At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota unveiled a concept car that took the idea of a hybrid truck to a new level. The A-BAT, which stands for “Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck”, is a sleek four-passenger truck built on top of a car platform and uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive – the auto maker’s gas/electric hybrid model.

The A-BAT takes a design cue from Toyota’s best-selling hybrid, the Prius, and has an aerodynamic trapezoid shape to increase fuel efficiency. Even though it is an extended cab truck, the A-BAT is a full 27 inches shorter than Toyota’s current standard-fuel truck, the Tacoma. Toyota’s goal was a hybrid truck that maximized fuel efficiency, stayed true to a pick-up driver’s hauling needs, and at the same time provided the versatility that many drivers look for in a vehicle.

A press release from Toyota announcing this concept truck stated:
The A-BAT concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota’s North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today’s market.

The concept car was loaded with features, such as a navigation system, Wi-Fi, and solar panels on the dashboard to help power these gadgets and also recharge the car’s battery. Drivers can expect a smoother ride than most trucks thanks to the compact, car-like design. The truck’s 4-foot cargo bed can be extended to double its length when the tailgate and rear wall of the bed are folded back and tall objects can ride in the cab thanks to a retractable translucent roof panel.

The sporty and sleek look of the A-BAT continues inside with vibrant colors and futuristic design (see photo links below).

So, what do you think so far? Would you buy one? One of the key details missing in all our research on this one was “How many miles per gallon will it get?” Speculation is all over the board, but based on its size and engine, our thought might be around 35 mpg. Another question on many people’s minds is the approximate A-BAT price. Thus far, we’ve heard nothing and found no estimates from any of the industry experts. We’re assuming it would cost a bit more than the 2009 / 2010 Prius, so maybe somewhere around $30,000 to start. What is your guess?

So, when might the A-BAT be available? With the exception of Toyota asking for some feedback on the ABAT in March of 2008, there really hasn’t been any news since the Detroit Auto Show. You can bet when we learn more, it will be posted here!

Here are some exterior A-BAT Pictures from MotorTrend.
Here are the interior A-BAT Photos, also on MotorTrend.
The official ABAT page from Toyota.com.
Watch an A-BAT Video on Autobloggreen.

When looking to move your fleet from standard work trucks to hybrid models, there are several different options to look at. Because work trucks have a much wider variety of uses compared to passenger vehicles, the mechanical needs of such trucks are much greater and though they can utilize hybrid technology to cut costs and environmental damage, they must use hybrid technology in different ways.

Parallel diesel hybrids
Eaton Corporation has developed the diesel electric hybrid, which closely resembles the way hybrid technology works in passenger vehicles. Diesel fuels an electric generator which then charges a battery that turns the trucks axels, allowing it to move forward. Energy normally lost during breaking is stored and used to further power the vehicle as well, making this type of engine technology ideal for stop-and-go traffic. Coca-Cola is among the companies first major orders and plans to use these trucks for delivery.

Hybrid hydraulics
According to nextenergy.org, hybrid hydraulics captures the vehicle’s kinetic energy during breaking by pumping hydraulic fluid from the low-pressure reservoir to the high-pressure accumulator. The fluid compresses nitrogen gas in the high-pressure accumulator and pressurizes the system. This recovered energy is used to supplement or substitute the engine’s power during acceleration. This system can even be installed on existing work trucks.

Natural Gas / Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Odyne recently unveiled the first hybrid truck that uses compressed natural gas to power its engine, combined with batteries that are recharged by plugging them in each night.  The rechargeable electric hybrid drive system was displayed in a refuse vehicle (aka a garbage truck) that will be used by the city of Fresno, California and is expected to reduce fuel costs by 40%.

UPS is in the process of unveiling how it will use hybrid technology in its own delivery vehicles to cut down on fuel wasted in city traffic. UPS has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to build a fleet of delivery trucks that will both save the company money and save the environment.

For a detailed look at what hybrid work trucks were showcased at 2008’s Work Truck Show, visit this site and check back on the hybridtruck.net blog for more information on how hybrid work trucks can save your company money and who is buying the existing trucks and becoming more competitive.

Make no mistake, this hybrid truck will be tough. With 332 horsepower and over 6,000 lbs of towing capacity, it is built to handle any job that its gas-only counterparts can. According to the official website, it is 100% Sierra. Even better news is that this ‘09 Sierra will be available in 2WD and 4WD models. Maybe the best news for General Motors is that Toyota doesn’t offer a competitor in their hybrid truck line…yet.

MotorTrend has a nice video here from the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. More news should be released soon, so check back for the full review soon.