In the late 1970s, full-size pickup trucks in the US were equipped with diesel engines mainly for fuel efficiency purposes. However, these early diesel engines, such as General Motors’ 350-cubic-inch diesel V8 and Dodge’s Mitsubishi-built diesel six-cylinder, were not known for their power. They only produced around 100 to 120 horsepower.
Over time, the diesel truck landscape improved as turbochargers, direct injection, and ultra-high-pressure fuel pumps were introduced. These advancements led to significant increases in power and torque, making diesel-powered pickups popular for towing heavy loads. Brands like Ford, General Motors, and Ram have since beefed up their trucks’ transmissions, frames, axles, and braking systems to handle the towing capacity.
However, the once super-efficient diesel engines are no longer the cost-effective option they used to be. Emissions controls, heavy weights, and expensive fuel have made big diesel trucks less economical to run. As a result, many truck owners have resorted to removing or “deleting” their emissions systems and altering factory engine tuning in an attempt to regain efficiency and reliability. This practice is not only of questionable legality but also expensive.
Recognizing the need for an alternative to diesel engines, automakers have turned to electric motors. Toyota’s latest Tundra hybrid model, for example, features a smaller V6 engine paired with an electric motor. This combination delivers torque comparable to a diesel engine but with better reliability and fewer emissions systems.
Ram is taking this concept further by introducing the 2025 Ramcharger with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a liquid-cooled 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and an electric motor. With an estimated 615 pound-feet of torque and a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, the Ramcharger aims to provide performance that rivals modern diesel trucks.
These developments raise interesting questions about the future of heavy-duty trucks. Could automakers bridge the gap between light-duty and heavy-duty trucks by offering strong hybrid/gasoline powertrains? This would provide performance similar to modern diesel engines without the emissions systems that come with them. Such a change could potentially eliminate the need for messy and illegal diesel defeat devices while maintaining the capabilities that truck buyers expect.
The cost of a heavy-duty hybrid truck remains uncertain. However, considering the added costs of diesel engines, it is conceivable that buyers would be willing to pay a premium for a hybrid powertrain. Currently, the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine on a Ram 2500 adds nearly $10,000 to the truck’s cost. Similarly, Ford’s 6.7-liter diesel V8 comes with an additional price tag of either $9,995 or $12,495, depending on the version.
In conclusion, a well-engineered heavy-duty hybrid truck could be a winning combination for American buyers who desire greater fuel efficiency, lower running costs, and improved reliability. The success of luxury diesel trucks priced at $100,000 or more each year suggests that buyers are willing to invest in high-quality trucks. Automakers need to hit the right numbers in terms of performance, desirability, and pricing to meet the demands of truck enthusiasts and address the growing interest in greener alternatives.
