Detroit May Have an EV Future But Diesel Is Still Alive and Well

The popularity of full-sized diesel pickups remains strong.

Earlier this month the president signed an executive order to have 40 to 50 percent of all cars to be electric by the end of the decade. GM and Ford anticipate that this will happen, but they also recognize that the demand for full-sized gasoline and diesel pickups is as strong as ever among consumers. 

Reuters released a story on Monday that stated the industry expects to build 3.3 million full-size pickups and SUVs this year in North America, virtually all gasoline or diesel powered. The demand is strong and will likely continue throughout the decade.

The popularity of big trucks may mystify some, but is no surprise to others. Lawmakers and pundits pounce on gasoline and diesel trucks as massive polluters, even though great strides have been made to reduce emissions and develop more fuel efficient engines.

The big three automakers issued a joint statement on August 5 regarding their "shared aspiration" to meet the president's 2030 target. "That goal would mean boosting annual North American output of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to 7 million vehicles or more," wrote Paul Lienert, author of the Reuters piece.

The article's main thrust seems to be that the rate at which the automakers are rolling out EVs will be significantly less than intentions of the projected target. "The entire industry, however, is planning as of now to build just 2.6 million battery electric vehicles (BEV) and another 585,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in 2028, according to AutoForecast Solutions (AFS), which compiles production estimates that are widely used across the industry."

All forecasting is a tricky business, in part because there are so many variables at play. Based on current projections by the automakers, AutoForecast Solutions (AFS) states that EVs will account for 15% of production, and hybrids another 3.4%. EPA is projecting a similar but slightly smaller number.

It's not that there's an inability to make more EV vehicles. What's missing is demand. There's simply a lack of demand for battery powered cars, and to stay in business manufacturers must. build products people are willing to pay for. 

Ford has repeatedly reiterated that 40% of its global volume will be battery-electric by 2030. GM has stated again that it plans to eliminate tailpipe emissions from light-duty vehicles by 2035. The reality is that trucks and SUVs are in high demand and consumers are willing to pay premium prices for them. 

The article ends with a note about the 2021 semiconductor shortfall, which has been a headache for automakers. Demand is there but dealerships can't get enough vehicles to fill their lots.

Here's the article, along with some informative charts to make it visual.
Detroit sticks with trucks, SUVs despite lofty 2030 goals for EVs

Tips for Hunters On Buying a Used Truck Whether Diesel or Gas

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash

So much of life is about making good decisions. Choosing where you want to live and who you want to live with are big ones. Choosing a career path is another biggie. 

For hunters -- North, South, East or West -- one of the decisions you'll be making is what kind of used truck you need and how to find it. I say used because it's doubtful that you want to be abusing a shiny new $70,000 pickup into the hardscrabble canyons or timber-strewn back woods to get your next buck. 

Last week, Outdoor Life published a useful article on this very topic titled "The Best Used Trucks For Hunters." The story by Scott Murdock carries an informative subhead that explains why this subject is important. "There is no hierarchy of brands in the truck market. Every auto manufacturer has made quality vehicles, clunkers, and everything in between." 

The problem emerges when you try to find a suitable, reliable vehicle in the used truck market. Whether pursuing a diesel or gas guzzler, Murdock believes the right truck for you is not impossible to find. First, however, you need to get a clear picture of what your looking for. 

PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS

1. A truck that can go where other vehicles can't.
In response to this first point the author gets into a little breakdown of the difference between AWD and 4-wheel drive. The latter is stronger and more capable driving over obstacles.

2. Consider cargo room.
An SUV might be fine if you are hunting small game and have a dog or two. On the other hand, for deer or elk, a truck bed is pretty much a requirement. Easy to hose out afterwards, too.

3. Are you towing?
If you're bringing a boat, camper or trailer loaded with ATVs and gear, then you need to consider what you've got under the hood. Half-ton trucks will suffice in most situations, but for heavier loads you'll be best served by a heavy-duty truck with a diesel power plant.

* * *

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

If you buy something small that doesn't work out, you can always use it as a doorstop. But if you buy a used truck that's a lemon, it's much more difficult to recycle. Here are some suggestions on how to find a good one, according to Outdoor Life.

1. Put brand loyalty aside.
Probably a hard one for some folks who might consider such a purchase to be almost like cheating. Murdock notes that every brand has both great vehicles and clunkers. Be open-minded, he suggests.

2. Only pay for features you want.
You're buying a hunting truck, not a Lexus. Four-wheel drive and towing capacity is all you really need. If you want more than that, upgrade your hunting shack.

3. Do your homework.
Avoid the temptation to buy on impulse. Make a list of wants and needs, then go looking. Murdock writes, "Your next step should be an online forum dedicated to the exact year, make, and model of the truck(s) that interest you." (NOTE: There is a list of diesel forums in the right hand column here at the Blue Flame Blog which can help you in your search.) Pay attention to the pros and cons from others' experiences.

4. Read the signs.
By this he means, look closely to see if the truck has been maintained. Ask for maintenance records as well, if available. If you find a truck that has been taken care of, it will probably take care of you, even if it has high mileage.

* * *
This is a superb article with a lot more useful information. The next section goes into the matter of how much you should expect to spend on a suitable used truck. The following section discusses mileage matters and why lower miles isn't always better. From there he makes a case for four-wheel drive. After this he gives his opinion regarding gas or diesel. He gives a strong thumbs up to diesel power if your towing because of the torque these engines generate.

The last section gets brand specific. The author says the best half ton to look for is a 1990-2006 Chevrolet 1500 or GMC 1500. And the best diesel, in his view is the 1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500. If you're going midsize, he likes the 2015 to present Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. In the SUV category he directs readers to the 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee. For Best Bargain, he suggests the 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra. And for Best Sport Truck, yes, it's the 2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

* * * 

The article is packed with details in every one of these sections. He makes a strong defense of his selections in the latter portion when naming names. It's a well constructed argument for buying used, and loaded with insights. We recommend you bookmark this page, even if you aren't a hunter:

Buying Used Trucks for Hunting