Ford - Toyota Hybrid Trucks

[terra4r]

So the news today is that Ford and Toyota are working on a deal for hybrid technologies in each manufacturer's light truck and SUV line-up (along with some telematics sync like technologies).

The problem I see here is still the probability of both companies using gasoline based engines, and not diesel. Of course there is a small cost of adding the diesel (emissions), but every other stinking country already has them, why not us? In fact, if Toyota were to add a small diesel (suitable for the taco perhaps), they could easily achive better fuel consumption ratings than the 4L offered in the US without the added weight of hybrid drives/batteries.

What do you guys think? Hybrids may be good for certain applications, but america needs to get over itself with thinking diesels are bad news. Of course we'd all like better MPG's in our trucks, but honestly, I want a truck that'll last 10 years without having to replace the energizer batteries. (my rant is over.)

 

[Uneek]

Ford is finally updating the Ranger?

 

[terra4r]

Ford is finally updating the Ranger?

maybe a rebirth as an F100, who knows.

 

[Thai]

Of course we'd all like better MPG's in our trucks, but honestly, I want a truck that'll last 10 years without having to replace the energizer batteries. (my rant is over.)

Although i agree with you that hybrid technology does not belong in a truck or SUV, i think that you are underestimating the hybrid battery's life span. Currently, hybrid batteries are warrantied from factory for 10 years or 150,000 miles in California. In fact, most hybrid batteries (Toyota for sure) will last well over 200,000 miles without having issues. And as Consumer Reports tested recently, these batteries work consistently well (like new) even past 150k miles (http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/02/200000-mile-toyota-prius-still-performs.html).

Currently, the price for a new battery is around $2500. You can get a used one for a few hundred bucks, which is what most people do. Now, if I had to only spend $2500 (worst case scenario) every 150,000-300,000 miles, then I would definitely be a happy camper!! Also consider that hybrid owners save money on starter issues, brakes, transmission, etc....along with obvious gas savings.

A modern diesel has to have urea injection every so many miles. In addition, diesel prices here in the US are not exactly cheap either.

BUT, i agree with you...hybrid powertrain in a truck is not a good thing, but maybe the future technology will be better???

Now, what i like from this announcement is that a RWD hybrid may not be a bad idea in a SPORTS CAR!!!!!! Supra comeback?

 

[cfranck1]

Ford is finally updating the Ranger?

The Ranger will end production in North America December 22nd, 2011

Currently, the price for a new battery is around $2500. You can get a used one for a few hundred bucks, which is what most people do. Now, if I had to only spend $2500 (worst case scenario) every 150,000-300,000 miles, then I would definitely be a happy camper!! Also consider that hybrid owners save money on starter issues, brakes, transmission, etc....along with obvious gas savings.

I just looked up a battery for the only Hybrid Ford makes now, the Escape. It lists out for 9,018.78..
Sounds like Toyota's battery is a bargain!!

 

[Thai]

Wow...Ford is ripping people off!!!

 

[Uneek]

Another article, Ford, Toyota announce hybrid joint venture - Aug. 22, 2011

 

[JohnsD90]

Instead wasting their time with this hybrid bullish!t, the companies should bite the bullet, and as a short term fix to meet the 2016 regs put diesels in their cars and start developing the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles instead of delaying them as far off as possible, considering hydrogen is the Most abundent resourse in the world. Btw the injection is like $40 every like 10k miles),

 

[Thai]

Instead wasting their time with this hybrid bullish!t, the companies should bite the bullet, and as a short term fix to meet the 2016 regs put diesels in their cars and start developing the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles instead of delaying them as far off as possible, considering hydrogen is the Most abundent resourse in the world. Btw the injection is like $40 every like 10k miles),

John, do you have any data to back up what you're saying?? I am sure that there are reasons why diesel (from Toyota and Honda for instance) are not making it over here. Hell, even VW is doing the hybrid thing.

As for hydrogen cars, just briefly reading Wiki, it sure does look like car manufacturers are dropping it left and right!! Too much cost, too much carbon emissions, too inefficient. Link: Hydrogen vehicle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (scroll all the way thru...in other words, dead technology!)

So, as always, i love your random thoughts Johnsd90, but i sure wish that you once did some reading on stuff before posting. Stay in school dude.

So, at 200k miles, these diesels will need $800+ of the injection stuff...hmmm, the cost of a used hybrid battery. Hybrid bull$hit? Better take that dusty calculator out of your closet and start using it!