Toyota has created a concept for a hybrid pickup, the A-BAT, aimed at suburban drivers with moderate hauling needs, which will be displayed at the Detroit auto show later this month.

Smaller in size than the Toyota Tacoma, the A-BAT features a four-foot bed, a sliding roof panel, and a folding mid-gate. The innovations are intended to make the vehicle capable of handling tall items or the ever unwieldy sheet of plywood at four feet by eight.

In the walls of the bed drivers will find drawers that can be locked as well as a larger drawer that slides from beneath the bed itself for access.

Unlike a standard pickup, the A-BAT has a unibody platform. The wheels have been positioned at the fartherest corners of the body and there's a thick C pillar.

With room for four, the rear seats on the A-BAT can be both folded and stowed in compartments to increase available cargo room. The instrument panel is outfitted with solar power cells that feet the vehicle's portable nav system.

In terms of the powertrain, look for a four-cylinder engine (gasoline) with an accompanying Toyota hybrid system.

The A-BAT's actual dimensions are: overall length 181.3 inches; overall width 74.4 inches; overall height 64 inches; wheelbase 112.2 inches; bed length 48 inches; bed with midgate down 72 inches; bed with midgate and tailgate down 96 inches.