Quote:
Originally Posted by bennelson
Question for you folks..
Is it TOO LATE to build a plug-in Hybrid Pickup truck?
This is a project I've thought about for a long time, but never happened for a number of reasons. Now, there are plenty of cheap used electric cars out there but NO trucks!
Even vehicles like a used Volt are rather inexpensive. Trying to build a hybrid pickup would start to come close to the cost of some used factory-built vehicle. How soon will we have a plug-in hybrid or long-range EV pickup truck?
I think I now have a few more skills, connections, etc. then I did when I originally had the idea. I actually have quite a few followers on YouTube and bet I could do a fund-raiser to buy the batteries and other key parts.
Bare minimum commitment would be 6 months, (with a year of tinkering to follow, if my other projects mean anything...)
What do you think, is it WORTH it to build a hybrid pickup truck? Or is it too late?
Here's my original concept video from a few years back.
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Hi Bennelson,
Yes, you should still pursue the PHEV truck! All of us here are curious to see how this will work out and you will help pioneer a new generation of ecomods
That said, I've done some research and here are my findings:
First, a recap of your last idea
The idea of using an electric motor after the transmission is viable but tricky since it requires a synchronisation of both the original power train and e-motor when in hybrid mode...
XL Hybrids has worked with Ford to implement this idea - see their version below:
https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/0...ord-f-150.html
IT is possible, but harder.
Personally, I think you would be better off making a robust serial hybrid, similar to what VIA motors did with their Silverado prototype a few years ago-
There's also books written on this subject-
On Amazon, you can find "The Zero-Carbon Car: Building the Car the Auto Industry Can't Get Right"
https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Carbon-Car-Building-Industry-Right/dp/0973323345
They used a Miata as a glider and made their own biodiesel powered PHEV
Based on my calculations, if you go the serial hybrid route, you'll need a generator that put out 15-30 KWh for a light vehicle (3500 lbs or less) for highway use, unloaded.
If you still have that massive DC motor (warp 11?) - I would ditch the 5 speed and couple it to 1 or 2 Gear Vendor overdrives - it solves the overspeed issue and is shorter overall, which leaves room for more items
Extra: check this out-
Spencer Stromberg's 1999 Ford Ranger
Review and tell me what you think
