Electrified Propulsion System Balancing for Light Duty Full Size Truck and Sport Utility Vehicles: A 2026 North American Market Perspective

Achieving the stringent EPA CAFE 2032 standards for light-duty full-size trucks and SUVs in North American poses significant challenges. While Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) offer a clear path to zero tailpipe emissions, their widespread adoption in this segment faces hurdles including range anxiety, payload/towing capabilities, and traditional truck/SUV use cases. This paper investigates a balanced approach, focusing on optimizing propulsion system design with appropriate hardware content, can effectively meet future fuel economy and emissions standards. This investigation examines advanced BEVs and hybrid electric vehicle architectures, including full hybrids (HEVs), and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) tailored for full-size trucks and SUVs. Considerations include the optimal sizing of internal combustion engines, electric motors, and battery packs to deliver robust performance while maximizing energy efficiency. This paper analyzes the integration of technologies such as electrified transmissions, electric motor configurations, and battery cell chemistry. Trade-offs between electric motor capabilities, battery pack sizing and emissions reduction across different hybridization levels are investigated. The AMESim Hybrid Optimization Tool (HOT) is used to evaluate multiple propulsion system configurations and drive cycles for energy efficiency. Vehicle selection was performed by evaluating the payload/towing capabilities, propulsion system architecture, and vehicle model year. Drive cycles were selected from truck standards and real-world driving scenarios. The objective is to demonstrate a balanced approach for electrification pathways that satisfy consumer preferences for capability and range, ensuring CAFE 2032 compliance through a diversified powertrain portfolio.