Out of Spec Reviews - Week Long Review

[josephpRV]

VIN 6 is getting a real workout. Three things stand out so far.

1. Efficiency promise - delivered. These videos reinforce Lightship has executed cleanly on the core efficiency thesis:

• Aero - true form follows aero-function design via the canopy actuators, and
• Drag reduction - TrekDrive via the torque sensing hitch, and onboard electric motor and HV battery

The combination continues to gain credibility in the real world, including Lightships own testing, my limited testing, TFL testing, etc.

2. Durability concerns. The bathroom door and main entry door are among the highest-cycle touch points in the trailer. Watching the entry door get repeatedly slammed wasn’t encouraging. Canopy 2.0 with the new aluminum framing counter-lever structure may have already resolved at least one of these. It will be interesting to get @turbopilot's take on the build quality of his unit vs. VIN 6 on test with Out of Spec.

3. DC fast charging absence is a paint point. Out of Spec test thoroughly. I've lost track of the number of times DCFC has been mentioned followed by “future software update”.

 

[Blackstone]

Uninformed speculation on my part, but I think it's probably something to do with the where the WIFI box is placed in the Lightship and trying to send a signal through the tonneau cover into the cabin of the Cybertruck. It's been interesting watching these videos and how quickly the Atlas connects in a Rivian (i.e., straight through rear glass) vs. Cybertruck.

I heard that, but I also heard something about the trailer lights/ brakes wired connection to the truck not communicating properly. I’ve not had issues hooking up to a half dozen other utility trailers with my truck, trailer lights / brakes all work as expected.

 

[Blackstone]

3. DC fast charging absence is a paint point. Out of Spec test thoroughly. I've lost track of the number of times DCFC has been mentioned followed by “future software update”.

Yea, I’ll have a bit of a drive home, would alter my plans a bit if this isn’t ready to go when picking up.

Super encouraged to see the Trek drive energy efficiency and ride quality in the Cybertruck mentioned as positives!

 

[turbopilot]

I heard that, but I also heard something about the trailer lights/ brakes wired connection to the truck not communicating properly. I’ve not had issues hooking up to a half dozen other utility trailers with my truck, trailer lights / brakes all work as expected.

I suspect this may have more to do with LightShip Drive Control Unit (DCU) logic. This does get complicated since most EV's show brake lights when doing regeneration but the friction brakes are not activated.

 

[josephpRV]

I heard that, but I also heard something about the trailer lights/ brakes wired connection to the truck not communicating properly. I’ve not had issues hooking up to a half dozen other utility trailers with my truck, trailer lights / brakes all work as expected.

Right!

I forgot about that piece. Let’s see what @Rory (Lightship Team) says.

 

[Rory (Lightship Team)]

@Rory (Lightship Team) any insight you can share about the Cybertruck connectivity issues they were having? It was my understanding TrekDrive is designed to be agnostic to the tow vehicle. Thanks!

Right now we are thinking that this is actually an issue with the particular cybertruck that was used for the demo. We’ve found another CT in the area and will try to get it to Kyle this weekend for a re-test! Will update as we know more! We’ve done extensive CT testing without issue.

 

[Rory (Lightship Team)]

Regarding DC Fast Charge, all hardware is installed in vehicles to enable this, all that it needed is final testing and release of software. We are anticipating this in May to early June at this point. It is clear we need to more broadly communicate the software upgrades coming soon - we will do this shortly!

Also to note, we remotely diagnosed and resolved the trekdrive crossover issues that Kyle was seeing in the last few days. So - kicking on propulsion should be much smoother going forward!