Dodge has begun limited commercial production of the hybrid Ram truck. The truck will be available to fleet customers.

The Dodge is built on the Ram Heavy Duty (2500/3500) chassis. It uses a Cummins 325 hp 5.9-liter turbo diesel combined with an integrated starter-alternator hybrid system. A regenerative braking system helps recharge the batteries. It's considered a "mild hybrid" and is estimated to save up to 15% savings in fuel consumption.

The Ram HEV, also can be used as a 110/220-volt AC electric generator. This could be useful on job sites, for recreational use and for use during emergency power outages. Dodge says it can provide enough electricity to power four average households.

Dodge Ram HEV electric power access in truck bed. (image copyright DaimlerChrysler)

Correction: this article original referred to a Dodge Durango Hybrid being in production. It should have said Dodge Ram Hybrid. Dodge will bring out a hybrid version of the Durango in the future, probably in 2008. It will have a much more advanced drive train the Ram Hybrid. Sorry for the error.