Hybrid truck sales forecasted to surpass 100K

BOULDER, Colo. — Medium and heavy-duty hybrid truck sales are forecasted to surpass 100,000 vehicles annually by 2017, according to a report released by Pike research.

"As fuel prices have increased, truck manufacturers have responded by expanding their offerings of alternative drive trains to help reduce emissions and fuel usage by trucks," says senior analyst Dave Hurst.

The report takes a look at the market for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric medium and heavy-duty trucks, assessing the various drivetrains battery technologies, as well.

The analysis points out that the primary challenge is the cost of hybrid systems. With the higher purchase cost and low cost of diesel in certain markets, the trucks are unable to recover the incremental cost for the electric drive system in their lifetime, notes the report.

Government incentives, as well emissions or fuel economy regulations, will be a big factor in determining the popularity of hybrid and plug-in trucks.

You can read the full report here.