficiency of pickup-trucks—historically the largest segment and one of the least efficient. The Toyota A-BAT, which stands for “Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck,” signaled a potentially radical shift in pickup design.
Toyota confirmed last week that it asked suppliers to bid on parts needed to produce a vehicle based on the Toyota A-BAT concept hybrid truck. Though it’s far from a commitment to production, it shows Toyota is seriously looking into a new small-size super-efficient pickup. Is a Prius pickup on the way?
One out of every eight American carbuyers opted for a full-sized pickup last year, but as fuel costs rise and CAFE standards tighten, this segment will shrink unless the pickup evolves. That means hybrid pickup trucks are on the way.
Toyota will show two small vehicles, the Urban Cruiser and the A-Bat, at the Geneva Motor Show next week, both of which are viable offerings for the U.S. market. Adding small and efficient vehicles could help Toyota move in the direction of meeting new higher fuel efficiency standards.
