Dodge will build just 100 diesel-electric 2005 Ram pickups.

[John - K5AWO]

What a bummer deal. See the sad story at:



http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=03693327

 

[guava]

I'd sure like to know where one of them was going so you could get first hand knowledge of it.

 

[ProspectorTim]

Bummer! (not that I'm in the market for one).

The division will sell them to fleet customers such as utility companies.



None will be available to consumers this year or next - and the trucks may never be available to the general public,

I'll be sure to look for it at the SEMA show in Las Vegas!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Can't see one of those for any sort of serious work or hauling - looks to be more of a grocery/commute vehicle with a bigger "trunk"...

 

[C Schomer]

I heard they will be killer on hills! They will use engine AND electric. Craig

 

[ProspectorTim]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

Can't see one of those for any sort of serious work or hauling - looks to be more of a grocery/commute vehicle with a bigger "trunk"...

I'd reserve comment until we know more about what is being built. I'll have to agree with you if the final product is comparable to the current hybrid cars - and my guess is that it will be.

What I would *like* to see woud be something more comparable to a diesel-electric locomotive. Picture a freight-train on rubber tires.

 

[KCJackson]

The diesel/electric Ram was not made to improve economy like the Hindas and Toyotas and Ford Escapes. The Ram is intended to be used as a portable jobsite or campsite generator whose electric power assists during acceleration. It will still use the exact same Cummins that a n hybrid uses.



The true hybrids use a smaller engine that is offset by the electric power.