AndyH
Well-known member
It's not that we "can't" start with a PHEV truck, or a BEV truck or a FCEV truck, Leftie, it's that so far we don't have those tools! So hell yes - make carbon-free trucks!LeftieBiker said:I don't disagree with you in general, Leftie, but to have an apples to apples transition, we need a BEV or FCEV pickup with the same range and load capability as a current ICE F150. Until that happens, the future that we must get to cannot happen.
And why exactly can't we start with a plug-in hybrid truck, instead? That's an incremental change that can actually change the paradigm. The technology is already here. While we're at it, require that most trucks be weak hybrids that shut their engines off when stopped, and can creep in traffic for a mile or so. That technology is also already here, and most trucks already have the room for a modest battery pack. But no, we want our trucks to look and act exactly the same, but with aluminum bodies under the same paint, and a whopping two more MPG instead of ten more...
But it's also useful for folks here to remember that the entire population of trucks and SUVs is not 'lifestyle vehicles' - so be careful with that broad brush, judgement, prejudice, etc.
Again - batteries add weight - that decreases overall energy efficiency. Look back at the numbers I posted - note that these are and MUST BE larger and stronger vehicles to perform their functions. While it would be cool if all the trucks and SUVs could be replaced with Prius Cs, good luck carrying 1000 lbs of plywood in a Prius more than once.... :lol: It's important to consider function - that's the starting point. So - there's still a real point to lightweighting and it must continue as it increases energy efficiency whether the prime mover is ICE or electricity. Hit the RMI hypercar documents for a look at how important this is, or look at aircraft design considerations.
Both have 'design death spirals' that must be managed as neither is a linear problem. Want to fly farther? Need more fuel. More fuel means a larger fuel tank - need more space. More fuel adds more weight - need more lift and thus more wing. More wing adds weight, requires stronger structure which adds more weight. Now we need more engine to move the larger, heavier vehicle...which uses more fuel per hour which means we need larger fuel tanks to meet the range need...etc. etc.