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I can't believe pickups haven't gone hybrid already. They stand to benefit the most from hybrid technology when used in stop and go situations, which is what the majority of the commuter trucks are used for. It would be very easy to downsize the engine if the truck is backed up with an electric motor.
If I were an auto manufacturer, I'd throw the smallest battery that qualifies for the full federal tax credit. Somewhere around 16 kWh I believe. Put a 4 cylinder engine in the thing and let the electric motors do the heavy lifting of acceleration and hill climbing, and save the brakes with regen. The traction battery could also double as a generator for running tools if it actually gets used for work.
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