Ford announced this week that it will be developing a hybrid version of its F-150 light-duty pickup that will be introduced in 2020. This forced Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to come up with a hybrid pickup truck under the RAM 1500 brand. The intensive competition between F-150 and RAM puts the former ahead in the pick-up truck market.

The next-generation RAM 1500 Hybrid is speculated to have solar panels installed on its roof, bed, and body. The solar panels will position the vehicle as environment-friendly that can drive longer range. The vehicle is said to be capable of reducing emissions.

Another speculation revealed that the solar-powered pickup will only be sold exclusively in Texas where there is a lot of sunshine. The vehicle is very popular in the Cowboy State where used RAMs are a big business.

According to FCA Authority, the 2020 pickup truck will be powered by the automaker's 5.7-liter V8 engine. The vehicle will also sport the Pacifica Hybrid's electric system so there is a possibility that the hybrid will have an electric motor and a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery.

FCA hired a group of youthful executives to reconstruct the automotive group. This is in response to the evolving automotive environment. One of the execs is Jim Morrison, head of the FCA's RAM Brand. FCA separated RAM from Dodge to increase the sales of the pickup trucks.

According to Morrison, RAM sales reached almost 500,000 units in 2016, which is an increase of 11 percent. Pickup trucks are very popular in the U.S. and Canada for lifestyle clients who use the vehicles for pulling their bass boats or horse trailers.

The video below offers information on the 2017 RAM 1500 Rebel Black which debuted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Share your thoughts on the article in the comment section.

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