I remember talking to some sales guy at Toyota about hybrids, and he said that in order for car manufacturers to realize maximum gains on environmental incentives they had to come out with the most environmentally sound designs possible. This meant light weight, aerodynamic, and unfortunately.....ugly. This was why they wouldn't simply drop a a hybrid diesel V-8 into an F-350....it's not efficient enough, and wouldn't qualify for tax credits of some sort. Add in the cost of R&D to your purchase price, and why would people pay extra? Not everyone walks around in sandals munching granola smelling like pachuli. Some people just don't give a sh*t, and unless something is in it for them they'll buy the biggest, loudest, smokiest vehicle possible. How else do you turn 38" super swampers on Deerfoot?
Would I buy an F-350 hybrid that was the same price (or cheaper) than a regular F-350? Sure I would. Half the people driving diesel V-8's aren't pulling backhoes on a daily basis, and could very well get away with it. Is it as good as a Prius? No, but it has to be better than running straight diesel. Unfortunately, you either need to change the way people think by appealing to their conscience, or make it worth their while.
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