Here's the deal, the range of hybrid vehicles is expanding. And whether we like it or not, hybrids are here to stay. It's not like there's anything wrong with hybrid vehicles. In fact, hybrids not only help to lower emissions, it also allow for people to economize in a more effective manner. Given all these facts, it seems that Honda is planning to bring us a hybrid truck.
The Plan For Hybrids
When an automaker announces its plans regarding the introduction of a new hybrid vehicle, most people no longer find it to be a surprise given the fact that hybrid models are not exactly new in the auto industry anymore. However, when someone says a new hybrid truck is on the way, you better believe that heads will turn, eyebrows will be raised and questions will be asked. Left Lane News reported that the first hybrid will be a dedicated model that is slotted to take the place of the Insight.
Accordingly, it will be powered by the same two-motor powertrain found in the Accord Hybrid. It was explained that the powertrain of the Accord Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder that is matched with a couple of electric motors in addition to a battery pack of lithium-ion. In addition, it was stated that this configuration powerful enough to deliver 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
The Hybrid Truck
Now here's where things get a little more interesting. Apparently, the same powertrain configuration will also be offered in a light truck. The thing is, many people can easily be misled by the term given the fact that "light truck" is applicable not just to pickups but also SUVs and vans as explained by Digital Trends. At present, the pickup truck segment is steadily growing along with the SUV segment. With that being said, it's safe to assume that the Honda Ridgeline will probably be the one to get a hybrid version. Of course, this is merely a speculation but when you think about it, it's the closest thing that makes sense.
Hybrids Are The Future
As mentioned earlier, hybrid vehicles are here to stay. And from the looks of it, there's more to it than just that because it seems like hybrids hold the key to the future. "Half of the all-new models Honda will launch in the United States in the coming two years will be electrified vehicles. In the long term, electrified vehicles are the key to the future of carbon-free mobility," said Takahiro Hachigo, Honda's president and CEO in a report. As for the arrival of the hybrids, we can expect the first one next year. For the hybrid truck however, there are no details revealed yet other than it is scheduled to arrive before 2020 ends.
