The Ford Lightning is Dead but Here Comes the Lightning EREV

[Blackstone]

Eh, I think EREV will just be the gateway drug needed to get those into an EV drivetrain but without range concerns. In particular for those that tow long distances frequently.

But for your “normal” truck buyer, I think they’ll get the EREV and will rarely need to use the combustion engine / generator. Then the questions will come around why am I maintaining this engine and fuel system but never using it? Dealerships love the service after the sale and don’t get that with pure EVs.

Those first 10% early adopters (we’ve been an all EV household for +7 years now) have learned that range / charging is largely a non-issue.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

I have often wondered why this approach has not been widely used already. It seems to simplify the drivetrain, using a self contained generator for just charging a battery as needed.
Size the generator large enough to run the vehicle in worst case scenario, setup the generator to be easily serviced (don’t need class a slide out ease of access, but make it easy) and people can customize the battery size as an option and generator size as an option.

 

[fishslayer]

Their first attempt failed miserably, they end it completely but we are too believe THIS time they got it perfect? Color me skeptical......anybody remember Oldsmobile 350 diesels ? And hows that 0W16 motor oil working in turbo engines

 

[turbopilot]

Their first attempt failed miserably.

I don't have a Ford Lightning but have followed the product closely. The product was not successful, because, like most other EV trucks, the battery technology and charging infrastructure is simply not ready to support that application, particularly for towing applications. The batteries must be smaller and the charging infrastructure faster and widely available to support truck applications. It is coming.

The technology associated with the Ford Lightning was sound and well done. It is a great vehicle over relatively small distances. Most owners really like the truck, unless they tow.

As others have said EREV's are a bridge to the future for trucks that tow. It fills in the gaps in battery technology and charging infrastructure. EREV's are pure EV's at the core. They use a simple constant speed ICE engine/generator combination to bridge the gap. They can run as an EV, PHEV or pure ICE mode. Because of the EREV's ability to also convert gasoline (or diesel) to electricity they will always serve a roll as the world moves to more pure EV's because there as so many places without high speed charging.

 

[DavidL]

Other than hauling around the extra weight of a generator, this sounds like a good solution. Since most all miles are around town, the battery is just fine, charging from the sticks and bricks every other night. Then, hook up the trailer and go on vacation. Let the generator kick in when it needs to. Charge during lunch breaks at fast charge stations. Reminds me of hearing the classic Corvette owners complaining that the new C8 model doesn't offer a manual transmission (because the dual clutch automatic kicks a manual trans performance every day, every shift!).

 

[turbopilot]

Other than hauling around the extra weight of a generator, this sounds like a good solution.

But the weight is not what you think. A typical 3 liter V6 engine is what the Ramcharger will use for the ICE powered generator. The motor is very light because it has no starter (engine is started by generator in motor mode), it has no alternator (that is supplied by the generator), it has minimum pollution control equipment( because it always runs at a low constant speed), it has no transmission (just a generator on the back and finally it has no cooling system. Cooling is provided by the HVAC lithium ion battery cooling system.

The the actual ICE engine driving the generator is light and occupies a small form factor.

Here is the Ramcharger EREV chassis. The 3 liter ICE motor is that black box near the passenger side front tire. All the rest is the typical stuff you see in a pure EV aside from the small gas tank in front of the rear electric motor.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Submarines and ships have utilized the concept for years, todays nuclear subs and ships are steam/electric driven. The Russians still have a few diesel electric vessels. Many merchant ships, including those gigantic oil tankers are however diesel-electric.

 

[DavidL]

I go with submarine technology of a nuclear reactor powering the generator, charging the batteries...

 

[Holdmybeer]

In F1 some cars have an electric boost capability, but they can only engage it on certain sections of the course. There's a strobe on the rear of the car indicating when it's engaged.

 

[DavidL]

In F1 some cars have an electric boost capability, but they can only engage it on certain sections of the course. There's a strobe on the rear of the car indicating when it's engaged.

It was All F1 cars had DRS....in 2026 DRS goes away and now it's manually invoked by the driver. Adds to the Race Strategy dimensions. About 50/50 split in power between the V6 gas and the electric motor.

 

[Holdmybeer]

It was All F1 cars had DRS....in 2026 DRS goes away and now it's manually invoked by the driver. Adds to the Race Strategy dimensions. About 50/50 split in power between the V6 gas and the electric motor.

I conflated DRS with ERS, Drag Reduction System with Energy Recovery System ( the electric component).