Any opinions on electric /hybrid light trucks?

[Melissa G]

I have a business and I often have to make deliveries, plus I like to garden and haul messy stuff on occasion.
I have usually owned a truck.

My last one that I just sold was a '97 periwinkle blue Ford Ranger Splash model with side steps. I currently have a 2005 Scion XA that I hate to give up the gas mileage on, but there is that lack of ability to haul dirt and it's just not quite big enough sometimes. I'm wondering if there is an electric or hybrid truck out there that would suit my needs?

I miss my 1984 Mazda B2000. Gas mileage was good and she was pretty too. Had a nice camper with a moon roof and slider window on her.:cry: I had kids and had to give her up. Kids are almost gone now...;) Mama can get what she wants. Okay, maybe not the Miata convertible...I still have to be a little practical.:)

[flvegan]

1. GM makes the Silverado/Sierra in a hybrid.

It's a full size and still has a big engine, so I don't know that the 21 or 22 mpg you might get will be a benefit. Nor might the $40k price tag. There isn't an electric one, and I haven't even heard of a prototype of one. A diesel truck should get you more mpgs, I would think. Not a LOT but a couple. Your best bet is to probably go back to a smaller truck with a good sized 4 cyl or 6 cyl. You should be able to haul your stuff and still get better mpg than a full sized, massive-engine truck. Or, find a car that you like that has a respectable towing capacity and put a hitch on it. A hitch and trailer would likely be cheaper in the long run overall, since you can always leave the trailer at home when it's not needed. Sadly the Scion xA sports a definitive "not recommended" on towing capacity, so I wouldn't.

[Melissa G]

2. Good to know about the XA and towing capacity

I have seen small trucks that have been converted to electric. Not sure if there are kits for this. The guy at the energy fair said he did it for 10 grand plus the price of the truck.:shrug: