Ford working on F150 hybrid
linc Also mention in passing, a diesel is in the parts bin.Depending on the success of the Ram ED I suppose.
Forum Discussion
Hybrids make a lot of sense for stop and go driving. For a tow vehicle, not so much.
It's about keeping the gas/diesel engine operating at peak efficiency.
- Running at 65mph down the freeway, a standard engine is pretty much at peak efficiency.
- Under hard acceleration or during deceleration, the engine is far from it's peak efficiency.
- On top of that a gas/diesel engine is typically sized based on acceleration needs. Power needs to hold speed at freeway speeds is typically much lower.
Hybrids help by allowing the engine to stay at peak efficiency all the time absorbing extra power during deceleration and allowing for decent acceleration without pushing the gas/diesel engine into an inefficient range. It also allows for a smaller engine as it can be sized for steady freeway speeds.
For towing purposes, most are driving at steady speeds and may need more peak power than the batteries can provide during a long grade climb.
The real question is since most trucks are used as grocery getters, does a hybrid make sense. (there is also the ego factor...a hybrid might have a 120hp engine and that doesn't sooth the ego of someone expecting 200-300hp even though it may have similar unloaded performance)
It's about keeping the gas/diesel engine operating at peak efficiency.
- Running at 65mph down the freeway, a standard engine is pretty much at peak efficiency.
- Under hard acceleration or during deceleration, the engine is far from it's peak efficiency.
- On top of that a gas/diesel engine is typically sized based on acceleration needs. Power needs to hold speed at freeway speeds is typically much lower.
Hybrids help by allowing the engine to stay at peak efficiency all the time absorbing extra power during deceleration and allowing for decent acceleration without pushing the gas/diesel engine into an inefficient range. It also allows for a smaller engine as it can be sized for steady freeway speeds.
For towing purposes, most are driving at steady speeds and may need more peak power than the batteries can provide during a long grade climb.
The real question is since most trucks are used as grocery getters, does a hybrid make sense. (there is also the ego factor...a hybrid might have a 120hp engine and that doesn't sooth the ego of someone expecting 200-300hp even though it may have similar unloaded performance)
