100 MPG Trucks: A Not-So-Distant Reality?

Is it possible? Is it believable? Or is it just the old smoke and mirrors? Working with technology similar to that of the Chevy Volt, a company called Raser Technologies is developing a solution for achieving better mileage in new pickup trucks such as the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-series that are already on the market. Raser has announced that it will have a 100 mpg pickup and a 100 mpg SUV in testing with Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s vehicle fleet in the near future. Equipped with a 200 kW electric motor, Raser’s concept hybrid truck will run on electricity for its first 40 miles, after which a gas motor kicks in to recharge the lithium-ion battery. Since most truck owners typically use their vehicles for commuting and recreation for trips of less 40 miles, they’d benefit hugely from the opportunity to save gas. It’s especially good news for the many companies that rely on trucks for their business, which are increasingly struggling under the massive fill-up costs for their work vehicles.

Miles Electric Vehicles, one of the startups using Raser’s symetron technology, is offering a low-speed "work truck," but none of its specs are all that convincing. While it has a decently-sized bed, the ZX40ST is only indicated for tasks like landscaping and "light hauling", and with a top speed of 25 mph, I don’t think they’ll exactly be flying off the dealer lots, literally or figuratively.

Clearly, the Raser system is still in its infancy, but the idea of a successful independent EV solution is cool. Here’s hoping that this company does well and doesn’t get gobbled up by the major automakers.