Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr
Many people still get fooled to believe an EV would be perfect for them because of the daily basis, forgetting the flexibility in the operation of an ICE-powered vehicle for road trips either at work or vacations. When it's not so handy to rely on a bus, train or airplane to reach the destination and pick a rental car there, it's still hard to beat the convenience of an ICE-powered car.
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When taking long trips, refueling an ICE car is not what takes so long, it is the bathroom break, figuring out what you want to drink, eat, etc...
And even though battery packs are getting bigger, quick charging is taking less and less time. Most people may not realize they would not be stopped any longer than with an ICE truck if it takes 20 minute charge time for 60-80% of a 400 mile range battery pack...
So, it might be 500 miles, at highway speed, that is 8 hours or more? so there is atleast one to two meals, probably another 2 stops for bathroom... And if the truck had a 300 to 400 mile range, assuming you start at 80%, that is maybe 1 to two stops for charging... if you make those during the meals, no extra time is 'lost'... but even if you bring all your own food and drinks and only stop for bathroom breaks, that is still hardly any more lose of time... This is assuming a readily available charger that can charge the vehicle to 60-80% in 20 minutes.
That is an issue currently, but as the major fuel supplying companies have all bought or developed their own charging business to be installed into their locations, but as time goes on that will go away.
I think that if you want even a faster dump of power in a shorter time for longer range, instead of a Range Extender, I would put in an ultra-capacitor. Dump power into it, then bleed it off to charge the battery.
It could also be used to take up regen.. I am sure slowing the much heavier loads a larger truck could be carrying/towing might (could?) generate more energy and exceed the desired duty cycle of a battery pack (but again, newer packs seem to be able to take power much faster). An ultra-capacitor could take the power, and use it either to help start the truck moving with its heavy load, or again just use it to charge the battery at a slower pace that is better for the battery pack.
As for the convenience of an ICE powered car, it was not so convenient during the gas shortages in the 70s in the US or other places that have had them since. Not sure how much longer OPEC and other such organizations can keep colluding to keep the price of crude and gas as low as it is.
RE: Servicing
The technology that a car/truck mechanic needs to learn that they do not already have to know is probably high voltage, battery tech, and maybe 3 phase power. Tires are the same, suspension is the same... windshield wipers are the same, brakes are the same... And a modern car mechanic already has to know how to deal with lots of electronics (touch screens, radar, cameras, and such were being put into ICE cars a decade or so now).
Just my thoughts and opinion on this.