Convert your Pickup to Diesel-Electric with Serviceable Parts

[@Kevin24Seven]

I always see this company pop up on FB and Insta and get all kinds of hate in the comments, which is wild because they are truly doing the electric thing RIGHT. Diesel engine to charge the batteries, easily swappable components, non-proprietary batteries, etc. I would potentially actually buy a diesel electric pickup if it made more power and got better gas mileage than a normal diesel pickup and I bet these guys will make that happen.

[@GRANITEMONUMENT]

Yeah, and no., as it sits right now, it is not producing net savings I think with battery advancement, and a few other things, it might BECOME more efficient than just a diesel,., this particular truck has shown promise because it’s been used to drive up a mountain empty, load up, and haul lumber down hill, using regen brakes., now if it were hauling uphill, and coasting down empty, they would be a good bit behind a diesel truck., but hopefully with a little more learning, and the rate at which batteries are advancing, it just might become very efficient.. ??

[@kingtut5923]

I'm still waiting to put some money on these guys.

[@RandomName100]

@@GRANITEMONUMENTactually, you’re about as wrong as you could be. That’s the proposed best case scenario. So far they have been doing mill hauls. Moving loads from yard to mill on mostly flat ground. Not coasting loaded. And they are still seeing better fuel efficiency than a standard diesel. Not as much, but better. And they still have a fair bit of margin still for improvement with what they are learning, even without generational improvement. Add that and the gap widens.

[@ilenastarbreeze4978]

@@RandomName100 this right here, i mean merrit is pretty hilly, its literally in the mountains but its still not going up empty and loading , its just running a smaller genny and getting more from that

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

We are doing dyno testing to prove exactly this on driving simulations written specifically for us

[@mwaynem]

I'm glad you talked about how dangerous electricity is and that you need to take precautions to eliminate those dangers before any kind of work or maintenance.

[@Sah-o5m]

Need giant red signage. STOP, LOCKOUT, TAGOUT, GLOVE UP, CHECK VOLTAGE, TELL SOMEONE.

[@Neojhun]

@@Sah-o5m WTF red sign is pointless. But those procedures are important to adhere to strictly.

[@Slane583]

The problem is there are people so dense that they deliberately ignore the precautions anyway regardless of the risk at hand. It doesn't matter how much you teach them. Those are the ones who get fired from companies on a daily basis for being negligent and irresponsible. People like that need to stay away from hazards entirely.

[@FFLFFS]

Unfortunately, Safety being overstated can become redundant. Being human it’s natural to be complacent: ie.. Letting your guard down down. With electricity while it looks harmless people need to have a holy respect for the energy. The unexpected and potential hazards can be fully understood. Even if electrical service is disconnected, circuits might still have stored energy in capacitors or inductors, which could discharge unexpectedly upon contact. Know your electricity. It’s not magic. No need for paranoia because It follows basic physics. Making it someone else’s intellectual responsibility, doesn’t un-dead you.

[@AnneJackson-v8l]

@@Slane583 Lets hear from Darwin.

[@ratboyiscool]

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a Canadian company making massive strides in the industry like you guys have.

[@JM-yx1lm]

Trudeau will just bankrupt him when he gets too big.

[@ericcrawford326]

Don’t forget to make repair manuals for the trucks. This will help with right to repair. Mechanics will appreciate it.

[@masonhales]

You really won't need a manual, electric is so simple all you need to know is ohm's law

[@ericcrawford326]

@masonhales not true. These trucks are electrical and mechanical. The controls are quite complicated. DC to AC converter in the form of a Variable Frequency Drive. Any ways the list goes on.to many to list.

[@jrmaatta]

They would still have to keep it fairly generic, since each install will be done differently than other pickups, a universal kit. But as long as people have enough sense to understand a generic electrical schematic with detailed info about each individual part, it would be easy to follow. But in my 22+ years of IT experience, I've learned not everyone has that amount of common sense. 😂

[@justinbanks1563]

As an Industrial mechanic, this thing actually seems pretty straight forward. The in cab "fuse box" looks like a damn control cabinet.

[@johnsherby9130]

@@justinbanks1563 I think having that stuff easily accessible is really cool. You’re only ever going to need it about once every 4 years but man it would be awesome to have everything that accessible

[@reubenwrigley1121]

As an industrial electrician, you're absolutely spot on. Hopefully the production model will keep this same premise of being open to work on and fault find!

[@LiquidBacn]

I design electrical cabinets for locomotives, so much of what is on Topsy and what Edison and Deboss are working on is so similar to what I work on each day. The control system and supporting equipment is practically exactly the same. Also, that system is about 50% bigger than it really needs to be. But that 50% is due to off-the-shelf components and extreme serviceability. If they designed some bespoke systems they could save a lot of space. This is what traditional auto manufacturers do. I'm not saying they should, but this is definitely part of the reason for the space needed

[@mikem547]

I thought I was look at the inside of a haas ha ha. Pretty awesome stuff

[@djhaloeight]

agree. looks just like the wiring for our rolling mill PLC controllers at my gig.

[@donswier]

Even us i3 REx owners are watching carefully. After 115k miles with zero issues, virtually unused brakes (due to regen) cheap operating costs and a simple onboard generator, it feels like scaling this up to F350 size is a no- brainer.

[@my_channel_44]

BMW makes something reliable?

[@donswier]

@my_channel_44 ☺️ LOL! With only 2 cylinders to worry about (650cc BMW scooter engine made by Kymco in Taiwan), no VANOS trickery and no transmission, we've not had anything wear out on our 2017 (not even the brakes, thanks to regen)

[@my_channel_44]

@@donswier oh so it's not actually a BMW. Thank goodness!

[@DaryanPrescott]

I can 100% see this taking over in long haul over the road trucking over the next couple decades

[@lynxoflight72]

I'm waiting for the LMFAO batteries XD. I love how Rich corrected Chase directly and both just grin for a moment. I love that you guys are working so closely with Edison. They try their hardest to make something that is actually what truckers want and also need.

[@rkstewart9585]

It's beyond time someone approached this tech with a logical format for the drivetrain. This is going to amazing guys.

[@DesertFernweh]

14:25 Properly labeled and organized cabling. You made an ild Network Admin smile.

[@jhoncho4x4]

Hats off to Danfoss for developing all these components and making them available. Companies like Edison are needed to engineer how to use the components for a particular application. Danfoss is a well known and respected brand in the industrial control world. Industrial components are designed to last as long as possible; no planned obsolescence or replacement. Industrial customers will pay whatever it costs to make the components reliable due to cost of downtime.

[@Bradamsmx5]

Definitely hats off to Danfoss and Edison. However, industrial components are not necessarily designed to last forever. They are usually designed to be easily replaceable and lots of times repairable instead of throw away consumables. If you want industrial components to last forever, oversize them for the application. The best part of industrial components is they are usually standardized as far as footprint. So even if you can’t locate the exact replacement part from the same manufacturer, you can find a similar sized one from a different manufacturer and it will usually fit in the same area.

[@my_channel_44]

I won't get a compressor unless it's a danfoss. I mean when evaluating a potential fridge/freezer acquisition.

[@davidbowser]

LMFAO "Party Rock" batteries. Now I know what to use on my next project.

[@JacobScherer]

Glad someone else caught that, lol

[@jefferylebowski7355]

In the Venn diagram of people who know who LMFAO are and people who are interested in hybrid trucks, we are in the tiny overlapping sliver

[@trulyinfamous]

I have not thought of that song in a very, very long time. I am internally cringing as other songs of the time period come to mind, such as What does the fox say?

[@EpicToadRage]

I am one HUNDRED percent putting this in a Transit van. This will help me so much since I use it for work. But even if I didn't, it'd be AWESOME in a camper!

[@donswier]

@@EpicToadRage Definitely great for camper. Enough battery to supply quiet HVAC overnight. No need for gas cans & separate generator. No anxiety over non-existent EV chargers in remote areas.

[@jebediahkerman3946]

​@@donswiernot to mention the EV torque and acceleration. Imagine driving an EV-powered RV over the Rockies, the Sierras, the Appalachians.

[@MrPig40]

​@@jebediahkerman3946All that Regen going down the mountain too. Plus no need to jake-brake or overheat your brakes. Lots of advantages in the mountains.

[@RowanHawkins]

I wonder if you could put an EV charger into it so that you could charge up other EV's?

[@Skunk106]

​@@RowanHawkins They did/do. They got so much going on so quickly that I won't try to say exactly what they're going to offer, but, accessory power and charging is already standard to some degree. Jobsite power and charging w/o noise and fumes are one of the great perks with these setups.

[@hhjones9393]

"We're not blowin' stuff up anymore." That is really good news! Y'all are changing the game, keep it up!

[@derpenstein713]

Dang it, I keep listening to Chase talk this thing up and I can't get Wayne from Letterkenny out of my head. I kept waiting for the monologue to start "So I was working on my diesel electric semi the other daaay" 😂 I love the project and the updates though guys.

[@Skunk106]

Yo, that would be the funniest, best add campaign EVER!😂😂😂

[@oldcivicjoe9069]

@@derpenstein713 at least I'm not the only one!🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Thebackson]

To be fair.... they are from the same country.

[@oldcivicjoe9069]

@@Thebackson how are you now?

[@Thebackson]

@@oldcivicjoe9069 Good-n-yew

[@WAZZUjohn03]

I love the attention being given to right to repair and general serviceability.

[@raphiseth6942]

Differently put the whole "lock out, tack out" stuff in the truck as a standard accessory, that way you can make it easy for the backyard mechanic to be safe.

[@altosack]

Lock out; tag* out

[@ALTruckerDad]

My dad once managed to short a 12v lead acid battery with a wrench and his wedding ring. The ring glowed. He came storming in from outside and stuck his hand under the kitchen sink faucet. I heard the hiss from the water boiling off his damned hand... I was about 12 or so. I don't wear mine when I work on my vehicles, and I'm 48 now. If a 12v battery can do that... you are absolutely right about the hybrid batteries...

[@Free_Ham]

This is great I'm looking forward to the end result. This would be great for so many trucks with PTO. In a bucket truck we're always turning it on and off to hear each other.

[@jonathanwright5550]

I always thought the hydraulics on those needed bigger acululaters so you could get a few movement before auto start carnks up again

[@ericcrawford326]

I agree . There are a lot of parts replacers and very few people that can truly troubleshoot. That is why I say they need a repair manual. Flow charts to guide them through the troubleshooting.

[@bachtomin213]

Always thought there should be a retrofit kit to change existing vehicles to a hybrid or clean energy system. Keep plugging away Lance and Rich!.

[@butlewe1]

Man I wish this was ready to go, need to rebuild axles, trans and motor in my 350. It'd be a perfect time to do the conversion.

[@Prestiged_peck]

You should note that for pickups they can replace most of that bus bar and relay kit with the vehicle's factory fuse/relay boxes in many applications

[@alguaja7165]

We need this in our hotshot business!! We run a fleet of Ram 3500s, and this tech would be amazing to have. Fuel efficiency, more power, less brake use due to regen braking. Amazing!!!

[@jonathanwright5550]

How many 3500s do you have?

[@my_channel_44]

You forgot about repair costs. And standard available components.

[@alguaja7165]

Currently running 10​@@jonathanwright5550

[@alguaja7165]

​@@my_channel_44yup, definitely forgot those!

[@someguy1222]

For long hauls, I'm pretty sure it wont be good. Efficiency will be low. Just like any hybrid, if you dont have starts and stops it cant recoup the energy.

[@Drmcclung]

I'm officially sold and can't wait until there's an axle solution for small trucks somewhere down the road (Ranger/S10/Niss's/Toyo's). Thats a kit I'd gladly try

[@NEEDbacon]

Well one of the axels that they got that was wrong for the dodge project, was figured to be the perfect size for a Ranger or Land Cruiser. So might already be possible.

[@Berta_Bros]

Crazy after ten years of watching you guys now our shop is in one of your videos. Nvr thought I’d ever meet Rich himself. Keep up the deadly work fellas. The whole world’s watching!

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

It was awesome meeting you and your family!

[@KeithOlson]

@@DEBOSSGARAGE Y'all may think that this idea is a _tad_ ridiculous, but you have *GOT* to convert a Kei truck. You'd be able to throw in the back of a full-size pickup as you take both to shows and it will demonstrate that *ANY* pickup of *ANY* size can be upgraded. (Heck, upgrade a Powerwheels while you are at it to throw in the back of the Kei truck that you toss in the back of the pickup that you park on the back of the semi. :grin: )

[@oldcivicjoe9069]

The minute I find a pre 1975 1 ton truck I'll be reserving a 2wd pick-up kit for it. You guys keep the noses to the grindstone, and you will likely be the ones driving the change that saves the world.

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

You guys are fantastic ! We dont need governments . We need enginunity.

[@devanwinterton19]

I would be very interested in seeing how Topsy would do at a big rig challenge where they drag race pulling heavy loads uphill.

[@my_channel_44]

Basically topsy has min 3x the power. It's already been shown on test-drives.

[@JohnnyD1993]

​@@my_channel_443x the power over a stock truck? Cool. Now go to the loaded drags where they're making wheelie frame twisting torque pulling 120k lbs uphill. I've gone every other year for a decade now. I'd make a special trip if Topsy went.

[@colinwhite2401]

Great job guys. I think the big rigs and the conversion kits for pickup trucks are going to go over well.

[@TheDrunkardHu]

Right to repair is SOOOOO important guys.... I can't agree more!

[@jakem.6359]

Anxiously awaiting the conversion kits.... I have 2 trucks that will make ideal conversion vehicles. Surprised the RV market isn't going this direction.....generator is already there....think it would be a relatively straightforward conversion.

[@kevinkanak1380]

Rich and Casey. As a high voltage testing specialist and Relay and control Technician for a power utility, the electrical portion was very good and should be expanded. I am really enjoying the project and would love to be part of it one day as an end user and right to repair advocate.

[@theglitch99]

DeBoss is a great partner in this..... they will be successful....

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

Thanks man!

[@mojoloop]

I'm a 26 year old automator and I'm getting into C++ and Electrical Engineering so that I can design my own motor controllers and motors. I've had an eye on a 69 fastback that I could convert to electric. I'm currently working on an offline maps software for my wife that looks and feels kind of like Android Auto/Automotive but with offline maps and offline music while still delivering searchability and turn by turn navigation. Super stoked to put something like that in my future mustang :)

[@giancarlodamantte8066]

I've been dreaming of a pickup with this tech since I bought my Volt 9 years ago. The teasers for the new Ramcharger are interesting, but I'd rather convert my 2nd gen ram to diesel-electric. Hoping that becomes a reality soon

[@rick240sx]

One of the coolest projects on youtube. Can't wait til I can order the conversion kit

[@MarkBarrack]

Thanks for your efforts. For many years I have used the freight train analogy in my desire for diesel electric.

[@jasonrenwick7306]

Been following your progress for a while now and I have to say you guys are doing an amazing job! When you we’re talking about lock out tag out in this video, have you guys considered designing your battery shut off like some of the hybrid car systems where as the battery kill switch is actually a key, and to get to the high voltage system you need that key. For safety you can’t access the high voltage systems without the shut off key. It’s a great guarantee to prevent accidental electrocution.

[@Jdmorris143]

The kit coming is great news. IP stuff first, for sure.

[@zoroasbitz1794]

Since I was 12 years old I’ve been saying that a diesel electric car or truck would be great idea I love what you guys are doing I’ll definitely be a customer in the future

[@Wagon7]

I submitted this idea years ago when I worked for a auto manufacturer. They weren’t interested.

[@Kinginwar]

Really like what these guys are doing I've never been good at electrical side of vehicle work Hurts my brain

[@iiiiii7680]

The idea of an EREV is an awesome idea. Imagine a 2500 pickup that gets crazy mpg. Every benefit of an electric car but you can just pull up to a regular diesel pump and keep going

[@kuakkacam]

Logic, common sense and intelligent design. Edison is the way of the future!!! I think your product is amazing. Between Edison and Deboss Garage is a Canadian success story! Love it lads keep up the great work.

[@Sanvn]

Wow! I love the serviceability of this. I have always wondered my major manufacturers aren’t doing this in trucks and cars. It seems like the best of both worlds. I’m glad you guys are doing it for them.

[@Ed_Stoddard]

It has always seemed that major auto manufacturers and the oil industry are joint at the hip. I hope I am wrong for the long run.

[@my_channel_44]

​@@Ed_StoddardNo. You're right. They don't care about you. Parasites!

[@Nathan_Higgens]

I’ve got an old 98 truck with almost 300k miles on the original trans and engine. Hope to one day do the conversion on it and drive another 30 years with it

[@WB-Brown]

I thought about doing diesel electric in trucks for a long time, just not with batteries. Only thing that held me back was the resistive braking. I couldn't figure out how to fit the resistors and cooling into a space small enough to make it work. Y'all did that with regen. Hats off and can't wait to convert my RAM 4500.

[@jamesphillips2285]

Don't know if they tested that corner case yet: but the semi has a jake brake for hold-back if the batteries are full.

[@sw5334]

@@jamesphillips2285how does the Jake work on holding the truck back, if I’m not mistaken the engine is not physically connected to the drive other than through the generator. There is no way for the rolling axles to turn the genset. Im not being an ass, I’m curious how it is being used.

[@sw5334]

What I’m curious to know is when going down a huge hill while running full regen, as soon as the battery bank hits 100% you will lose the regen function unless you have a resistor bank backup to dissipate the excess energy in heat. Have you heard how they have sorted that out? With a car in stop and go traffic you deplete some battery upon acceleration each time but with 100000 lbs going down a super long hill you can generate a huge amount of electricity without depleting battery.

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@sw5334 As I said: I don't know if they actually tested it yet: but the steps are: - drive motors go into regenerative braking mode - battery voltage rises to some limit (optional) - Start diesel, use excess battery voltage to turn the generator into a motor [requires bidirectional inverter] - Use jake brake to dissipate energy. I seems to me that it would be *very* easy to accidentally trickle-charge a full battery if you don't have all the control signals working correctly.

[@sw5334]

@@jamesphillips2285 another guy just linked to a video chase did on the system you are talking about. Cool idea if it works. Cheers.

[@randypetty3066]

I had thought for many years the diesel electric technology as used in locomotives was the way to go for the trucking industry - the energy, power, and mechanical efficiency of an electric drive system is hard to beat. Great work!

[@williamwhitted2490]

Maybe require all sales to come with a proper amount of instruction to the owner to educate them on electricity. Aircraft manufacturers do transition courses for pilots to train differences. I love what y’all are doing.

[@marvinyo5]

You guys are doing gods work. The auto industry is nowhere near releasing anything like this out there so congratulations Hopefully be able to import a kit for my van in the UK

[@briankeithwood]

love the concept. Think this would be a crazy off-road bronco/jeep upgrade.

[@kkkk-wg6je]

The freight train comparison makes perfect sense to me.

[@AndrewSpencer-z2n]

Rich, I think that this is a great idea. I work at a major skills college in Cambridge and we all think that a hybrid is the necessary component in EV Watching this closely. Hit me up for a tour of the campus if you're ever in Cambridge

[@Iamtherodlight1453.]

Beautiful my brothers get her done and I will be ordering my truck.

[@carlosencarnacion9667]

Suggestion, while serving in the Army as a PLL clerk, I was in charge of ordering service parts for the Army equipment. A TM 9-2320-209-20P was a service or technical manual, for the deuce and a half truck, for the mechanics that included a parts list. Having this TM issued to the final user, with the vehicle, would simplify things for the user. The 218-20P was for the jeep, that was substituted by the HUMVEE. Right to repair taken to the most, like the schematics supplied with appliances and electronics until the 70s.

[@kkkk-wg6je]

I appreciate that these projects aren’t a gimmick like “overlanding” but targeted towards real life work horse vehicles.

[@JimmyHat-k4t]

Keep it canadian guys 100% canadian your giving me hope for our country fellas

[@Azathoth43]

It's mostly Chinese, unfortunately. Depending on what they have built in China, whatever IP and patients they obtain will be stolen.

[@TheMisadventuresofBuffWally]

I cannot wait. I just got my dream truck, 97 F250 HD Crew cab, and plan to keep it for the rest of my life. the Powerstroke guys can make fun of me for now since it has the 460, but someday I hope to be able to give it an Edison badge.

[@chrismurray8019]

Couple the electic diff with a 1.9 VW TDI engine. Worlds most efficient ICE engine...so efficient they outlawed it.

[@hughmarcus1]

Yes. It doesn’t need to be massive. The so called Boris bus (hybrid) introduced to London in 2012 is the same concept & uses the 2.2 ford engine from the Transit.

[@Horsemen-fc2wp]

Investment Round 3 is open. The guys are not allowed to promote on social media. So please invest and spread the word.

[@tedtolentino4955]

I'm glad to see a company, no matter how small, lead the way for new and innovative technology. With that said, I would hope that the Big Three follow suit and develop their own diesel electric trucks for the mass market. Looking forward to the Edison conversion kits being available soon. Keep up the good work.

[@Sah-o5m]

Plenty of room in the market to electrify all trucks

[@basscheeks8545]

I'm building a tiny house on a trailer and renting land from my boss. I currently dont have a vehicle powerful enough to pull it if i need to go anywhere at the drop of a hat. To hell with spending 60k on a brand new truck! Ill find an old Chevy 3500 square body and drop this kit into it and I'll not only be able to move my house but power it off the deisel generator if I need to for half the price! This tech will change lives!

[@chibinyra]

super excited for this pickup conversion!

[@lostpony4885]

I had this idea when it found out trains do it. You guys are awesome!

[@McCanicScot420]

We have all kinds of battery tech these days, its incredible

[@__WJK__]

Can’t wait to see some 3rd gen Ram 2500 conversions, Rich! That said, even tho I’m sure you’re gonna be busy as all get out and will likely have an excess of donor 3rd gen 5.9s lined up outside your shop, if you’re ever looking for another 3rd gen 5.9 to convert, to help prove your concept will also work in the states, my tired 3rd gen 5.9 is totally up for the challenge, as an early adopter and proof of concept!

[@RosesAreRedish]

Keep these coming love Canadian made trucks

[@justinlynch6691]

Oooooook. IP and patent. That makes sense. I can be patient now.

[@kensmith5694]

They only need the patent to stop others from patenting it.

[@execration_texts]

​@kensmith5694 Yeah. Unfortunately, patents are essentially required to protect your business.

[@Mike-hb4pc]

Very interesting stuff. Now one of the big things he pushes is 'right to repair'. That's a good thing, but one question I have is this going to have a means of a tester of some sort for the average 'backyard' mechanic to plug in and possibly direct the mechanic to the area of concern? That would be a big deal, IMO.

[@P-RattsGarage]

I can’t wait!!! I have a 1997 F-350 4X4 waiting for this kit. Can you work on 30 and or 50 amp RV plug-ins for us campers??? Please!!!

[@herculesinwyoming]

That truck is even wired like a locomotive, pretty cool.

[@antoniopena3254]

1st generation Chevy volt is basically the same thing (gas not diesel). I own a 2013 volt since 2015, there are many other benefits other than mpg. For example no transmission, the ability to quickly switch to sport mode (think of this as downshifting for power) and the fact that you just do not feel the engine nearly as much inside of the cabin, even new cars transmit more vibrations into the cabin than my 11 year old car 🤣. There is a slight delay between the pedal and the takeoff, but this is all software controlled as it doesn't have the same issue on sport mode. My car feels like new and the most unbelievable thing about it is that I haven't had to replace my brake pads since I bought it! At this point I ask every time I get an alignment and I still can't believe that I don't need new brake pads! Another thing to consider is that the engine almost always revs at the same speed but not very high, so less wear and tear not to mention I get 40 miles of pure electricity if I connect it. If done correctly the merging of a diesel engine with an electric drivetrain will be the next step in reliability, I don't know much about diesel gens but if the RPMs are going to be lower in this setup then it would make the diesel generator last even longer. I can't wait to buy one of these for my Dodge ram 1500 which died rather recently. I hope I can become a professional installer for this drivetrain and start a business if at all possible. I've been obsessed with hybrid electric drivetrains for years at this point, I'm happy to see this dream become a reality 🫡

[@matthewknobel6954]

i would love it if the EV industry would standardize on a smaller batter or even a module design. replacing should be as easy as switching out a AA in a RC car. As far as the Gas-Elec or Dsl-Elec I would love to see a car like a VW golf have a small DSL to a battery. VW did something similar but we never saw it in the states.

[@raycecil4643]

Im excited. I reserved a kit. I believe I am kit #118. I have a 88 F250 Supercab. Ive completely restored the truck. Inside and out. Im going to do a self build, where I buy as much of the component as I need, but retain my 7.3 turbo idi. I know that CAT motor would be more efficient, I just cannot justify the extra cost when I have 3 perfectly good 7.3 idi motors laying here, and I think it would be awesome to retain the 7.3 for nostalgia.

[@glike2]

A V2L alternative hack option is connecting a big 12V 2000W inverter to the 12V battery. My 2019 Hyundai Kona can handle 1300W continuous from the DC-DC converter.

[@maxiumgolf1]

@17:58. I have a good ole 2006 2500 Ram RWD Six speed! Starting to do the 18 year, SD - ND. I pick it up for 15.5 with third synchro out 2015, MONEY was put into the lower rockers (used dealership). Solid rebuild @ 219-225k now! I am excited to be able to further the life and durability that is coming from Edison into my own vehicle… at the right time…! I’m excited and wish the best for You both and The Company! Rich, give me another 250k and I’ll be visiting you for your services. Has been my primary small town vehicle for 6 hard years 😬. Great Idea guys!

[@Ed_Stoddard]

Since I saw an article on a Rivera converted to a gas driven hydraulic system, I have toyed with the idea. I even 'mentally' designed a system for a plug in to an air cooled VW. I am now thinking that an older comfortable car could be made into a hybrid diesel/electric with a small Kabota commercial mower engine, of which I have three doing nothing right now, and off the shelf electrical products. I will never need the pickup you are designing, but will follow your progress with great interest. Keep it up.

[@cinnamonrollypoly]

I just had a thought... Agriculture could use something like this. Imagine a tractor with a diesel generator that charges a battery, and all the implements and driveline are run electronically.

[@adamelliott2302]

Boom! Y'all need to get some of the Technical schools working on with y'all. Train and encourage a new generation of techs.

[@earlstacey2709]

I thought this concept was awesome the second I saw it. I often thought, why don't car companies make electric cars work like a diesel electric train vs fully grid dependant electric. And then I saw the first videos about your project. As a long time heavy duty diesel truck tech, I am really impressed with your thoughts on servicing the truck after it is built. You may have posted it but I haven't seen all your videos yet, I am interested in your fuel economy compared to a traditional truck. All around I really like what you guys are doing!!

[@raphiseth6942]

Their is/was a car like that the Chevy Volt but the marketing wasn't strong enough

[@18JamesBlond]

This really could be the ultimate welding rig.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

That will be one of the main customers. Imagine not towing an extra engine everywhere tu go and having to listen to an engine all day

[@CodyKasper]

Hey I work in the electrical industry and I was watching today. I have just a couple suggestions from what you were talking about. I’m a huge fan of your desire to make these hybrid trucks self serviceable. I did like your explanation of lock out tag out and testing for voltage before starting work. I do see a need that you may be missing or may have already considered and it just was not in your video if so disregard. Those electrical gloves that people will need to do that testing safely are not good forever and have to be tested for punctures before every use. A good idea would be to add testing device and a replacement schedule for anyone who gets these kits and vehicles. I understand it’s an added expense and an inconvenience but it saves lives. You can ask a local utility or any company in the electrical industry about their rubber goods exchange policy and go from there. Like you said in the video ev hybrid vehicles can kill somebody if they are not fallowing the proper procedures including the procedure for using their safety equipment. Just wanted to put that out there. Love what you guys are doing.

[@jackdaniels2657]

long live right to repair

[@bc30cal99]

Greetings from the south Okanagan, thanks to you both for the update. In talking with people in the industry, I can see a huge market for hybrid service trucks where they currently have a diesel for the main power, a gas motor for the welder, another gas for the compressor and then a hydraulic system run off of the main diesel. Running the auxiliary welder, compressor and hydraulic from electric makes so much more sense and would result in less fuel consumption. For bombing around in the BC backcountry, something more off road capable than our Rav4 hybrid would be flat out amazing. That Rav4 by the way gets slightly better fuel economy than our old '90 Jetta turbo diesel, but at the same time will pass our '03 Cummins truck going up mountain passes with ease. Looking forward to seeing where you all are taking this.

[@Sah-o5m]

I agree. There is a reason why the first 10 Edison production trucks have been paid in advance by large companies like Emcon and Royal.

[@jamesphillips2285]

The electric RAV4, with a towed generator option, got sued out of existence after Chevron bought up the NiMH battery patents.

[@glenmcgillivray4707]

I think we should contact some of the guys who hauled Topsy in the early days for a photo op. Topsy can haul one of thr rigs who hauled Topsy in the early days!

[@RowanHawkins]

I know you guys say you're not electrical engineering people but terminology for this one bit is kind of important for clarity. So I'm adding it for everyone. My question is below. An inverter changes between AC & DC On the DC side going from a Low voltage to a High Voltage is a Boost Converter and going from High to Low is a Buck Canverter. Every time you shift between any of these type energy lost in the form of heat because nothing is 100% efficient, though its more effecient to do DC-DC than swapping between AC & DC. The other thing that is important to understand is that the current used by a load decreases the higher the voltage. How much current is available on the the 12v rail of that converter and can multiple 12v outputs be stacked in that box for more current?

[@harmonyrhodes9629]

This is super exciting to see you guys progress!

[@Wookiemonsterfreak]

High beam on the floor, like some buses I drive. I like that too. High Beam and signals on the floor, I like that too.

[@cinnamonrollypoly]

So, I'm currently building a school bus into an RV. I'm running a CAT C7 with airbrakes, and I can't help but wonder if something like this would be a good conversion for me. I'm not exactly sure how many KM's I'll be putting on it yearly, as that will be the determining factor for whether or not I'd seriously consider this, but I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye on this. Between the two of you, you seem to have the large size and small size applications figured out, but I could also see this also working for medium size applications like busses, box trucks, and the like. School districts love their "Eco friendly" initiatives, and the only options for busses currently are Electric, Diesel, Gasoline, and Propane. I don't think there are any hybrids school bus manufacturers out there right now.

[@BuiltbyD]

Super excited about this; LOVE it! Gotta say though...at about 8 minutes in, I saw a scat-ton of the cheapest junk wire loom known to humankind and lost my buzz. Realizing that the builders are expecting to makes changes as they figure things out, I kinda get it, but I beg that it gets upgraded when the time comes!

[@Sah-o5m]

In a separate video Edison acknowledges that wiring/cabling on the Topsy proof of concept was just 'get er done'. The wiring/cabling on the production trucks has been all layed out in cad. A place for everything and everything in its place.

[@robtheknob7791]

Yes! I love to see this! Watching you guys progress gives me such great hope for the future!

[@stippett129]

Awesome job guys, please keep pushing forward

[@spevakdesigns]

I can't wait for this to trickle down to a point where I can use it on my own full size pickup chassis.

[@wcmwfab935]

Incorporate welding terminals into the body

[@anthonyjohnson100]

I can’t wait for the pickup kits!!!! I will probably wait until there’s an axle option that’ll be double the rated power output per axle though. If I’m going to drop that much money I want it to RIP!

[@gregm949]

With having a motor for each wheel. You could make one heck of a rock crawler..😂

[@kensmith5694]

It also is nice on slippery roads in the winter.

[@richard3141592638]

Great summary video. Thanks Rich and chase. Can't wait for the pickup build videos to continue

[@controlfreq9346]

From an Industrial Controls Tech (Me) perspective, I love the use of indutrial components! NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures, terminals, wire way, back panels, etc. Ive always found automotive electrical work to be cartoonish, a joke. These guys choosing industrial methodology that is far more robust was brilliant. I get the joke about AC batteries but why not use a DC generator? They are normally AC bc thats the typical application, power to AC things like buildings and equipment. There is no reason why they cannot be converted to DC to reduce complexity in system archetecture. Love your truck, the BIG 3 et al should pay attn, all the EV naysayers cant complain about a hybrid the way they can about an EV.

[@aaronvienot]

Three-phase machines are generally the most lightweight, efficient, quiet, and versatile for a given output and application, particularly in consideration of the perfect soft-start and speed control provided when pairing an AC machine with a variable frequency drive. Car alternators switched to AC machines with diode rectifiers just as soon as affordable silicon rectifiers became available, and even little DC computer fans are multi-phase AC motors with drive circuits because it just makes sense compared to building a DC machine for the same application.

[@raycecil4643]

Ya'll are big believers in Right-To-Repair....I like that. Are you also big believers in Right-To-Install our own kits? I totally understand the dealer-installer network model, because not everyone will want to install themselves, but I definitely do. As a mechanical engineer and long time auto restoration enthusiast, I don't trust anyone but myself to do things right. Although I am sure there will be FINE men doing the installs. Im frugal, and wanting to install my kit using my 7.3 idi, and not the CAT motor.