hybrid

2020 Ford F-150: News, Changes, Hybrid, Arrival

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2020 Ford F-150

After the major refresh for the 2018 model year and the introduction of the long-waiting diesel powertrain, the best-selling F-150 made also some meddling in the equipment range for the 2019 version. The owners of the Limited version will get Raptor’s high-performance 3.5-liter twin turbo V-6 while the Raptor gains the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

However, despite being available with the numerous powertrain options and hard-to-count customization options, Ford has more in prospect to come with the 2020 Ford F-150 version. Ford promised the hybrid powertrain for the Mustang and the light-duty truck and the new option is expected in 2020. Ford revealed the location where the hybrid will be produced. It will be the Dearborn truck plant in Michigan. Unfortunately, Ford didn’t say more details about the electrified powertrain but it should use the similar setup as the upcoming Mustang hybrid.

As for the other upgrades, there shouldn’t be many. Expect again some changes in the equipment organization and more high-trim features available in lower grades. New color options and more accessible safety gear should also be the part of the 2020 version.

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2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Expectations, Design

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2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid

The Honda Ridgeline is a one of the kind pickup truck on the roads of the US. What it makes special is the SUV-based, unibody design and combined with the fully independent suspension, this truck provides an unmatched ride quality and comfort. The Ridgeline is still capable to carry plenty of cargo and tow up to 5, 000 pounds. Still, it would be better with the extra off-road capability but the Ridgeline is well-equipped and well-rounded truck which can get the job done.

For the 2019 model year, the Ridgeline is unchanged. It has arrived all-new for the model year 2017. The new round of the upgrades should come for the 2020 model year. Honda promised at the begging of the year that its light truck lineup will get the hybrid powertrain and the Ridgeline should also be electrified. Honda also said that the models will employ the two-motor hybrid system which is now the part of the Accord sedan lineup.

As for Honda’s mid-size pickup truck, it should arrive for the 2020 model year with the hybrid powertrain. The 2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid hasn’t yet been spotted on the road but it shouldn’t look much different from the current version. The powertrain should be the version of the two-motor system used in the new Accord sedan.

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2019 Ford F-150 Hybrid: Expectations, Design

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2019 Ford F-150 Hybrid

After the redesign for the 2015 model year, America’s best-selling Ford F-150 has again been updated for the 2018 version. The focus of the 2018 refresh is on the new 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 engine. But Ford also updated the gas-sipping lineup. The new standard V-6 engine replaced the old V-6 unit and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V-8 have been tuned for more power. The styling was also under the revision as well as some active safety systems. But Ford is already looking to the future and we won’t have to wait long for new upgrades.

It’s not the news that Ford promised the hybrid version of its most popular truck. Ford confirmed in early 2017 that the F-150 hybrid will arrive by 2020. The possible scenario is also the 2019 Ford F-150 Hybrid but the hybridized version will more likely arrive sometime in 2019 as the 2020 model. The prototype of the F-150 hybrid hasn’t yet been caught on the road and Ford is also tight lipped about the hybridized light-duty truck. But let’s see what we should expect from this version.

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2017 Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept: Specs, Design

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2017 Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept

How the future pickup trucks will look is hard question to answer but 2017 Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept has already hinted what directions will be priorities. It isn’t hard to guess that most important aspect of the future development is related with green technologies and usage of renewable energy while in same time all capabilities regarding drive range available power and towing have to be satisfied. In this context, this model has been presented with unique hybrid concept that targets mentioned priorities in the way that current state of development allows. The same is with its unique and futuristic styling which can be seen on this model. On the other hand high standards have also been in mind when technology features and safety had been taken into consideration.

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Tesla Pickup Truck: Concept, Rumors

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Tesla Pickup

For some time, the rumors have been circulating that Tesla might build the pickup truck in the future. While it was only the matter of speculation, the things have become “more official” when Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk said in January that Tesla Pickup Truck is a logical  thing for the company  in the future. He hasn’t said much more but it was more than enough for some speculations to emerge about how this model might look and what hardware it might use.

Tesla has certainly the big interest for the pickup trucks because of the growing popularity of these vehicles especially in mid-size class. However, this will certainly be much bigger challenge for Tesla’s engineers than to build sedan or crossover. The new vehicle will have to offer competitive towing and hauling capabilities but it will also have to be capable for rough terrains in order to be competitive in this lucrative market. The biggest challenge will probably be to satisfy all mentioned but in same time to provide decent battery mileage. So, this project will probably take some time but let’s see how it might look.

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