Stellantis Reveals multi energy truck platform!

[Scorpio3d]

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stel...tioned-for-the-market-ceo-says-181507112.html

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[Pioneer74]

I believe I said this in the REV thread, but I'll say it again. This is the way Ford should attack EV's. The Lightning has already demonstrated that there isn't a large efficiency difference between a modified ICE truck and a ground up truck designed to be an EV. Manufacturers need more flexibility to adapt to market conditions and need to reduce costs. EV only platforms do the opposite.

And not just with trucks. Do it with all their products.

 

[swajames]

Nothing new in that release other than admitting to the (already obvious) slip on delivery timeliness.

 

[Jaspernuts]

I love my lightning but this is the way to go. Still drive electric 95% of the time and don't have to piss around with charging on road trips. Gas engine will come on so little, change the oil once a year and you're good.

 

[Newton]

…. And drain the fuel every three months, plus coolant every few years and fuel filter. Gas engines do not like to sit. Diesel engines do not like to be run at low loads. I have both and they are a PITA compared to electric. If anybody is interested in a small outboard that can probably be made to run with a new carburetor, PM my widow after it kills me trying to get it started next summer.

 

[hturnerfamily]

the ultimate issue I see with 'hybrids', no matter what type you are referring to, is the impracticality of now carrying around not only what is already a heavy EV battery, and multiple motor sets, but now add to that a GAS TANK, muffler, ENGINE, transmission(if so), and now also all the 'legacy' maintenance and requirements that go with that... such as also now having stop at gas stations. Even if the engine is 'only' for charging the battery pack, which would take forever on it's own, anyway, you still have the same issues.

The dreamy idea that road-trips will be so 'easy' with this type of hybrid is really just a difference in how you approach the idea... sure, maybe you won't 'need' to stop at a DC Fast Charger for 30 minutes, but you'll now have to stop at a gas station, and pump that stinky, greasy, smelly 'fuel'...

I get that there is a segment of the unsold population that might consider EVs who hesitate because of their lack of understanding of the charging infrastructure that has grown exponentially in the last several years - and the advent of the opening of the Supercharger network. There will always be those who doubt the ability for an EV to meet their requirements... they can't go 'far enough' in their gas vehicles, either, without having to 'stop' and fuel up... oh well. If my diesel F250 towing my 16' car hauler could just make it that last 50 miles of my 825 mile trip without having to 'stop'... oh my.

My brother-in-law does the same: he has modified his diesel with another 70 gallon auxiliary tank in the bed, so he 'never' has to stop... he'll never be an EV owner, no matter what Stellantis or anyone else does.

 

[RickLightning]

I love my lightning but this is the way to go. Still drive electric 95% of the time and don't have to piss around with charging on road trips. Gas engine will come on so little, change the oil once a year and you're good.

…. And drain the fuel every three months, plus coolant every few years and fuel filter. Gas engines do not like to sit. Diesel engines do not like to be run at low loads. I have both and they are a PITA compared to electric. If anybody is interested in a small outboard that can probably be made to run with a new carburetor, PM my widow after it kills me trying to get it started next summer.

Need to get more informed about current technology. Our 2018 Fusion Energi had a pressurized gas tank to prevent issues with "old gas". If gas was not added within 18 months, it forced the gas engine on.

Oil change timer was every 2 years or 20,000 miles.

 

[Peddyr]

Until I see one in the flesh, I'll file this with Toyota's solid state battery, which is now scheduled for 2028. Promise and delivery are not the same as we are all aware.

 

[Shawnson]

Multiple power plants in an EV is not the option for large scale vehicle development. It can fit a small niche market, but from a mass market pov, nobody when push comes to shove wants to pay to support two powertrains in their vehicle for the REAL WORLD benefit. The true time savings for most of us isn’t even worth the first maintenance.

 

[Pioneer74]

Guys, I see a lot of posts about hybrids. Yes, this platform will support a hybrid, but that isn't the main point of the article. It's about a flexible platform that can produce vehicles of any mix. Pure EV, hybrid, and ICE.

Increased flexibility and the ability to adjust your production mix to account for what the market is demanding at any giving time will lower production costs for the entire vehicle line.

 

[Shawnson]

Guys, I see a lot of posts about hybrids. Yes, this platform will support a hybrid, but that isn't the main point of the article. It's about a flexible platform that can produce vehicles of any mix. Pure EV, hybrid, and ICE.

Increased flexibility and the ability to adjust your production mix to account for what the market is demanding at any giving time will lower production costs for the entire vehicle line.

flexibility and a larger production mix might bring about security and agility, but it sure as hack does not lower production costs

 

[Pioneer74]

flexibility and a larger production mix might bring about security and agility, but it sure as hack does not lower production costs

How? Operating a separate assembly, paint, and stamping plant is free? Because that is what is happening with the T3 and Blue Oval City.

 

[Shawnson]

How? Operating a separate assembly, paint, and stamping plant is free? Because that is what is happening with the T3 and Blue Oval City.

what I am saying is adding in any variables to a production line increases complexity and cost. Having two separate lines to produce two trucks is the worst scenario. Having 1 line to produce two significantly different trucks is bad but not worse. Having one truck, one line is best. even with a true generator in a Bev, you now have software and significantly more complexity controlling those two powertrains. Now add that into the mix of OTAs. If I am worried about extra range now and again I’d personally rather invest in a gas generator or External battery backup system than put an extra powertrain in My truck and expect a company already struggling to keep up with variantS support it.

 

[Pioneer74]

what I am saying is adding in any variables to a production line increases complexity and cost. Having two separate lines to produce two trucks is the worst scenario. Having 1 line to produce two significantly different trucks is bad but not worse. Having one truck, one line is best.

Have you ever been in an assembly plant? Having more than one model running down the line isn't that complicated.

You want to talk complicated? At one time, the Final plant at DTP assembled trucks with 3 different cabs, 2 different bed lengths, 4 different gas engines, a diesel engine, 2 different transmissions and 2 different drivetrains. And we produced them one every 52 seconds.

We still do all that now. Instead of the diesel, we assemble a hybrid. At one every 52 seconds.

 

[chl]

I believe I said this in the REV thread, but I'll say it again. This is the way Ford should attack EV's. The Lightning has already demonstrated that there isn't a large efficiency difference between a modified ICE truck and a ground up truck designed to be an EV. Manufacturers need more flexibility to adapt to market conditions and need to reduce costs. EV only platforms do the opposite.

And not just with trucks. Do it with all their products.

And the EV versions should have modular batteries for easy replacement on the go like AMPLE is doing by retrofitting EVs and setting up robotic/automatic battery changing stations (in about 5 minutes start to finish).

https://ample.com/

EDIT: Oh guess what? Ample and Stellantis already made a deal to do just that! @Ford Motor Company you missed the boat! https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...-ample-deal-for-swappable-ev-batteries.17567/

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