The answer to who is the best new hybrid 2011 likely won't be answered for a while, but don't tell that to Uncle Sam. The US Government recently announced plans to fill holes in their vehicle fleet with by purchasing 100 of the new 2011 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid.
Given the stake the American Governments ownership of the Detroit based manufacturer, its unlikely they had to browse the papers for 2011 Chevrolet incentives and rebates like the rest of us. It doesn't hurt either when you can make up your own rebates such as the Federal Tax credit for 2011 Chevy Volt rebate for plug in vehicles. Talk about incentives.
But GM isn't the only auto company taking part of the Obama led campaign to green up the national fleet by retiring low efficiency vehicles such as the older used Dodge Ram. Chrysler will soon begin testing of 140 Dodge Ram plug in hybrids to be used in a variety of environments.
These futuristic beasts of burden are expected to be among the first new trucks over 30 MPG, while running on battery power. And while these new trucks won't get 30 MPG while running strictly on gas, their 22 miles per gallon is a stately number for a class of vehicle that's traditionally been in the teens for fuel economy.
So who gets these first and when can you get yours? Well get used to waiting for these cars because while Yuma, AZ is among a handful of places selected to test these trucks for three years, Chrysler has no current plans to put them into production. You might want to check used cars in Yuma AZ in three years if you have to have one.
Still, it is unlikely that if all testing goes well that we wouldn't see some sort of hybrid new trucks under $40,000 from Dodge, even if it doesn't bear the Ram logo. But first we'll have to wait to see how the Ram Hybrid handles the cold Massachusetts winters and hot Arizona sun before we see it in local used car dealers.
Successful field test of the Dodge Ram Hybrid could go long way for not just hybrids in general but a new lease on life for new trucks. Under $40,000 for a high end hybrid pickup would be the sweet spot for offering truck lovers and contractors the perfect marriage of power and economy, and likely send many like me to the local used car dealers in MA or elsewhere to sell our old pickups and drive into the future.