Toyota Confirms It Is Considering A Hybrid Pickup Truck

The Japanese automaker has seemingly confirmed the ongoing reports that see the company exploring the idea of creating a hybrid pickup truck platform for the US market.

The confirmation came from Ed Laukes, Toyota vice president of marketing, interviewed recently on the sidelines of the State Fair of Texas last week, where he explained the hybrid truck might bring even more customers to the brand, and positively expand on the company’s truck range. “There’s absolutely no reason we couldn’t have a hybrid truck,” he commented. “All those options, we’re exploring. When you’re trying to raise you CAFE limits for the entire brand, there’s no option that isn’t on the table.”

Read Article

MDarringer - 10/3/2017 8:28:56 AM

+1 Boost

Of course it it.

What makes me roll my eyes is how companies have NOT universally gone to hybridization for minivans, crossovers, SUVs, and pickups at least as an option.

TomM - 10/3/2017 9:04:17 AM

+2 Boost

Gm and Chrysler HAD a pick-up Hybrid system that they both used - but sales did not even justify continued production. The gains in MPG in the trucks was far less than in cars.

The problem remains that it is still hard to justify the extra cost of a hybrid system - and its complexity - when gas prices remain low. (even with the recent temporary bump). The diesel is also hard to justify in the USA - where Diesel prices are not HALF of what gas costs - as in Europe.

The other problem is - even though todays Hybrids are better to drive - anyone who has driven an older one - as I have - really HATES it as a "Drivers" car(especially the clunky CVTs). AS a transportation appliance they might get by - but when you add in that added cost too - I understand WHY people do not buy more of them. ANd Until Plug-in Hybrids have 100 mile electric range - they really do not save you much - since cars without the hybrid technology generally get better mileage than the Hybrid running on the engine.

vdiv - 10/3/2017 11:14:17 AM

+2 Boost

GM has the two-mode hybrid trucks and SUVs, a more advanced version of the Volt's transaxle. All they need is a higher capacity battery with a charger and a plug to make them very compelling with higher efficiency and power.

And yet they have stubbornly refused to do that for over a decade now.

MDarringer - 10/3/2017 9:21:38 PM

0 Boost

eAssist isn't hybrid