Toyota encountering challenges in developing hybrid drivetrain for next-gen Tundra pickup
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 10/25/05
TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. is working on a hybrid version of its next-generation Tundra pickup.

"We are doing the necessary technical development so that a large pickup with a hybrid will be developed," said Masatami Takimoto, Toyota Motor executive vice president for advanced technology.

But several key details still need to be worked out, says Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Toyota is conducting an engineering feasibility study to determine whether a Tundra hybrid can meet customer requirements, Press said. Toyota will redesign the Tundra in early 2007.

Hybrids use gasoline engines and electric engines to power the wheels.

A hybrid work truck presents engineering challenges not present in standard cars, said Dave Hermance, executive engineer for Toyota Technical Center U.S.A.

On the plus side, hybrid battery packs provide excellent low-end torque, which is good for stump-pulling and other quick-effort heavy lifting.

On the down side, many truck owners require their vehicles to tow or haul heavy loads over long distances. Hybrid battery power is nearly useless in that aspect. As a result, a pickup cannot scrimp on engine displacement without sacrificing towing performance, Hermance said. That hurts fuel economy, the main benefit of a hybrid.

Takimoto noted that long-distance towing stresses the durability of a hybrid system.

Toyota plans to sell 300,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide in 2006 and 1 million by 2010. To hit that number, selling a hybrid full-sized pickup and SUV is almost a necessity, Hermance said.

Added Press: "We are designing our vehicles with hybrids in mind from the start. It's more efficient that way. Tundra is prepared for that possibility."

Press said big trucks are Toyota's "biggest opportunity for growth."