Hybridize or kill trucks and SUVs

A hybrid pickup truck from GM

Can plug-in technology turn trucks and SUVs into fuel saving monsters? I guess that depends on your definition of good fuel economy.

Google's REChargeIT program converted a number of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids into plug-in hybrids. The Prius averaged about 93 mpg, but on city trips it averaged as much as as 115 mpg. The Ford Escape hybrid, on the other hand, averaged about 50 mpg, and that's a relatively small SUV.

The fact is, is that the fuel economy of most American trucks and SUVs is insanely pathetic. Yet, trucks, for instance, are the top selling vehicles in America, and turning these vehicles into plug-in vehicles is far too cost-ineffective today. Nonetheless, something has to give.

Either Americans have to give up these vehicles, or US automakers need to dramatically increase their fuel economy, and they need to start as soon as possible. So, why not some kind of government carrot and stick that forces US automakers to convert all trucks and SUVs into hybrid vehicles, while offsetting the price difference for the first few years? Also, as battery technology develops, many of these hybrid pickups could be converted into plug-in pickups.

Ultimately, can we really expect the US auto industry to survive without forcing great change? Moreover, shouldn't that change begin in the sector most important to US automakers?

Filed under: General

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