year-after-year, the ford f-150 pickup truck tops the sales charts. the f150’s ubiquity (and utility!), combined with its fuel-thirsty nature makes ford’s popular pickup the most logical choice for aftermarket plug-in hybrid development. over the years, i’ve shot segments on three different efforts to electrify the f-150, with the latest being this piece from the 2011 sema show last month in las vegas.

xtreme power takes a completely different approach that uses lead-acid batteries, rather than lithium-ion batteries. xtreme power’s system uses a highly-innovative fully-submersible switched reluctance motor and is designed to be installed in two hours or under. the company claims a 60% improvement in city gas mileage, with an added 350 foot pounds of torque.

to demonstrate the rugged nature of their kit, xtreme power displayed a jeep wrangler with their plug-in hybrid kit installed, along with the f-150.

he thinks the game changer in our energy future is how we transport ourselves on the roads. he discusses different auto technologies including electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells, and explains why we need to end our energy reliance on adversaries around the world.

ford unveiled the 2012 focus electric car at simultaneous events in las vegas and nyc. the focus electric looks much like the gasoline powered 2012 focus, with the most notable exterior changes being a different grille and (ta da!) no tailpipe.

take off the e-lectric badges and you have the stealthiest electric car … drive softly and carry a big battery!