Would a hybrid version have sold?It's probably a smart move that the new 2011 F-Series 'Super Duty' pickup was only made in gasoline and diesel versions. A hybrid version would have assuredly achieved minimal sales volume.
GM has already gone down this hybrid truck path, and without much success, despite the fact that that GM's dual mode hybrid trucks, such as the GMC Sierra hybrid, are easily the best hybrids GM makes. More interesting, if there is one segment of vehicle that needs hybrid technology, it's pickup trucks.
Of course, if GM or Ford sold only hybrid versions of their top selling American pickups, sales - and nice profit margins - would disappear, at least without massive subsidies.
Somewhat ironically, however, GM claims that's its dual mode hybrid technology, particularly designed for large trucks and SUVs, saves far more fuel per vehicle than does the Toyota Prius. And GM is right. Of course, these dual mode hybrids guzzle far more fuel than the Prius does as well.
Nevertheless, for those contractors, mechanics, etc. that truly need such size and functionality, hybrid versions of their favorite pickups could save America a massive amount of fuel.
Will hybrid and electric vehicle technology ever make sense in the full-sized pickup segment? Are fuel economy standards for trucks simply too low?
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