Traditionally, hybrid cars have been developed by foreign car manufacturers and in smaller sedan models. Until recently, hybrid automobiles were targeted at environmentally focused, eco-friendly drivers. However, Ford Motor Company is making a change to the hybrid paradigm, and it’s not in the form of a sedan, coupe or even an SUV.
That’s right, Ford is working on a new F-150 hybrid model, and perhaps a diesel system as well, Car and Driver recently reported. Although the national gas price average is hovering just below $2.19, according to the latest AAA statistics, truck manufacturers are focusing on improving fuel economy across the board. Ford is one such domestic auto company that’s dedicated to meeting widespread national regulations requiring light, mid-sized and heavy trucks to meet a stricter fuel efficiency requirement in the coming years. The abased manufacturer is working on a hybrid drivetrain for its best selling pickup, which comes on the heels of Ford recently announcing its aluminum-framed 2015 F-150 model.
Ford Global Development Chief Raj Nair told the Detroit Free-Press recently that increasing vehicles’ fuel economy is simply the right thing to do, citing the need to reduce human carbon emissions. Improved gas mileage is also a strong selling point, Nair added.
“Fuel economy is a strong driver for sales of other vehicles,” Nair told the Free-Press. “Low gasoline prices make the payback longer.”
Hybrid truck on its way
Due to that very fact, Ford has been working hard on developing a hybrid system for Ford’s most popular truck model. Although Nair declined to comment on how the system works or a potential debut timeline, the news comes as a surprise to many in the truck industry, one that’s predicated on vehicle performance and power.
No offense to hybrid drivers, but it’s not like Prius’ are the first cars people think of when someone needs to tow a load of freight. The public perception of traditional hybrids is that of eco-friendly, low emissions and strong fuel economy. In an industry that relies heavily on vehicle performance, the announcement of a hybrid truck may have raised a few eyebrows.
Yet, Ford’s aluminum-bodied F-150 dropped 700 lbs., but the manufacturer still offers a range of V-6 engines as well as a 5-liter V-8 model, Car and Driver said. Certainly, the aluminum body is a risk, but if successful – the frame is made of high-strength steel for durability and reinforcement – Ford could have shifted the paradigm in how modern-day trucks are constructed. The weight reduction improved its city/highway fuel economy to 22 miles per gallon, the best in class for any non diesel full-size pickup on the market today.
Hitting the right market with Ford’s Hybrid Truck?
Other critics of Ford’s announcement cite the company is wishfully thinking about using eco-friendly marketing as a primary sales pitch. Typically speaking, truck owners are more focused on power, towing capacity and engine size; improved gas mileage is just an added perk. Ford says it’s working hard to come up with a feasible option that meets fuel-efficiency standards without sacrificing the truck’s machismo.
Certainly, it’s a roll of the dice on Ford’s end. It could be challenging convincing truck owners the hybrid F-150 hasn’t been neutered, but only time will tell. Yet, thankfully for Ford, truck owners are some of the most brand loyal customers on the market. While pickup owners aren’t necessarily buying a truck for its fuel economy, electric-based engines do provide benefits in performance that gas-powered motors lack. In fact, the International Business Times says electric engines have better 0 to 60 mph acceleration than gas-powered models.
Don’t believe us, have a look here for yourself.
If Ford can convince truck owners the hybrid model hasn’t lost performance muscle, the hybrid model could drastically change how trucks are made going forward. Would you consider hauling with a hybrid?
