The price for new pickups can also be a bit of a barrier, at least on anything above base line trims. We are seeing a shift towards hybrid systems with trucks though, so fuel economy limitations will become less of a factor. I do worry about what that will mean for entry prices however.

hybrid prices are coming down compared to initial releases years ago, though they still cost a premium over the gas powered models. Still, it's only a matter of time until they have around the same MSRP once battery and motor production costs go down.

I have a feeling the next Tundra, much like the next F150 generation will get a hybrid. Those hybrid powertrains should be optimized for mass appeal and as the new standard.

biggest indicator will be hybrid fleet versions for policing.

Has Ford confirmed that the hybrid powertrain in the upcoming F150 is a full on system? I know the 2019 Ram is being offered with a mild hybrid system and I'm a little curious why all the big pickup manufacturers didn't go this route. I suppose Ford is relying on the new Power Stroke for better efficiency.

There have been delays in getting it to market but lucky for them the market isn't yet taking off yet. Ford is still in development, Chevy is no where to be seen and Toyota, Nissan, etc. are sticking to old practices.

I believe the F150 is using a similar mild hybrid system that replaces a traditional alternator with an electric motor. And to be honest the claimed fuel economy isn't all that impressive, especially if you opt for the 4-wheel drive version. Though its towing and payload ratings are pretty impressive.

Its probably why i see more folks holding onto older vehicles, by time you see real savings with newer "fuel efficient" vehicles, many years have gone by.

I do think with the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles that car ownership is going to decrease substantially. There wont be much point in owning a vehicle when you can request one to take you from a to b.

Its happening already due to influences outside of the car market. People are moving more into city centers which brings them closer to regional transit at worst and full on mass transit like in NYC at best. In the future it will be higher income folks that can live further out and even in city centers.

Ride hailing and car sharing services have grown exponentially over the past couple years. I would imagine that it wont be long until fully autonomous vehicles can be called to taxi you around the city. As the populations in metropolitan areas continue to rise, public transit systems will become less viable.