The folks at Alternative Vehicle Solutions of Salt Lake City, Utah have modified a 2009 Hummer H3T Alpha to operate as compressed natural gas (CNG) powered rescue vehicle.

With twin CNG tanks in the pickup bed, the modified H3T has a range of approximately 600 miles and is designed to help stranded CNG vehicles with on-board refueling capabilities. A custom diamond-plate bed cover conceals the CNG tanks.

Utah is a hotbed for CNG conversions. It’s not hard to see why, with the cost CNG in Utah currently running under a dollar per gallon (equivalent). With the government currently offsetting the lions share of the cost of conversion, the process is quickly paid off.

Steve’s Restorations propane-powered 1956 Ford F-100 pickup drew plenty of attention in SEMA’s Making Green Cool Zone, with an abundance of custom copper work, suicide doors, a slick tilt bed, and dazzling pearl metallic paint. While the 460 cubic inch Ford engine delivers the equivalent of nine miles per gallon or so, it doesn’t use a drop of gasoline. How many big bad hot rods can say that?

With propane prices significantly lower than conventional fuels, propane conversion offers hot rod enthusiasts the opportunity to maintain an investment in existing vehicles and drive trains.

The Dodge Ram 1500 charts its own course in a crowded field, as it competes against the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan in the full-size pickup truck market.

Under the hood, the mid-range Dodge Ram 1500 SLT is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 engine as standard equipment. The top of the line Ram 1500 Sport is fitted with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, while the basic Ram 1500 ST comes with a 3.7-liter V6 (4×2 only). The Hemi is optional in the SLT.

The SLT’s 4.7-liter V8 puts out 310 horsepower (HP) and 330 foot pounds of torque, while the Sport’s 5.7-liter Hemi puts out 390 HP and 407 foot pounds of torque. (The ST delivers 210 HP /235 lb./ft.) All Ram 1500s are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is not offered.

When fitted with the 4.7-liter V8, the official mileage estimates for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 are 13 city / 18 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

(As one would expect, the two-wheel drive Rams score a wee bit higher, with the 1500 ST 4X2 rated at 14 city / 20 highway, and the 1500 SLT 4X2 rated at 14 city / 19 highway.)

We covered more than five hundred of miles in our Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat review unit. By driving conscientiously with a light foot, we were able to do a touch better than the official estimates on the open road, with an average of 20.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 15.4 MPG combined with a light to no load. Overall test period temperatures ranged from the fifties through the seventies, with highway testing in the sixty degree range.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 19.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 20.5 MPG

The standard 4.7-liter engine provides plenty of grunt on and off road.

While the Ram beat the numbers on the highway, there’s no forgetting that this is a beefy full-size pickup. Getting the Ram off the line takes its toll on fuel-efficiency.

The 4.7-liter V8 is a Flex Fuel engine (FFV) that can use E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both. We performed our tests with conventional unleaded regular gasoline. Fuel economy results while running E85 are likely to be significantly lower than with conventional gasoline.

The Ram 1500 is fitted with a 26 gallon fuel tank. A 32 gallon tank is optional.

Ride comfort sets the Ram 1500 apart from the competition.

Rather than using leaf springs, the Ram benefits from a multi-link coil suspension that delivers a smooth ride and solid handling, whether the box is empty or full.

Our Regular Cab SLT 4×4 test unit was equipped with the 6.4’ box. The Regular Cab can be fitted with an 8 foot box, as well. The Quad Cab box measures 6.4’, while the Crew Cab’s box measures 5.7’.

The Regular Cab SLT 4×4’s standard payload capacity is 1410 pounds. The standard towing capacity is 6350-6400 pounds, with a maximum towing capacity of 8850 pounds. A 3.55 axle ratio is standard issue, while a 3.92 axle ratio is optional. Four wheel disc brakes are standard.

The 24T Preferred Option package includes TRX fender flares and badging, along with the 3.92 axle, and skid plates for the front suspension and transfer case, among other goodies.

The Ram’s interior is handsomely designed, quite comfortable, and highly functional.

A center mounted display screen providing trip meters, transmission and coolant temperatures, engine hours, and average miles per gallon is standard in the SLT, Sport, and TRX. An instant fuel economy gauge is not offered. We recommend adding an aftermarket real-time MPG gauge to help achieve higher fuel efficiency.

There are two 12-volt power outlets at the base of the dash. An 115-volt power outlet is optional. The standard six-speaker audio system includes an audio input jack. One year of SIRIUS satellite radio is standard. Uconnect Bluetooth is optional. A 506-watt seven-speaker Alpine Premium sound system is available.

Audio options in the 2010 Ram are significantly upgraded, with updated Uconnect systems that include 30GB media storage, a 6.5” touch screen display, and iPod control.

There’s an abundance of in-cabin storage, with dual gloveboxes, a center seatback console, and behind the seat cubbies.

All-in-all, the Ram 1500 SLT Regular Cab 4×4 is one easy riding pickup, whether on or off the beaten path. No question about it, Dodge has upped the ante when it comes to comfort and driveability. We still hold out hope they’ll see fit to add a highly fuel-efficient clean diesel option for the 1500 in future models.

Parts Content

US/Canadian Parts Content: 53%

Country of Origin:
Engine: United States
Transmission: United States

Final Assembly Point:
Fenton, Missouri

Under the hood, the Tacoma Double Cab is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine which produces 236 horsepower (HP) and 266 foot pounds of torque. The V6 can be mated to five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The official mileage estimates for the automatic-equipped 2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 are 16 city / 20 highway miles per gallon (MPG), and 17/20 when fitted with the manual transmission.

We rolled up over five hundred miles on our automatic-equipped Timberland Mica review unit. As always, we drove conscientiously with a light foot. We were able to fly past the Tacoma’s official estimates, with an average of 24.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.5 MPG combined with no load. Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the seventies.

The Tacoma does not provide an instant fuel economy gauge. We recommend adding an aftermarket unit to provide the feedback you need to achieve the best possible gas mileage.

Our Tacoma was equipped with the TRD Sport package, which includes a sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, 17-inch alloy wheels, 265/65R17 tires, and that way cool (and easily made functional) hood scoop. It was also was equipped with the 6,500 pound-rated V6 Towing package, which includes a Class 4 hitch, transmission and supplementary oil coolers, 130A alternator, and a heavy-duty battery.

While the V6 delivers adequate power to hustle the Tacoma along, a dealer-installed factory-supported supercharger is available for folks who just can’t get enough.

The Tacoma 4×4 provides four-wheel-drive on demand, with a part-time 4WD system and 2-speed transfer case, A front skid plate is standard. Options included with the TRD Off-Road package include: Hill Start Assist, Downhill Assist, Active Traction Control, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, and an engine skid plate.

4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard equipment.

The Double Cab’s versatile short bed includes a composite inner bed, along with Toyota’s handy rail-based adjustable tie-down cleans, and a pair of cubbies. A 115V/400W power outlet is included with the TRD package.

The bed might be short, but the cabin is long on comfort and convenience, with steering wheel audio controls, two power outlets at the base of the dash, and an auxiliary audio input along with manual driver seat lumbar support (with the TRD package’s Sport bucket seats).

Unfortunately, we found that the standard six speaker audio system lacked oomph. While a beefed up JBL audio system with a subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth is available as part of the TRD Extra Value Packages, we were not able to test it.

The various TRD packages include a host of sweet features, including a rear view mirror with a built-in small video screen, fog lamps, and a sliding rear window. The rear view camera’s diminutive and stealthy display eases the chore of backing up.

All-in-all, our week long test drive found the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4×4 to be highly accommodating for both driver and passengers, both front and rear, as it delivers decidedly car-like ride and comfort, along with reasonable fuel economy and all the utility of a mid-size 4×4 pickup.

The steering wheel provides audio and handsfree Bluetooth controls. Bluetooth sync is simple to accomplish and the system in our test unit performed without a hitch.

While the 2008 Tundras CrewMax Limited is fitted with a basic audio input jack, USB input is available on 2009 models. The 12-speaker JBL audio system pumps out the tunes and is standard with the Limited.

There are plenty of power outlets inside the cabin, with two at the base of the dash, one inside the massive center console, and one at the back of the console, in-between the rear HVAC vents. The climate control system is dual zone.

No doubt about it … this is is a different kind of work truck. The center console is a veritable file cabinet, with places for business cards, writing utensils, and even room for hanging files. Duel gloveboxes provide plenty of additional storage space.

Optional tube steps along with well-positioned grab handles ease access into the cabin.

As comfortable as the front seats are, the second row is the real treat. The 60/40 slide and recline rear seats provide a remarkable amount of room, with 44-1/2 inches of legroom.

The Tundra CrewMax delivers a wonderful open air driving experience when you open the optional power tilt and slide moonroof and roll down the standard rear sliding window.

Moving a big truck around in tight spaces can be a chore. The optional DVD Navigation system includes a handy backup monitor. The standard Sonar system provides a sensor on each corner of the truck, fore and aft, port and starboard.

No doubt about it, the Tundra CrewMax rewards a good day of hard work … or play, with a massive towing capacity and plenty of room to haul the gang.

Previous: Toyota Tundra CrewMax Review – Part I

The Toyota Tundra competes with the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Nissan Titan in the highly competitive full-size pickup truck market.

Under the hood, the short bed Tundra CrewMax is equipped with a 4.6 or 5.7-liter V8 engine. Our top-of-the-line 2008 CrewMax 4×4 Limited review unit was equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, which produces a generous 381 horsepower (HP) and 401 foot pounds of torque. The big V8 is mated to six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and tow/haul mode.

The official mileage estimates for the 2008 Toyota Tundra 4X4 CrewMax 5.7L Limited are 13 city / 17 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We rolled up hundreds of miles on our Pyrite Mica review unit. By driving conscientiously with a light foot, we were able to exceed the official gas mileage estimates for the Toyota Tundra, with an average of 19.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 16.8 MPG combined with no load. Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the seventies.

Keep your foot out of it and the Tundra CrewMax Limited will hit its numbers. Dip into all that power a little too often and you’ll feel the pinch at the pump.

Unlike the nearly all of the vehicles we’ve tested, the Tundra CrewMax 5.7L Limited’s Interstate highway testing showed little advantage between driving with and without cruise control.

All 2009 4×4 5.7L V8 Tundras are Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) that can use E85, gasoline or a combination of both. We performed our tests with conventional unleaded regular gasoline. Fuel economy results while running E85 are likely to be significantly lower than with conventional gasoline.

The CrewMax Limited includes a multi-information display with average and current MPG, range, average speed, and trip timer. Unfortunately, lesser Tundras may not provide this display, even as an option. The use of a current (a.k.a.: instant) fuel economy gauge is key to achieving better mileage. If you opt for anything other than the Tundra Limited, we’d recommend adding an aftermarket fuel economy display.

The Tundra CrewMax is appropriately named and remarkably spacious, with 42.5 inches of leg room up front and 44.5 inches of leg room in the back seat. Big folks will appreciate all that room.

While the interior is all about comfort, the cargo bed is all about convenience. Tailgate assist eases loading chores, while the deck rail system makes it a breeze to fit your tie downs. The optional bed liner makes it easy to slide cargo around and goes a long way to protecting the sheet metal.

All-in-all, the Toyota Tundra CrewMax 5.7 Limited provides a whopping amount of power, towing capacity and interior space. If you have people to move, stuff to haul, and rough terrain to cover, this one just might be your ticket.

One caveat? Avoid the beige carpet …

GVWR: 7200 lbs.
Payload: 1495
Towing Capacity: 10,100 lbs.

Final Assembly Point:
Princeton, Indiana

Next: Toyota Tundra CrewMax Interior Review

One basic change could be made to improve our trucks gas mileage results: replace the gasoline engines with diesels. But as of this writing, not one manufacturer has committed to selling a small pickup truck with a diesel here in the United States. The problem, in many ways, is related to our country’s lack of a coherent energy policy that would put diesel fuel on the same footing as gasoline. Per gallon pricing is the barrier … and the opportunity.

It’s only possible to improve gas mileage to a certain point with conventional gasoline engines. Diesel truck mileage trumps the gassers handily, when comparing the equivalent models from Ford, Chevy, and Dodge (although the numbers are never published for the larger trucks).

While GM’s hybrid pickup trucks hold promise, reaching higher mileage will require a significant investment in batteries. Until battery availability increases and battery prices decrease, it may be fairly difficult to justify the acquisition costs.

Truck Gas Mileage – Small Pickup 2WD

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Truck Gas Mileage – Small Pickup 4WD

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Truck Gas Mileage – Standard Pickup 2WD

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Truck Gas Mileage – Standard Pickup 4WD

The Smith Electric Edison conversion unit at the EDTA show packed 44kW of Lithium Ion Phosphate battery packs, slung beneath the floorboards. With an estimated 100 miles of range at 50 miles per hour, and an eight-hour recharge time, the Edison should hit a sweet spot with a range of contractors, delivery services, and transport companies.

While virtually unknown in America, Smith Electric Vehicles has been around for more than 80 years and is billed as “the world’s largest manufacturer of road-going commercial electric vehicles.” At the time of the conference, Smith was in the process of researching locations for a new factory in the United States.

Smith Electric produces a trio of Edison models, based on the Transit. In addition to the panel van, an Edison Chassis Cab and 15-passenger Minibus round out the range. The UK-based company also markets an electrified version of the smaller Transit Connect as the “Ampere,” and the “Newton,” a larger traditional box truck. Smith offers an innovative battery leasing plan in the UK to help offset the significant cost of the high-end Lithium Ion Phosphate battery packs.

With Ford planning to bring an electric van to America in 2010, it stands to reason that the conversion work will be handled by Smith, although it’s not a given. It’s also unclear whether the smaller Transit Connect Van or larger Transit Van will be the first model to begin the electrification of the US fleet.

Seth Warren kindly gave us an exhaustive tour of Baby, detailing the big red Toyota’s technological and creative innovations , while sharing the gospel on sustainable energy and good old fun. Check out Baby’s current adventures at naturepropelled.com … if you dig through the blog, you can catch a couple of photos of yours truly at work …

The 4WD PML Flightlink F-150 has a range of approximately 100 miles. A 40 kilowatt hour Lithium ion battery, weighing roughly 1000 pounds, is slung between the frame rails. While typical charge time is six-to-eight hours with the 110-volt charger, a fast three-phase charge can be completed in under an hour.

The plans are to turn the test vehicle into a series hybrid by dropping a small engine/generator under the hood, in order to reduce the size of the battery pack and extend range.

PML Flightlink was invited to display the truck in Ford’s SEMA booth as a technology demonstration. While there are no officially-disclosed plans to produce an electric F-150 … we have to think, what is Ford waiting for? By the time that Christmas rolls around, Mini is slated to produce 500 Mini E full electrics destined to prowl American streets. (Although PML Flightlink has famously fitted their motors to a Mini Cooper test unit, their technology is not in the Mini E, from what we’ve heard at this point.)

If Ford fails to produce an electric F-150 soon, they run the risk of the aftermarket seizing the opportunity. With truck prices depressed, an entrepreneurial firm could snap up hundreds of unsold F-150s on the cheap and on the sly. These units could be stripped and retrofitted, with the pulled drive trains resold for operating revenue. Fleet managers looking for a pure electric solution would then have a clear choice.

Fleet sales are the fastest way to make it happen, whether it’s Ford, GM, or Chrysler that first decides to grab the ring. Our electric utilities need to step up to the plate to issue a mandate to the Big Three, by putting out massive RFPs for electric pickup fleets.