Worlds First Log Haul with a Diesel Electric Truck!

[@timbuckingham6734]

It's great to see you getting the power dialed in, looks like it's time for a Canadian company to put the future of trucking on the map.

[@EdisonMotors]

Canada was always the world leader of quality trucks

[@youretheChrist]

​@@EdisonMotorson behalf of the Pacific Northwest, thank you

[@Prestiged_peck]

Sounds to me like its a good thing that you didnt end up going triple axle on the first truck, you simply dont need the power on the third axle (for highway use) Would it be worth considering making one of the drive axles on a truck like topsy a lift axle for better economy while bobtailing? ​@EdisonMotors

[@bentleyjosephhamilton8392]

What a “kilometer” stone for you guys really great work😂

[@mercutilis]

@@bentleyjosephhamilton8392 ic watt you did there 😂

[@AlexxxDE]

That was such an awesome 1st test. What really caught my attention, was when you guys were running down the road , at 85 KmPH, and having a regular voice conversation in the cab. So quiet in the cab without the engine. That was super impressive. Looking forward to more tests ! Great work. 👍

[@challengecompleted55]

And Topsy doesn't even have a fleshed out interior yet.

[@Surfzap63]

Driving a silent truck must be really strange at first

[@The_Lone_Aesir]

I also noticed that the cab didn't seem to be super bouncey either. Idk If it's because of the design, or just the roads, but watching other truckers you see a lot of constant bouncing especially at low speeds.

[@RDMCFoxinator]

I know!!! Like Holy Fucking Shit I was Impressed.

[@Silverhks]

​@@The_Lone_Aesirwhat you were seeing in the other videos was probably from the seat. When the air seat is inflated there is a lot of bouncing.

[@savageofthenorthshor]

No grant money... Its a crime you guys dont have endless grants.. you guys are badasses!!🎉

[@drvanon]

Wait, why do they not have grant money?

[@TSDFabrication]

​@@drvanoncrooked government, as usual

[@kadmow]

@@drvanon - they bit the hand rather than sucked on the teat.

[@Largecar2165]

Tesla didnt have any grants either or ever taken one. these guys are doing a helluva job Being in trucking all my life Its just so weird there isnt any noise to speak of.

[@the_undead]

​@@drvanonbecause government grants are extremely difficult to apply for especially in bc where the entire process as far as anyone can tell is pretty corrupt and they would rather spread awareness of a corrupt system than play into it and they didn't need the money. It just would have been nice

[@bhzaddybhzolby1705]

This is how trucks should still be built, common parts and it even has a damn wig wag. The blend of old school analog technology and new tech is the coolest thing about this truck. No custom one off mirrors, no custom headlight pods, just a simple truck built for the toughest conditions.

[@realKJT]

Anyone else really impressed by how the seatbelts really always seem to match the occupant’s shirt. That’s the real innovation here! 😂

[@hahaha12345678993]

bluetooth technology has advanced alot in the past decade

[@mealien0808]

​@@hahaha12345678993 they found diddy's house 1000+ bottles of baby oil.

[@DaveOTech]

He talked about this in a previous video. Due to the fact that this vehicle is extremely heavy, 100,000+ lbs, seat belts wouldn't do the driver much good. If this truck were to hit anything other than solid rock, the driver is not going anywhere. The driver will continue to sit where he's sitting and move wherever the truck is going. I'm not vouching for this practice, just let me know what he said.

[@wwtrkr3189]

Based on the age of the truck, seatbelts are not a requirement. He went over that in earlier videos. Try to keep up, bud 😂

[@mfbfreak]

@@wwtrkr3189 Having seen videos of truck and bus drivers sliding or being bumped off their seat and losing any and all control of the vehicle, even if it's not mandatory, it would be dumb to omit them. Can't put your foot on the brake if you're not on the seat. Those belts are not just for the driver, in this case.

[@charlesmayberry2825]

One of the coolest things about this whole project, is how much documentation there has been of the process. Watching it go from basically a set of rails to a full truck has been incredible. The thing I know having worked in manufacturing is, you've showed some of the big struggles, but I'm over here going, For every big hiccup in the process, there's a hundred little ones. Engineering is a death of a thousand pinpricks, little flaws, oversights, and issues, that have to be resolved. I know all to well this can't have been any different and seeing the working prototype, actually into early testing like this, is incredible.

[@jordananderson2728]

It especially helps that they're using all COTS parts, so they can keep cost and complexity down by using things that already have robust documentation, so it's easy for both them and the end-user to troubleshoot. It's an amazing design from top to bottom!

[@tankerkiller125]

The fact that a massive truck like that is moving with basically zero real sound in insane, I can't wait to see these things hauling stuff around in my area of the US.

[@Demopans5990]

Will need noisemakers if they'd me operating in residential areas. I could see an opportunity to do what Japan does with their heavy equipment and have the truck play a jingle

[@gordowg1wg145]

@@Demopans5990 Jingle Bells at Christmas 👍

[@skeeterjames912]

Hahaha. The EPA will NEVER allow these to operate in the US. They violate tier 4 standards. They're too efficient, they make too much sense. Big green will never allow these to get off the ground as far as it is.

[@truhartwood3170]

​@@skeeterjames912tier 4 limits emissions for off-highway diesels. If it has no emissions, how could it possibly fail that? Every semi manufacturer is coming out with electric semis.

[@joedingo7022]

@@truhartwood3170 The range extender probably would make US electric import lawmakers cry, they only care about pocketing money.

[@bd6862]

This is my recommendation for the regen braking. Put it on a dial so you can infinitely adjust it. This way it can be perfect for every case scenario.

[@bd6862]

Tell me what other people think of this idea

[@forceawakens4449]

​@@bd6862you and another guy had the same idea, they said to use a lever to adjust it, i think it a great idea, even more locomotive design influence on topsy

[@EdisonMotors]

Yeah. We’re doing that on the next version

[@spencersaumur2033]

I think Tesla achieves this with one pedal driving, that the pedal controls how much regen is applied and if you pass a threshold you start cruising and further for acceleration. Off the pedal is 100% or as much as the batteries can take before over heating.

[@LarsPantsonFars]

​@EdisonMotors having an "automatic mode" for regen that is dependant on the gross weight, would be interesting as well. Just thinkin for the guys that don't want to have to think about their regen capacity.

[@jetstsr1olds613]

Finally there are builders who are humble without bringing politics into the equation. You guys are not arrogant and like to share your thoughts and ideas. Good for you guys. Big Thumbs Up.

[@Lochlann13]

I know Topsy is the star of the show here, but that Letourneau is so cool!

[@TallTexasGMan]

RG LeTourneau was a revolutionary individual not just in the heavy equipment industry but also in mankind. Thankfully, I've had the opportunity to put around in one of those log stackers on a school field trip. I was a sophomore and have to say that I've had the opportunity to be in a loader and a tourna-pull too! I've been saying for years if LeTourneau could do it, there is zero reason we can't today.

[@lefthandedleprechaun8702]

My old friend Dwight worked amd went to school fot Mr LeTournea, he had a lot of good stories, i tried to go there but too much tuition for a half broke country boy.

[@bradyelich2745]

His book is a good read.

[@GregoryVeizades]

​@@bradyelich2745Oh im getting that book!

[@henrycarlson7514]

@@bradyelich2745 So True , Some Very interesting Machinery

[@ΘάνατοςΧορτοφάγος]

Nuclear arctic machines too if i remember correctly

[@gormauslander]

I really like how much b-roll there is here. It's like a little documentary about a little slice of the job, which is great to see after being introduced to it by these videos so long ago

[@NEEDbacon]

IT almost feels like it could be chopped up into one of those educational shows you'd get shown when the teacher was too hungover to teach.

[@hartsfire5706]

this is so amazing.. i do not think people really under stand just what you have accomplished in such a short time.

[@sdpy15]

Not to mention the adversity overcome with a so called "green government initiative" who didn't want to see a local company reduce carbon emissions. When Edison motors becomes the standard for logging trucks world wide I hope they put those traitors names on a wall so we never forget the absolute treason they committed.

[@edgarbenjoseph3879]

Well done, you’re making Canada proud 🇨🇦

[@JohnnyHiemstra-ih3dy]

Congrats on hauling your first load guys. I'm 80 years old retired driver, but I'm just super excited about what you guys have accomplished. God bless you, your crew, and everyone involved.

[@JohnnyHiemstra-ih3dy]

May I enquire how to invest some money with you guys?

[@georgewelker2846]

You might want to email them directly they’re probably not going to read a reply to your comment. But thank you sir for supporting them! It’s guys like you who keep them from having to get screwed up with government interference and corruption

[@JohnnyHiemstra-ih3dy]

Didn't know I wasn't talking to them.

[@oddball_the_blue]

Also serious kudos to the logging company for allowing Chase and the boys to run the tests at the mills - I can imagine the look on some companies' bosses when asked - "hey, erm.. we want to load up your logs on our experimental diesel electric truck as it's first commercial load"

[@PrograError]

it's likely for cheap, plus they get to experience the future...

[@MrAdopado]

Why would they care? They are already familiar with diesel electric vehicles as was shown in the video.

[@Rizz_Messiah]

im sure the locals will appreciate the peace and quiet.

[@NEEDbacon]

I think they'll be more happy about a log truck that's able to get out it's own way quickly.

[@rheidtech]

No Jakes!😂

[@d1oftwins]

@@rheidtech Except when the battery is fully charged and you really need that regen braking right now. 😄 Chace said they'll will do the brab brab brab instead of dumping electrically waste heat.

[@scottcarr3264]

Yeah, Added Bonus.

[@anthonyc6571]

I'm sure they ain't going to appreciate the price rise and delays on shipping

[@realcoolphil]

One of the benefits of the system is no frame twist, you won't be bringing the front tire off the ground when you accelerate hard

[@jonkeau5155]

@@operator8014 frame twist happens because the engine and trans up front put out a ton of torque while the rear differentials fight it because the weight of the load, lifting one of the front tires off the ground. This truck wouldn’t do that because the electric motor is directly connected to the differential in the back. He’s not talking about wheelies, he’s talking about literal twist!

[@wobblysauce]

If you try hard enough you can get both front wheels off the ground.

[@d1oftwins]

Great point! And when the frame isn't twisted it might prolong the longevity of the truck just a bit more.

[@wobblysauce]

@@d1oftwins at least the Rust jacking from the movements.

[@kadmow]

@@operator8014 - wheelie both, not just the front right - due to driveshaft torque twisting the chassis. (E-axles put down balanced torque.)

[@SternLX]

Gotta love when your prototype performs way better than expected.

[@haydenjames8878]

I’ve been waiting for this day for years

[@wild_lee_coyote]

Testing is all about learning those parameters. Topsy makes it look so easy. And with a full load of logs people can’t say you are just hauling an empty box trailer. That is legitimate and completely road legal weight 😉.

[@RDMCFoxinator]

I Laughed at the part where they said they were at the Legal limit of 65,000 KGs and weren’t overloading for the sake of testing. Me Seeing right through their Silver tongue!

[@NEEDbacon]

Now they need to make sure if a feller "Accidently" gets too much weight put on his Trailer that Topsy will be fine.

[@brucie7350]

65,000 kilograms, not pounds.

[@RDMCFoxinator]

@@brucie7350 Thank you for the Correction

[@wobblysauce]

All I saw was toothpicks when the Letro stacker was moving.

[@Joe-xq3zu]

"We are loaded right? It didn't feel like I was loaded!" "I can't even feel there's a load behind me." That right there tells you this truck is going places.

[@vadimblin]

Literally the biggest flex you can have as a trucker!

[@Rocker-1234]

@@vadimblin especially when its an actual load not the light stuff you see other ev makers testing with

[@vadimblin]

@@Rocker-1234 yeah... if I'm not mistaken he was speaking about 65 metric tons! That's a serious load! Also you could actually hear the electric motors work. Still having spare power speaks for future models made for the oversized loads! Really wanna see a Edison howling some mining equipment or stuff like this... 120/150 metric tons

[@Rocker-1234]

@@vadimblin running bdouble so yea 60+ ton is very likely. honestly, id love to see em ship one over to aus once they get the sleeper stuff sorted and get it closer to final. seeing how well itd hold up in the outback running mining road trains and/or heavy haul would be freaking awesome. afterall we are the place where trucks come to either die or leave a legacy. not to mention, the only ev option ive seen posed over here for long haul trucking is massive heavy replacable batteries that go where the engine used to sit. just overall impractical especially considering most outback towns wouldnt be able to afford to do stuff like that. having something like edison come over shake up the game would be awesome.

[@vadimblin]

@@Rocker-1234 dang, totally forgot about your road trains! Those are amazing! Compared tho that our German "gigaliner" are nothing but toys

[@brokenmarbles70]

We are witnessing Canadian/world history!!

[@p.informatico1320]

Maybe canadian, but not world... diesel-electric trucks have been used in Europe for a a few years now... In fact, there are a few of production vehicles you can buy, as the Volvo FE Hybrid which have been around since 2011.

[@mrsnezbit2219]

​@@p.informatico1320 Volvo FE is a little truck for city duties, not a long range semi truck

[@bmad1386]

​​@@mrsnezbit2219 yeah the long,tough and heavy hauling of Volvo is still done by their diesel brutes(ie fh16 and fmx)

[@mrsnezbit2219]

@@bmad1386 I know, I was just saying that at the moment there is no electric option, I too drive an FH in Italy

[@p.informatico1320]

@@mrsnezbit2219 Have you heard about the SISU Polar Hybrid 900+? Not heavy duty enough for you? These have been working since 2018.

[@CaptainRedHat]

I wonder how many folks behind you didn't realize they were witnessing history in the making. Really cool to finally see Topsy putting in the work. Keep it up!

[@matthewcox7985]

I also wonder how many people thought they had gone deaf when that quiet truck went past!

[@2koolchris291]

This is the future of technology I’m excited for. There’s so much untapped potential that I’m glad you saw could be harnessed. Topsy is awesome. What a build.

[@rickdommett]

for Canada.........sure glad to be one of the guys that saw this. WoW you must be so proud of the team to be where you are...........

[@johngato737]

Oh man! THIS is the kinda testing I’ve been waiting for. Can’t wait to see you boys get Topsy muddy!

[@RDMCFoxinator]

What kind of wash will she get? Automatic Truck wash? Girls in Bikinis? The Fattest Rolls to give sponges to? 😂

[@JustAnotherNewProject]

I don't always get a good grin watching other people's projects come to life. But watching this is hurting my face. Great looking progress!

[@BryanRaykingxanadu]

It's crazy to see this channel grow from just an idea, to a proof-of-concept prototype, to a fully working truck. I can't wait to see what comes next!

[@lmfarms4611]

I dove for many years and got use to the sound of the rumble of a diesel engine. Technology sure has changed in the last couple of years. Great job.

[@billroe7832]

Congratulations! monumental accomplishment! boldly driving into the future. when I started hauling logs 45 years ago if you would have told me we would have an electric truck in my lifetime I would have told you not happening. can't wait for the down the mountain out of the bush into the mill episode.

[@mrwess1927]

Comes back with a full battery!

[@mincemeatpie2543]

I would love to see a similar Diesel truck running the same trailer, same load, same distance, same time of day and check the fuel consumption of that truck. Then, after running Topsy thru the test, run the onboard generator until batteries bet back to the same capacity they were at before. You could get a pretty good idea of real world efficiency compared to a similar truck.

[@scottcarr3264]

Yes, that would be a good test, and added info for your Sale Brochure.

[@jstrichie9066]

They can't do that test or no one will want an electric truck .it will be pointless to get one

[@nesyboi9421]

​@@jstrichie9066I have confidence that you are wrong.

[@nicholashaines4136]

It would depend on how efficient the gen set is, if they have a good power grid it's going to be hard to beat the from the wall power but the point of the Jen set is to bail you out if you don't have enough battery it seems to me that having the batteries into engine separate will allow you to configure the truck to your actual use case I bet there's a lots of use cases where they're going to be better off just packing with extra batteries because a lots of heavy equipment doesn't travel terribly far

[@nicholashaines4136]

One of the things that the ice heads don't understand is that electrification is going to make the power grid operators boats and boats of money that we could you know encourage them to improve the infrastructure with

[@Nagasaki-In-1945]

Wait till Whistling diesel gets ahold of one 😂

[@istolejahresshipandilldoit3499]

How long do you think the L500 will last?

[@justinsane7128]

​@@istolejahresshipandilldoit3499 69 minutes

[@Silverdev2482]

@@istolejahresshipandilldoit3499 At least 25 seconds

[@phillip_mcguinness7025]

They would spend DAYS trying to kill Topsy.

[@kentuckyboy1]

​@@phillip_mcguinness7025I mean seeing that the cyber truck made it at least two videos and it was mostly glued together. Unbelievable topsy could make it a whole month.

[@markahad6583]

Guys, that was awesome! Here I am, a retired mechanic from Ontario watching your innovation and excitement. You’re on to something real big. Just keep it happening. Cheering you on.

[@chubbysumo2230]

the sound is so quiet, its so cool. pulling a fully loaded trailer with just roadnoise.

[@Xantosh82]

love that you are doing real testing and not just throwing some weights on it to simulate a load!

[@BillyHudson1]

why not get paid to test xD

[@exiledengineer1697]

65000 kg is a nice sized load! Worked around LeTourneau equipment for years and listening to the operator bang on those contactors brought me back. (The motors have only one speed, so to go slow, they turn them on in short bursts)

[@memsu06]

They could improve it now days with a VFD on the motors.

[@exiledengineer1697]

@@memsu06 yup, and they have on newer models with computerized joystick controls, but they’re not bullet proof and simple enough for a 10 year old to repair in the field with a minimum of parts. And last 60 or 70 years with only replacement of simple individual components and a wiring diagram you can draw on a napkin. Just like Chance’s 50 year old trucks vs Topsy. He has to have his programmer ride shotgun during shakedown with Topsy. Result might be great, but it aint simple.

[@wobblysauce]

Ability to be fixed on-site without the need to get someone in.

[@iBackshift]

Can you imagine back in the day when that Letourneau had a 12v71 Detroit in it? You'd hear that engine all the way to Alberta, haha.

[@northhammerfl]

Hearing, what's that LOL

[@Ray-Koto-McLellan]

WHAT WAS THAT??? *Said by an Albertan*

[@adamlee4252]

Oh, the Cat 3406, rest in power, old friend! 🐱 Your purrs and growls on the road will be dearly missed as we embrace the electric era. From hauling loads to conquering tough terrains, you were a true feline force to be reckoned with. Here's to the memories of your mighty engine and the trails you've conquered. Farewell, Cat 3406!

[@newatthis50]

I too will miss the growl of the diesel

[@nkill6]

He's making a version with a scanty 750 in it

[@davidshepherd-sj2tj]

​@@newatthis50ohh that growl ain't gone yet.... This is basically old tech and if it huffs and puffs on fossil fuels..... Then it will nvr be good enough for the " green " agenda whether or not the electricity is made w Fossil fuels or not far far away.... These types don't think that far down the line .... All they will see is it still has a smelly carbon burning motor on it .... And that's not gonna cut it !!! For one this could potentially go further overland on the same fuel tanks.... And they want trucks that need charged every 30 min , otherwise how would they convince everyone that they r going to have to move into their 15 min cities .... Exactly 💯 % I mean what they've built here is cool , but as w the loader and many other large machines ... Diesels over electric isn't a new concept and if this would have fit their " green" agenda this could have been achieved decades ago

[@FishermanKyle]

i really like how the cab is more reminiscent of a tractor than a luxury truck. nothing but work there. badass truck

[@superdupergrover9857]

I can't wait for off road winter testing! Electric axles just gives you so much control over traction. And the traction control can be changed drastically on the fly with software changes alone.

[@aidanrace814]

@@markplott4820And? The Tesla is a highway truck, a completely different use case

[@forceawakens4449]

​@@markplott4820topsy has 2 eaxles for the rear axles, and future designs can have more axles or awd

[@forceawakens4449]

Its not all about total power, electric has that in abundance, its about power usage, no point having all that power if using it drains it too quickly

[@Surfzap63]

@@markplott4820Why not?

[@whatsoperadoc7050]

@@markplott4820Different use cases, and Tesla had a five year head start and still isn’t delivering

[@blacksunshinegaming9315]

Love that the truck is passing its tests with flying colors. Its been amazing watching you guys go from concept to prototype to actually testing it on the road. Congrats

[@iandyck3755]

I know she's electric but I'm still always shocked at how eerily quiet Topsy is. Great stuff and i love to see it! Some day I'll be rich enough to buy an L500 with the twin seat sleeper cab

[@Everstrife]

Nice to see the idea come to full stop, rubber meet pavement. You got there at lot faster than I thought. Congratulations. It has to feel pretty darned great to drive your machine in the real world and seeing just how good she performs against the old way of doing things. Seems like a slick ride!

[@zoutsider88]

finally got topsy working in snowrunner! so cool to watch you build her from the ground up. then be able to drive it in game! hopefully get to drive one in real life sooner than later!

[@mikeonavtx]

I am not a semi truck guy by any stretch of the imagination. Never even sat in one. I have really enjoyed watching your journey with topsey! Congrats on your first loads! It was great to see your excitement when you pulled out with that first load! Keep up the great work guys!

[@justinlynch6691]

I've been dying for this day. Unbelievable. It's such a rush to see that fully loaded going down the road. So incredibly impressed and excited for all of you.

[@frank7911]

Downhill regen could be configured on the road by estimating the load weight under acceleration. Just measure the speed increase rate for the applied power and scale the regen accordingly. reset the function at every full stop longer than 30 seconds to avoid surprises when unloading =)

[@MarkRose1337]

Some manual control is still good for when traction isn't perfect like in mud, snow, and ice

[@moonasha]

should honestly just be a lever they can move up like a throttle. Would give finer control when going downhill.

[@forceawakens4449]

​that sounds like a great idea, like the dynamic brakes on a locomotive

[@wobblysauce]

Some could form like a JBrake.

[@terryborth7436]

Maybe base it off if there was air ride suspension it could be controlled

[@LongHaulRob]

That Detroit Series 60 looks so good out in the open like that

[@BudtheBeekeeper]

It has been something else watching you guys come this far, the inspiration is never ending. I've been shouting this from the rooftop for years, someone needs to make trucks simple again, I've followed Rich for a long time now as well. You guys are going places!

[@daniellewis984]

Respect to all the folks making this happen. So you figured out how to make the world's best semi. Now you gotta figure out how to make the factory that makes them without going broke.

[@bigtddybr]

Considering how little power you used, I'm wondering how Topsy would work hauling an Australian Road Train? The initial pull off the start for these trains is enormous. It would be an interesting test of your truck's capabilities.

[@whatusernameis5295]

that initial start is where electric really shines so my bet is on it having no problem whatsoever

[@joshuacheung6518]

How long are the road trains? Might need a little more oomf probably?

[@InfestedTemplar]

Might want some powered trailers to help with starting and stopping for that

[@Turksarama]

@@joshuacheung6518 The largest ones allowed on any roads are 4 trailers and a bit over 130 tonnes. Private roads on e.g. mines can see over 200 tonnes, but I think at that point you definitely need powered trailers. Keep in mind the terrain these run on is pretty well perfectly flat.

[@vincentgrinn2665]

theres actually very few 200ton trains that run dual power setups, most of them are just the prime mover most of the trucks they use for those are 1000hp, topsy is only 670hp because of the old eaxles, the new ones are 1000hp for twin drive, 1500hp for tridrive so might need to wait abit before iron ore road trains can be pulled road trains are all a max of 60m long iirc, the newest largest ones are 5 trailers with 230 ton payload(for private road use)

[@macster5187]

Shorter wheelbase day cab for a grain hauler would be amazing in the hills. Haul all day and only hear the engine run once or twice somewhere in the middle. I'd recert for my CDL for that opportunity

[@Slane583]

I wonder how well a setup like this would do in a similar day cab but configured as a dump truck to haul around dirt and gravel.

[@mikey_scog]

​@@Slane583probably great tbh

[@bmad1386]

​@@Slane583 this setup basically has heavy duty hub reduction axles as the default, so as a dump truck, it's probably more efficient to use a long 8x4 chassis like the big ones they use in Asia and Europe(NA has strangely short dump trucks)

[@Slane583]

@@bmad1386 They're not strangely short. Dump trucks here aren't setup just to go back and forth from a quarry to a job site. They also deliver loads of gravel or top soil to peoples houses. For being a big truck it still needs to be small enough to maneuver into someone's driveway. If it got too long they'd have to pull into the neighbors yard just to back into where it's going and people don't like that. There's probably also some state regulations that say road based dump trucks can only be a certain size. The biggest dump truck I've seen on the road here is one of the articulated off-road dump trucks. But it was only traveling less than a mile from where it came to where it was going.

[@bmad1386]

@@Slane583 like I've said, most of the dump trucks in the US are short, at least relatively speaking.

[@ThatGuyThatCommentedOn_A_Video]

I really like the old fashion design of that thing

[@alienworm1999]

I understand the appeal of having that log loader be a diesel-electric. It greatly simplifies the overall design, and removes the need for complex shafts or hydraulics running across the hinge point.

[@raywagner8016]

Been awhile since I've seen a Letourneau. I think I've rebuilt every component on them when doing my apprenticeship back in the early 90's before the Wagners replaced them.

[@Amanda-ej7pl]

Why did the Wagner's replace them?

[@raywagner8016]

@@Amanda-ej7pl. I was in the Prince George BC area when this happened around here. I think most mills went to the hydraulic Wagner units due to lack of electrical system knowledge. There aren't too many people these days who grasp the generator and motor set-ups in the Letourneaus. They have both AC and DC systems. Easy for me to understand as a Motor Rewind Electrician, a little tougher for an average Heavy Duty Mechanic to understand. Topsy is actually a simplified Letourneau technology by replacing old mechanical contactors with frequency drives.

[@Amanda-ej7pl]

@@raywagner8016 wow that actually helped me understand Topsy. My husband does some side work with an electric motor rewinding company. We do service calls so I have a decent understanding of high and low voltage systems as well as mixing AC and DC. I'll be looking for the manuals online to understand it a little better.

[@ARockRaider]

I have a theory for why it didn't feel like it was loaded at first. Normally the torque of the engine going down the drive shaft induces an equal and opposite torque against the frame, those forces can be slightly felt in the cab as the frame bends. In Topsy all that torque stays in the differential housing so no movement is induced on the cab.

[@wobblysauce]

And you don't get that head bob on shift... 5 gear changes and you still haven't crossed the road yet.

[@ARockRaider]

@@wobblysauce that will certainly improve driver comfort! No doubt about that.

[@iceman45ification1]

It's amazing how easily those motors pull all that weight. This is the setup they should've been using from the start for the trucking industry. Nice work fellas!! 🏆🎖🏅🥇

[@justinmclean5778]

yup. this is it. this is the future of not just trucking but ALL vehicles.

[@ag-om6nr]

Hybrid makes sense !

[@Singularity.82]

Small commuter vehicles, and local daily commercials, won't need fossil range extenders. They'll just be fast charged at home/on site. Generators and additional hybrid systems eventually will fall by the wayside as electric technology and infrastructure improves. The benefit of this in the future will also dramatically reduce the cost of everything that relies on oil, because the demand for it will be reduced so much when we don't need to burn it for fuel.

[@MikefromMOMichaelTurner227]

We love what you are doing!! I’m a retired automotive machinist , equipment technician and hot rodder , one other aspect that you could point out is the different torque on your Diesel electric setup. Without a transmission or propeller shafts there is no twist in your chassis 😊 the power comes from your electric axles and motors with out twisting the whole truck 😊 these are exciting times for sure!! Keep up the great job 👏 😊

[@hehe-mq2bk]

the fact that u were actually doing pure electric om these two hauls is so cool

[@bradingles5281]

She's come along from a set of rails you started with very impressive truck

[@ArK047]

Absolutely phenomenal performance seeing a loaded train glide through town like a ghost.

[@ricecakeFTW]

A train bell for slow maneuvers would be appropriate for this beast. 😮

[@loudsonicbug2195]

I love the fact that you don't put music over it and just let us hear the sounds

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

Glad to see Topsy is working great with a few lbs of logs behind it. The last load looked pretty impressive. I really appreciate the way your company innovates with common sense. Thanks for the Videos. Looking forward to what’s next.

[@rubberduckyblock3856]

Ive been watching Chase's contents since before he started Edison Motors and im so glad its came this far.

[@subwarpspeed]

Still not learned to spell his name right though, 😉

[@MrSaemichlaus]

I love how those loaders look quite simple from the outside, I can spot three rack and pinion drives including the one for steering.

[@StoneyMeyerhoeffer]

We are watching history folks. I have been watching this truck for so long. This is top level engineering and a mechanic's common sense in concert. I love it. I wish I had a reason to need one. lol.

[@michaelburns1269]

Congratulations on a successful first test everyone. THE FUTURE OF TRUCKING IS UPON US!!!

[@zeusman123]

Love your use of the new invisible seat belts!

[@broncobill1104]

Blue tooth seat belts for the win! Lol

[@RedHair651]

😂😂

[@markm0000]

That’s the kind of engineering you want to see. No bs all gas.

[@saxplayer1216]

I noticed that, too. He has a short where he talks about how it's safer to not have airbags because the driver would lose control in an accident when they went off. You know what else causes a driver to lose control in an accident? Getting jolted out of their seat because they weren't wearing a seatbelt.

[@Surfzap63]

Maybe just lap belts?

[@silentjohn117]

A bunch of from the industry guys making the truck they would want. Working out of a tent beating Tesla to market, truly something historic to watch. Keep up the great work guys, she looks and sounds great.

[@brucie7350]

I love that fact that a bunch of loggers are achieving what the college educated engineers haven't been able to do. Further proof that real world experience comes out on top every time. I wish these guys nothing but success.

[@mikegaskin5542]

These particular loggers happen to also be college educated engineers

[@MykSr]

I don’t think it’s a matter of they “ haven’t been able to do it” they obviously just don’t want to❗️🤬 With all their resources they could do it now, but they’re not … ever wonder why❓👀

[@scottcarr3264]

I think that your Diesel Electric setup, is Going to Trounce Tesla's Big trucks, because you have the 'Necessary' On-board Re-charging. They have already had One have an accident and the thing Burnt to the Ground. You are using Lithium Manganese Oxide cell packs, which I hope are Way safer than the Lithium Ion cells in Tesla's, and the like, are running, because un-fortunately "they" keep spontaneously catching fire, especially when charging.

[@mademoisellekaya1438]

Maybe the oil has to flow? I really don't know obviously, I just look ​where money (partly) is going to @MykSr

[@sideshowron]

T​@@scottcarr3264they also are not changing to the max or draining to the max and have temperature control on batteries I'm guessing there batteries will last longer too

[@bohba13]

i'm sure there are plenty of truckers who would appriciate being able to see the latch from inside the cockpit. it's crazy how awesome this truck is from a usability standpoint.

[@chargerguy1973]

I'm proud of you guys, my northern brothers. I'm ecstatic this first working, real-world load test went swell and you've got plenty more operational data to play with. Keep doing awesome things, gentlemen.

[@forceawakens4449]

That big ol twinsteer at the end 😮 that would be an awesome retrofit right there

[@vincentgrinn2665]

iirc one of the trucks theyre working on for retrofit currently is an oil service rig, which is twin steer

[@bmad1386]

​@@vincentgrinn2665 twin steer Kenny's are the most macho looking trucks out there 😂

[@Ostsol]

Nice! Testing longer hauls would be great, too, and then there's going up and down the mountain logging roads. As it is, it's still amazing how far you've come.

[@RainbowGin]

This was a monumental day for not just edison but the world as a whole. But can we take a moment to recognize juse how awsome that LeTourno loader was, like that think was a beast!

[@MonirulIslam-fc5lv]

This truck looks sick..

[@josephmarshall7549]

This is one of the coolest trucks ever. You guys are geniuses!

[@macattack123mattc3]

While I'm not a truck driver, I am into engineering, so: I would second another commenter's recommendation for a lever or some other control for the amount of regen. It would allow you to disable it when just coasting on flat ground, and when you have limited traction, but also to crank it up when you want to.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

I like this thought. I wonder how much extra work that would be. Surely can't be too bad in the grand scheme of things? I'm just a wrench, I have no idea. Just sounds like a good idea to me.

[@kevinjohnson5389]

​@goosenotmaverick1156 they should be able to wire in a potentiometer, and have it nearly infinately variable. That should be reasonably easy

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

@@kevinjohnson5389 that's kind of what I figured was possible, but it's way outside my wheelhouse haha

[@patrickbeck4062]

Basically just a retarder lever from an off highway truck that has all hydraulic brakes (PWM position sensor with a lever)

[@robertbowman9108]

or what about a pedal on the ground to regulate it, like the break pedal. Why does every elc car not use the breaks to apply the regen, seams like an obvious application

[@desertfresh3740]

I'm so proud to be a part of this. You guys are amazing.

[@colinmacaulay2707]

Amazing from uk plus centresteer We need in uk to Europe perfekto

[@yohahnboogaloo8158]

Would love to see these pulling 300 ton iron ore road trains in the north of western Australia , especially when in future you could place drive axles on the trailers

[@the_retag]

Ppwered dollies

[@The_Lone_Aesir]

​@markplott4820 best I can find the tesla semi can't do much more than 35.7 tons of hauling and according to teslas own website there are hardly any charging stations in the Australian outback.

[@vincentgrinn2665]

might not even need powered trailers, the l750 with the new eaxles is already 1500hp, more than the trucks currently used to haul road trains

[@The_Lone_Aesir]

@yohahnboogaloo8158 what is the typical distance traveled by one of those road trains?

[@vincentgrinn2665]

@@The_Lone_Aesir around 200km per load each way, they do about 6 loads per day

[@snollerskater7184]

So sick. Y'all are the near future of trucking. It's a rare moment where you got to see someone innovate like this. "If we're going to bother to do it, we're going to smash the ball right out of the park"

[@John13Edge]

Rule of thumb for 600 vac is one amp equals 1hp….you also have to remember your motors are on your axles so your truck won’t twist …the motor should actually suck you suspension down making the truck feel more stable than with a standard truck where they tend to lift on acceleration .

[@johnnymissfire8464]

I think a good test would be to participate in one of those up hill fully loaded drag races.

[@H4mAdAr4]

Finally some proper testing of a electric vehicle! You guys are awesome, keep on making those tesla engineers cry!

[@rizpahjael1]

Amazing! I’m on vacation, binge watching your videos, to get caught up. 💜

[@wwtrkr3189]

I've been following since the early days. THIS is the days we've ALL been waiting for. Congratulations 🎉

[@iadc43]

So amazing! Topsy is simply incredible in how it is doing. Can you do a little section of showing a conventional diesel truck loading and driving parts of the route to show the differences in effort and sounds between the two rigs?

[@jazzerbyte]

Great to see it doing what it is supposed to do!

[@sdpy15]

Congrats on the first haul! I was born and raised in the Okanagan and can absolutely see the viability of a diesel electric truck for hauling out of the hills in this area. Hopefully you guys get the provincial support needed to take this proof of concept all the way to large scale production without any more interference from the government.

[@jeffsadowski]

Before it was a concept. Now it is a truck. Congradulations. Awesome!!!

[@blendpinexus1416]

seeing the drivetrain accomplish this makes me excited for the coach bus conversion my brother and i want to do.

[@barrycastella]

I love your ideas. I find it amazing how different things are done in different countries. In Australia, the trailers all load and unload themselves and a lot of the trailers have air tensioned straps tom hold the logs down so as any logs shift they just automatically tighten. Love the truck you're making and hope you can ramp up production and put the big companies in their box.

[@timpattydaechsel5988]

Great video on project Topsy’s progress guys …..So doing some slide rule & napkin figuring , 300 k/w for 180 km...@ 12 cents KW/hr that’s roughly $36.00….. same work done with diesel ,,, rough estimate, 80 litres or about $150.00 ……. Great! …… but what I’m really forward are your numbers when you bring a full weight load off the mountain, I want to see what loaded regeneration wattage is compared to K/W running up the mountain empty ,,,,, I believe those are numbers that will get investors really excited …..good work so far guys and keep the project moving forward

[@WestCoastWheelman]

I know you haven't talked much about who's pre-ordering trucks, but I'm willing to bet the Nickel Brothers or Belton Brothers are just salivating right now. These would be PERFECT for house moving, especially with a built in hydraulic plant for lifting or leveling out dollies enroute.

[@dougdavidson175]

Edison Motors: Making Canada Great Again! Thanks for all of the team efforts. Take care & stay safe.

[@Chrispy9393]

one load of those logs could heat my house for 20 years or better. that's incredible.

[@landcruiserchewy]

Sweet ride! A Canadian success story, well done!