In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Will we ever see heavy duty electric pickup trucks?
- What will replace the Honda Prologue?
- Hyundai Santa Cruz issues.
The first question (regarding heavy duty electric pickup trucks) comes via a response to a comment I made about the Ram Ramcharger PHEV.
Q: (Via Twitter/X @NathanAdlen [edited for content]): And then you think they will build heavy duty electric pickup trucks?
Can’t haul when you have a battery that weighs more than what you’re hauling! The range aint there! Nothing built with electricity works for long or else military vehicles would be all EVs! There’s a reason it’s never been done before! That makes no sense! Do better!
- ROC
A: First, let me share what the context of the discussion was: a comment about the Ram Ramcharger and its potential.
Second: Before you deleted the whole stream, I never got to mention that the Ram Ramcharger is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Although, judging by how quickly the whole stream was deleted, you may have figured that out. As for the idea behind heavy duty electric pickup trucks – it might work “IF” they have a generator/range extender.
A brief suggestion in terms of useful EVs: The U.S. Army has a Tactical Hybrid Electric Vehicle program in the works. Electric/diesel submarines came out over a century ago. Finally (because I could go on for a while) the most practical application I can think of for pulling power: diesel / electric trains.
The tech and history is there, but I agree that the idea of a heavy duty electric pickup truck is a ways off; however, a PHEV heavy duty pickup? The idea of extended range electric vehicles (EREVs) like the Ram Ramcharger, in a bigger package might be the next big thing. That might be something automakers like Ford are working on. Check out (this) post from TFLtruc.com.
Could Ford be working on a Super Duty pickup truck with an electric powertrain that has a 5.0L V8 range extender? We have an anonymous insider source telling us that a Ford Super Duty EREV (Extended Ranger Electric Vehicle) with a Coyote gas-powered V8 is currently under consideration and it’s undergoing initial development and testing. This is unofficial. Ford has not confirmed or denied this. As with most manufacturers, Ford does not comment on future products until it’s ready for the world to see and buy. –
Via: TFLtruck
There’s more:
Ford’s CEO – Jim Farley – said this on record “EREVs in the U.S. could be 120 miles of all-electric, and they drive like EVs,” Farley said. “They don’t drive like combustion engine vehicles, so you get an EV, and you have 700 miles of range. You don’t have range anxiety for a long trip. You don’t have to rely on any chargers. And those vehicles have half the batteries, so they’re very profitable.”
If any of this holds true, we could be seeing the beginning of some very efficient, and capable heavy duty pickup trucks. I still think it’s a ways off – but maybe not that far off.
– N
The next question comes from a viewer who wants to know what Honda’s next EV will be.
Q: (RE: Honda’s next EV after the Prologue?)
Never mind the GM clone Honda’s Prologue. I think it looks nice too and I know you guys don’t mind it but it’s no Honda. Nathan you said that it was kind of a compliance car that was needed quick and dirty and I believe you. Now that Honda has that out of the way I wonder what will replace it? Is it going to be a real Honda or another partnership?
– Ash from Southampton
A: Howdy!
Honda’s global CEO Toshihiro Mibe introduced their upcoming 0 (Zero) EV series a few months back. Expected to hit the market some time in 2026, these vehicles should be the replacement for the Honda Prologue. Honda’s partnership with GM was limited, and has now ended with the release of the Prologue and Acura ZDX.
Little is known about the upcoming 0 EV series vehicles. Fortunately, we have a great report from Publisher Zach who produced (this) informative post. I highly recommend reading it.
Some folks think the Honda Prelude EV will debut before then, but that vehicle has yet to be confirmed. In fact, it’s said that the Prelude will be a hybrid – which makes sense.
Honestly, I believe the Honda Prologue is a good effort. Especially considering how many components it shares with General Motors’ Ultium platform vehicles. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, has a subdued elegance to it, but is fun (especially in the right colors) to behold. Sure, more power, cheaper prices and longer range would be awesome, but it’s a fine EV as is.
Stay tuned: we should know more about these new Honda EVs soon!
- N
The last question comes from a fan who is having issues with their Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Q: (RE: Santa Cruz question) Hello –
I have a question about the new 2025 Santa Cruz. I own a 2023 SEL Premium 2.5 AWD and considering upgrading or down grading to the 2025 SEL Activity AWD. The dual clutch in my 2023 is super annoying. I love the power but can’t get past the jerky clunky shifting at low speeds.
I know that Nathan owned the non-turbo and wanted some input on the engine and which is more preferred.
To get the 2.5T / Navigation and Leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter you now need to start at the XRT trim which is $42K vs the 23 SEL Premium at $37K
It seemed like Nathan enjoyed the non-turbo?
Thanks
- John
Sent from my iPhone
A: Hi John!
After owning the non-turbo Santa Cruz for nearly two years: I can say confidently that it was a great little trucklet. I hauled more in it than I did with my Tacoma ten years ago. It was reliable, great on road-trips and somewhat comfortable.
But it was not perfect.
I found the interior materials to be a mix of textures that felt too bargain basement for the price. The trailer hitch wiring was never resolved, the lack of power (especially going through the Rockies) was noticeable, and it wasn’t that efficient. Honestly, it’s barely more efficient than the Turbo; but – it does shift better. Low-speed jerkiness of their DCTs is nothing new to Hyundai/Kia, and there are still quite a few complaints.
Knowing that Hyundai/Kia have replaced other jerky DCTs with automatic transmissions in their turbo vehicles in the past makes me hopeful that they look into it with the Santa Cruz.
Rumor has it that an all-new powertrain is heading our way – after the refreshed Santa Cruz goes on sale. We’ll see.
Back to your question: if you simply must have that power, then stick to the turbo. If; however, you find that you don’t need the power, the less expensive, non-turbo makes more sense, and it’s a smoother commuter.
Hope that helps!
- N
