Pickups Increase in Weight, Price As Electric Models Loom

摘要

As pickups have achieved more popularity than ever, truck makers have piled on the amenities and jacked up model sizes, weights, and horsepower-as well as their profit margins-but the race to develop electric-powered pickups is well underway and holds some promise for fuel- and environment-conscious fleets. The first questions fleet managers will likely have about electric pickups, however, center on their range and acquisition cost. Secondary concerns will likely be about the availability of charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and battery life. As for conventional gasoline- and diesel-powered pickups, their costs have gone up, due in part to "premium" items added to many models to make them more like mobile offices and luxury cars, and sheer weight. Truck makers have also taken advantage of increased popularity and robust market conditions to boost profits. In May of last year, pickup trucks achieved a first: More pickups were purchased than cars in the U.S.