Electric trucks prepare for delivery

Plug-in technology isn't just for passenger cars, anymore.

1 of 5

The good old days

Electric trucks, like electric cars, aren't a new idea at all, just one that hasn't been tried in a long time. General Motors had its own electric truck division, part of its GMC truck unit, in the early 20th century. In 1913, GMC produced 173 electric trucks, or almost 40% of the unit's sales that year.

When it comes to electric propulsion, commercial trucks have two big advantages over ordinary passenger vehicles.

First, because of their size and shape, it's easier to add large battery packs. Second, delivery trucks tend lead fairly routine lives, driving roughly the same distance each day and returning to a garage where they can be recharged each night.

So it shouldn't be surprising that several companies are now, once again, getting into the market for electric trucks.

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, senior writer

NEXT: Ford Transit Connect Electric

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Last updated April 27 2010: 4:12 AM ET

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