Alternate RouteNew technology means gasoline isn't the only option for fueling your pickup truck.

The faltering economy is hitting the automotive industry particularly hard. In his State of the Nation speech Feb. 24, President Obama noted the main criticism of American car manufacturers: They are not offering new technologies that will further the sustainability of their products and companies. However, a number of existing pickup trucks offer pros ways to conserve fuel, and new advancements are on the way.

It's Electric

Turning pickups into hybrid machines has proven tricky, manufacturers say. The vehicles need to combine the power of gasoline engines and electric motors, but still provide the same performance expected of a work vehicle. That's why some automakers that offer hybrid cars, such as Honda, Ford, and Toyota, have not ventured into hybrid work trucks.

"I think, generally speaking, it's more of a technology for other segments," says Doug Scott, Ford's marketing director for the F-150 pickup truck. "Towing and hauling are so important to our buyers, so, at this juncture, there are limitations to the hybrid capability."

Yet, some automakers have taken the plunge. General Motors' 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup truck features electric power, regenerative braking, and a 6-liter V-8 gasoline engine. The truck can drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone and run on a more economical V-4 mode for longer, the manufacturer says.

GM released its first hybrid pickups nationwide in 2005. They offered a 10 percent fuel economy improvement over regular models and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. However, the Hybrid Center, which is run by The Union of Concerned Scientists, criticized the vehicles, calling them "a low-tech solution" because they didn't incorporate the most advanced hybrid technology. Plus, the Center said the trucks' higher price tags did not match performance.

The 2009 Sierra Hybrid achieves better results. It provides 40 percent greater city fuel economy and 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy. This equates to an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway in two-wheel drive, compared to

15 city and 21 highway for the next most efficient 2009 Sierra truck, the Sierra 1500 in two-wheel drive with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine.