American Hybrid Cars

American hybrid cars are either already available or expected during 2005 from Ford, GM, and Dodge.

In relative terms, American car manufacturers are playing catch-up with Japanese car manufacturers on the next-generation hybrid car technology.

For example, Toyota had researched alternative next-generation hydrid car technologies intensively for 30 years before the launch of the Toyota Prius in 1997.

In comparison, the Big Three U.S. automakers have been concentrating mostly on hydrogen fuel vehicles and full-electric cars, but have had visible research efforts (in co-operation with Department of Energy) for advanced hybrid systems since 1993.

This lag in the next-generation hybrid car technology is partly why Ford licenced much of Toyota's first generation hybrid car technology into the Ford Escape SUV hybrid.

However, the American car manufacturers are aiming to leapfrog the Japanese competition in hybrid car technology.

For example, in December 2004, GM and DaimlerChrysler announced co-operation to develop their own hybrid car engines, with first cars to use the technology expected to hit the market in 2007.

American Hybrid Cars 2005

For production year 2005, there are several American-made hybrid cars available.

The already available American hybrid car is the Ford Escape SUV, the world's first hybrid SUV.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape is a full hybrid that can run exclusively on electric mode during slower speeds and does not need to engage the internal combustion engine as long as there is enough power in the battery.

The Escape Hybrid has the same spacious interior as regular Escape, so you won't be sacrificing roominess for fuel efficiency.

In fact, the car has been manufactured to deliver great gas mileage, that you can take off-road, that's won't compromise on storage space, and that will drive like any other SUV.

In addition to the Ford Escape SUV, other American hybrid cars, pick-up trucks actually, include the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, plus the Dodge RAM hybrid.

Initially, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-up trucks will only be available in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Nevada and Florida in 2005. In 2006, these trucks are available in all states.

These are the first full-size pickups to utilize hybrid technology.

The Sierra hybrid incorporates the same powerful and reliable Vortec 5300 V8 engine as the conventional gasoline truck does.

However, it delivers up to 10% improvement in fuel economy over the conventional gasoline pickup, while sacrificing little in terms of performance or towing capability.

GMC Sierra Hybrid

The Dodge RAM, meanwhile, offers 15% fuel economy improvement and is not a full hybrid car.

Also, initially it is available only to Dodge's fleet customers.

Dodge Ram Hybrid

To read more about the American-made hybrid cars, see the official web sites for the available/upcoming cars (each link opens up a new window):

From American Hybrid Cars page to Hybrid Cars Guide index