PHEVs to Rule Trucks?

Discussion in 'Clarity' started by David Towle, Nov 7, 2023.

  1. Trucks and SUV’s are high profit vehicles. It makes sense to produce profitable vehicles. It isn’t unique, or new. The Fisker Karma and BMW i3 Rex used the same platform. To my knowledge , the only other Serial Hybrids offered for sale in the US. Ever seen a diesel-electric locomotive? It isn’t necessarily a simple system, but it eliminates the mechanical connection between the engine and wheels that exists in other hybrids.

    They haven’t been silent. They have stated the REV will be available late-2024 and the Ramcharger in early-2025. Certainly, labor disputes, supply issues or other circumstances could delay the actual release dates. Just ask anyone who waited for a Cybertruck.
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2024
  2. NorCalPete

    NorCalPete Active Member

    At this point I think delays are highly likely, given that we're in October and no one has seen (let alone driven) a REV yet. They haven't even reported detailed specs, trims, options, or prices yet. All of this applies to the Ramcharger too.
     
    insightman likes this.
  3. David Towle

    David Towle Well-Known Member

    I'm in Sarasota, epicenter of the latest lovely weather. There has basically been no gasoline available here for 4 days. I had 3 days without electricity, but was saved by my little natural gas powered generator. Neighbors with gasoline powered ones struggled to keep them on enough. The Ramcharger could really cover all bases for me if it could operate, even while only stationary, on natural gas to recharge its batteries, which I could then use to power my house. But I'm guessing its not as easy as it used to be to convert a vehicle to natural gas, what with direct injection etc. Anyone have any experience with doing this? I haven't seen it discussed anywhere in a long time.
     
  4. Such a conversion would undoubtedly void any and all warranties on the vehicle.

    The gas in the tank in the Ramcharger will convert to about 300kWh’s. The batteries hold 92kWh’s. Every 5 gallon fuel container that was filled prior to the impending disaster will convert to roughly 50kWh’s. Once you know your daily energy needs in kWh’s, you’ll know the amount of fuel that will need to be on hand. The missing link, of course, is the Ramcharger.

    Given that you have natural gas on site, you may want to consider having a backup generator installed. I’d imagine that a few other folks are ruminating over the same option as well.
     
  5. I tend to agree with your speculation and would add further speculation that delays have likely occurred prior to this point as well.
     
  6. David Towle

    David Towle Well-Known Member

    I have a $700 natural gas fired portable generator which ran constantly, including charging up the EVs. Very very useful. "Having a backup generator installed" is for wimps.
     
  7. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Enjoy your outages.
     
  8. NorCalPete

    NorCalPete Active Member

    Today, The Detroit News reported here that production of the REV will be delayed until next year (as stated by Ram CEO Christine Feuell):
    So it appears that the Ramcharger also will see a significant production delay. Looks like I'll be sticking with my current TT tow vehicle a while longer.
     
  9. “Later next year” gives them the entire year before they have to revise the estimate again.

    At least things are now running smoothly at Sterling Heights and they are laser focused on meeting customer demand, which they are doing by preparing to expand production of ICE trucks while trying to liquidate existing ICE trucks on dealer lots through incentives, when they have at least 30,000 people waiting to buy trucks they have yet to produce.
     
    David Towle likes this.

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