Too Late for a Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Truck?
 

Question for you folks..

Is it TOO LATE to build a plug-in Hybrid Pickup truck?

This is a project I've thought about for a long time, but never happened for a number of reasons. Now, there are plenty of cheap used electric cars out there but NO trucks!

Even vehicles like a used Volt are rather inexpensive. Trying to build a hybrid pickup would start to come close to the cost of some used factory-built vehicle. How soon will we have a plug-in hybrid or long-range EV pickup truck?

I think I now have a few more skills, connections, etc. then I did when I originally had the idea. I actually have quite a few followers on YouTube and bet I could do a fund-raiser to buy the batteries and other key parts.

Bare minimum commitment would be 6 months, (with a year of tinkering to follow, if my other projects mean anything...)

What do you think, is it WORTH it to build a hybrid pickup truck? Or is it too late?

Here's my original concept video from a few years back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDNGQctzrrw

There are tons of hybrid pickups out there.
They are called turbo diesels.

Judging by how bad the hybrid Silverado tanked it will probably be a while.

I'm getting along just fine with a leaf and a trailer.

I have an EV and a trailer, but range is rather limited, ESPECIALLY pulling a trailer.

Make the trailer carry additional batteries.

Looks like a nice channel. And you certainly are very presentable and I would not mind watching your videos. (Unlike some others where the novelty of shouting wears off pretty quickly).

Unfortunately in my country electric conversions are a major major major pain and cost to get registered.


But since you are already in to this stuff I would really like to see how to install a bas (alternator-motor) to my car. Make it a hybrid. (Sorry for the hijack).

How could it be too late for you to build what you want? It's not like you are going to build a bunch to sell. They don't make the small trucks any more either. But that looks to be what you plan to start with. I have the smallest pickup I could find, waiting to be restored for my EV pickup dream car project. A '80 VW Rabbit (Caddy). Because that is what I want. BTW, much of my plan was inspired but some of your projects.

I agree with hamsterpower. If its what you want, go for it! If your needs have changed, do something else cool. :)

All plug in pickups (when they release)
Will be $60k+

I would argue that if you rebody a crashed
Volt, Prime, Bolt, Smart, iMiev, etc
Into a pickup Priuck style you probably are ahead of the $60k tag by a large margin

In my mind the least work would be a rear ended FWD Plug in with a rampage or el Camino back end.

Other option would be a FWD Diesel Rabbit truck or Kei truck with a simple RWD EV under the back end
That would result in 40mpg + EV
Remember that 5.7,6.2 and 4.3 GM Diesel can be rigged up as FWD as well opening up more possible platforms.

I guarantee whatever you setup will be smaller and lighter than the $60000 + OEM Trucks will be

I thought people were already paying $60,000 or more for them.

I like it Ben, go for it!

Only hybrid truck I know of now is the Workhorse, and who knows if it will ever be built, and as rmay says, they will be $60k+ when they arrive.

Maybe starting with a Ford Ranger EV would be easiest. What about building a series hybrid where a diesel genset recharges the battery?

Looks like people are spending that for large SUVs/CUVs, but not pickups.

2017 average transaction price by automotive segment:

Compact SUV/Crossover $28,470
Full-size Pickup Truck $47,601
Full-Size SUV/Crossover $60,830
Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover $44,239
Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover $83,277
Luxury Mid-size SUV/Crossover $55,588
Mid-size Pickup Truck $32,562
Mid-size SUV/Crossover $38,139
Subcompact SUV/Crossover $24,310
Grand Total $36,113 (average passenger vehicle transaction price)

https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2018/02/...urchase-price/