Unveiling Edisons Electric Truck: A Detailed Tour of Topsy, Our Prototype!

[@joegeorgia8989]

You built a locomotive for the road. This is a great design. Have you thought about room for hydraulics? This would make a great dump truck and plow/salter/sander rig.

[@hondarideralex]

I think they have. They are already partnering up with a cement mixer and a snow plow upfitter.

[@HoneyBadger762]

As a dump truck driver I'm excited to see the first Edison dump truck

[@loganshamblin4935]

I’m in the tree care industry and I’ve been thinking of this truck as a chip/bucket/crane/grapple truck. Having it be electric, it wouldn’t have the sound pollution in neighborhoods. So many things to think about.

[@robertthompson5527]

Bolt-on electric motor hydraulic system has been discussed and the Flowdraulic controls already support a wide range of vocational equipment management.

[@John13Edge]

The company that electrified this truck its actually forte is marrying electric over hydraulic accessories ( sanders plows etc) so I am sure that by hitting one button on the display screens (and a little program) your unit would be ready to run with no cab mods..

[@chrisfenner5949]

I think with everything you've done, you've made the big manufacturers look ridiculous. This is the greatest idea ever. This makes the greenies happy along with the general truck driver. I think you've created an absolutely awesome rig. Can't wait to see it in production.

[@joshk.6246]

This is why people who actually do the work need to be integral to the design process. These guys are truckers so look at the truck they built. It's a hell of a good Way to prove how important the little details are.

[@RENO_K]

I really really love the fact they use off the shelf bolts for putting together everything extremely customizeable extremely serviceable extremely replaceable

[@tylerbaldwin1633]

they are junk trucks lol they will never see mass production. they scammed everyone for their money lol

[@rp1645]

YES, they got input from logging trucks Drivers. A few copies back, ( Loggers World) did an in depth story on this truck. I love how everything is designed to get parts from any auto parts store. The control panel is NOT under the dash. I know working on my 1971 SeaGrave Engine. I can remove 6 screws to get behind the Dash panel for Electrical repair or just access. There are flat plates below Dash so I can easily run new wires up to dash. Having the panel on the back wall is just an amazing design.

[@notlogical4016]

engineers design what they are told to design, these big companies just dont want to spend the extra money to hear what costumers and workmen want in a truck

[@AdamGreen1]

As an engineer I love everything about this. As a guy who fixes things ... This will haunt my dreams forever. Bravo gentlemen!

[@Syritis]

I'd like to know what specifically is going to haunt your nightmares, if Rich Rebuilds taught me anything, even teslas are serviceable with regular mechanic skills and a service manual. if anything this seems more practical, but i'm only a grassroots racers, not a heavy duty mechanic.

[@ADobbin1]

Why a nightmare? It seems like a mechanics dream. Everything is easily accessible, cheap and easy to find parts for.

[@SnakingIvY]

Naw I think he meant that he wants to work on this machine but he is stuck with the crap from the major manufacturers

[@TRKVSports]

Agreed.... outstanding work Gentleman

[@onefodderunit]

Why not use a small diesel to run a compressor for a hydraulic final drive eliminating electrics?

[@MrVkull]

Wow, a mechanic designed this truck. You actually did things with serviceability and reparability in mind. What a concept! Fault codes that actually tell you whats wrong and doesn't require you to tow to the dealer.... *slow claps* *chefs kiss*

[@VTX00128]

Yep as a former professional mechanic I love just straight up information and easy access to the parts not mention that they have built everything with $30. off the shelves parts no need to wait for a off shore warehouse for a $500.+ switch! And I have to love that a driver can jury-rig a fix and back on the road to the shop and not void a anti repair contract.

[@MrSmith-ok7tl]

This is awesome! I'm a mechanical engineer and have been wondering when will hybrid HD trucks hit the market. I really like your no-nonsense approach and use of many simple off-the-shelf and easily serviceable components. Great job!

[@helbnt]

Imagine putting this concept into agricultural machines like tractors, combines, etc. Game changer!

[@cowdencatlleco]

They are making stuff like this I sell equipment to golf courses and we sell hybrid and all electric riding greens mowers fairway mowers ect. It's coming trust me... but how they mine the lithium isn't any better then burning gas or diesel imop.

[@siggyincr7447]

I've been thinking for a while that a concept like this truck would work great for a tractor. Except I'd put one motor for each wheel to help with traction control. It would make a ton of sense. Essentially you could throw in whatever engine you like to power it. You would have better traction than you ever could hope to have with a fully mechanical drivetrain. Your PTO would be electric too so you could make it a variable speed drive and limit torque. The only thing I could see being a disadvantage is that it's going to be a little less fuel efficient on tasks where you could maintain your RPM at optimal even with a traditional design just because of the losses in converting to electric power and then back to mechanical.

[@astafzciba]

it is an old concept. pretty much every heavy machinery is diesel-electric. large mining equipment are all diesel-electric.

[@marklindquist2494]

I don't think it will work in a tractor because you use all the power all the time.

[@siggyincr7447]

@@marklindquist2494 Really, that's news to me and I have 8 of them on my farm.

[@rdeh1678]

This is what most real truck drivers would want . Great job, a well thought out design

[@L.A.Concrete]

This is the difference between a bought education and a taught education the fact that a mechanic is building the truck and not engineers has me excited. I’m in the ready mix concrete business and can’t wait for these to arrive on the market

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I like the idea of the hugh beam switch being right where my thumb is at and the reason i mention this is because i got into motorcycles and i use my thumbs for my phone. Its a bit natural. The only problem is on a motorcycle the switch is always in the same place so it worls.amd its a bit more difficult to put a thumb button on a wheel you might want to hit but if.the wheel is turning it gets more difficult

[@devonwarman3818]

I get what you’re saying but it doesn’t really have anything to do with him not being an engineer. The reason your newer trucks are not serviceable is because they’re designed for quick efficient production. Service is not important to a company that prioritizes profits over everything else.

[@EVoltage00]

Hey, don't blame engineers for all the problems. A lot of them come from the designer requirements. For them it's better to be pretty than functional and maintainable.

[@WilliamOwens1]

That dude is an engineer. Wether or not he went to school for it .

[@saff226]

​@@EVoltage00bean counters and designers are the reason everything is pretty but a piece of shit now days.

[@audrunasgruslys9243]

It seems like a product built with repairabikity and servicability in mind. This is amazing

[@nobodyofnaught2]

Im sitting here at a construction site watching all the concrete trucks climb the hill belching black smoke and then sit there reving the engine obnoxiously loud while they unload. Imagine how awesome a Edison chassis would be on a concrete truck. All the torque for climbing hills with heavy loads, basically silent operation while on the job sites.

[@HoneyBadger762]

An Edison mixer truck would be amazing for construction with the silent hydraulics only downside is the idiots that don't turn the drum when driving empty cause the bearings get messed up causing the loud clanging sound when the drum is turning

[@MarkRose1337]

One of the next few trucks is planned to be a cement mixer for use in Calgary

[@danielgonzalezjimenez5677]

I edited videos for Monarch Tractors. Their MK-V is a fully electric tractor and one of the biggest selling points they had was their silent operation. Constellation Brands uses them when harvesting grapes and it allows the workers to communicate without having to yell over engine noises. I was sitting there at my desk, fascinated with the tech. My lazy ass has yet to add those videos to my portfolio tho 😂

[@CausticTitan]

It would be really cool to see large motorhomes adapted to run on a platform like this. If someone is camped out in one spot for a week, they could pull in a lot of power from rooftop solar and still use the generator if they need to.

[@Joseph-C]

So true. Years from now people will be astounded that we used to have motorhomes with a second engine just for generating electricity. It makes zero sense.

[@leviborntreger4405]

If I had a billion dollars. I would invest as much as you needed. Because as an owner operator and working on my own trucks. This is going to be revolutionary! If you can keep this up, you’ll do good!

[@LS-jk3fk]

how's the pay being an owner operator? I'm a young ass college age guy that just got an entire truck chassis free from a friend who wanted to get rid of it with virtually everything but of course the engine, trans, and a few other cosmetics (hood, etc) but electronics and lines are intact, I'm going to spend a bit to rebuidl. already picked up the stock engin for dirt, just needa reubild the head. Being able to move heavy ass stuff for yourself and others and large loads must pay decently or be a nice side hustle

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

Amen!!!!

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

​@@LS-jk3fkwithout real good connections, or a whole lot of experience (= and connections), right now we're on the downside of the trucking/ freight cycle.... another words it stinks!! I personally don't see it ever improving because there's been so many people murdering their babies, the folks that think it's too much work or expensive, and then the bunch that actually says they believe that the population needs to be reduced and are willing to take steps to do so😱😱😱 These kind of things end up meaning less people on the earth with mouths to feed and fewer workers, therefore less freight.

[@KMCA779]

I'm a city dweller that doesn't even have a drivers licence and this thing has me far more excited than any other hybrid or EV. It checks every box. "cheap," easy to repair/service, cheap to repair/service, tough, efficient and that's before even mentioning that it's a hybrid. Because as much as EV's work in some places, hybrids will still be needed for the forseeable future.

[@leviborntreger4405]

@@LS-jk3fk sorry. I never saw this before now… if you can find a dedicated route with a smaller company, you’ll probably do good! With trucking I’m making more then the middle class

[@kieranharper261]

Durability, simplicity, and ease of service. 3 of my favorite things. Love what you're doing here. I hope it takes off and (very selfishly) hope you eventually scale into medium duty trucks. Something like this would be a fantastic replacement for my rig

[@jamesburleson1916]

I'm seriously impressed with this thing. I know you guys are coming at this frommthe heavy vocational side, but I see serious promise for us truckers who don't go off the tarmac. Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia come to mind.

[@michaelgaryhall]

Western Pennsylvanian here and I agree, I could definitely imagine myself buying one of these someday

[@gormauslander]

I'd like to eventually get a direct quote from Chase, but the simple thought experiment works out that even if the generator has to run all the time to keep up with a highway truck, it's still smaller and runs at peak efficiency, so you'll still get fuel savings and more torque

[@kylancook3477]

​@gormauslander I'd reckon it probably doesn't even have to run the whole time. The peak load is only during acceleration and won't pull near as much while cruising

[@jamesburleson1916]

@@gormauslander he's said in other videos that it does 2-3 hours on a full battery and the generator charges it in about an hour.

[@gormauslander]

@@jamesburleson1916 Was that flat road testing? I seem to recall this being pulled from logging/off-road usage

[@GeneticMaker]

The maker in me, respects the maker in you. A masterclass in product development.

[@DestinyKnight666]

I am not a trucker, but I really wish this startup to succeed. No fancy, trendy, style-ish, and "innovative" bullsh*t. Only practicality. Everything is meant for work, to do it's job and do it right, to last long, to be reliable, yet easily repairable when needed. This isn't a vehicle to just drive around (even tho you can), this is straight up tool to get the job done.

[@grottlesgrotto6152]

I’m not a trucker, and I gotta say I’m in the same camp. Would love to hear that this takes off and they start developing a pickup truck or more casual truck for my daily driver

[@TheSultan1470]

So something crude and primitive?

[@staomruel]

Those lamps alone show the respect you have for your customers. I'm not one, but I applaud your approach and wish you all the success in the world.

[@jaydenlobbezoo1971]

Are you going to put a elephant on the hoods of all Edison trucks

[@timj8405]

Yes, they have announced the elephant will be there hood ornament

[@25aspooner]

We can all hope! 👍🏼

[@joshk.6246]

Hood ornaments need to make a comeback all around. Just because.

[@jrodrirodriguez6684]

Love the hat design, stealing tesla ideas 😂😂😂, great job guys

[@chancepricee]

This is the future. Finally a sensible company

[@qazwsx123222]

I really really wish there was someone putting this mentality into a pickup truck. If you guys would plan a pick up I guarantee you that you'd see a huge interest! Love the channel, love the mentality, and I'm looking forward where you go from here!!

[@Blunthammer]

Would buy.

[@baronnecas2880]

Couldn't agree more, but I would buy damn near ANYTHING with this style of design

[@karlmoffat6165]

Yeah I'd love to have my truck done up ! Ram 3500

[@nickbermel4726]

If it’s less then 100k I will buy it

[@rossstevens6165]

I'd consider something like a Ford Lightning if you took out the majority of the batteries and replaced them with a generator and a fuel tank.

[@eternalprogression]

I love this so much. I love seeing engineers design things for something they themselves need and will use everyday. You just get such an amazing thing when you truly understand what the product should be like.

[@SeanHarlow]

I love how you've built everything to be maintainable and usable. I've dreamed for years about a similar drivetrain in a RV bus conversion, pure EV underneath with a generator in the back, so you have no idea how excited I've been to see someone proving that basic concept doesn't just work but will work for a much harsher use case. I hope to some day be able to pick up an older bus with an outdated drivetrain and install an Edison retrofit package. The idea of maintaining an old two stroke scares me so I've been focused on Series 60s, but a viable retrofit would open up basically anything with a strong chassis.

[@robertthompson5527]

Built by loggers, for loggers!! Retrofit kits have been discussed. Carl is a great example of what you can do.

[@SeanHarlow]

@@robertthompson5527 Yup, I've heard them discuss the "R-Series" retrofit plans and it's a perfect fit for my wants, just hoping that at some point I can actually afford to do one.

[@NomadMonster]

Our Nomad Monster needs the conversion!

[@diytesla]

I also want to convert an RV into a hybrid with electric powertrain. Hopefully someone will make a conversation kit, as it’s a lot of work planning everything out from scratch.

[@nathansmith3608]

Really cool seeing you guys putting all the best features from the past (durability, repairability, simplicity) & future (efficiency, power, torque, lower emissions) of trucking together in one truck - looks like a great design!

[@lachlanlandreth9069]

Love it. The amount of things you are leaving open for the operators to change, how easy it is to repair, using common psrts instead of one off parts that you can charge a whole new vehicle's worth on. Hopefully you guys do get the attention and orders from the industry.

[@bohba13]

they are _swamped_ with orders rn. They are in the "oh fuck we need to expand" phase of getting a product to market.

[@ravemaster7405]

idk I feel like it's so corrupt that they won't even be able to make it street legal. epa will find some bullshit to ding them with

[@TheTallOne890]

​@bohba13 nice. I'm just worried that they will become like Oldsmobile, where they were too reliable and too easy to replace stuff on

[@StefanSteinerWA]

Love the explanation of how electric diesels work. It’s an extremely efficient hybrid. I’ve tried over the years to explain to people how pure ICE vehicles are so inefficient. They rarely run at optimum efficiency; whereas, this tire of system, the engine only runs at optimum RPM.

[@stevenmitchell6347]

This is a larger version of what I and my fellow engineering students did back in the late 70s. We used a Kubota 3cyl diesel and a generator in an F350 with electric motors and deep cycle forklift batteries. Worked great! I suggested propane electric "hybrid" semi's about 30 years ago so they could use electric power in urban areas and fire up the genset on the highway. It's good to see you built your version!

[@larryflanigan2761]

Finally someone built a real truck for the real world usage, its an amazing concept truck.

[@sammysines471]

After driving it in Snowrunner, i gotta say i LOVE the feel of the driver-centric, dozer-style cab. Great work!

[@isaacclark6749]

Sweet, I'm going to have to figure out how to get it in snowrunner

[@finnlikesplanes7110]

@@isaacclark6749 the mod is on the mod page, it's called the Edison truck.

[@mattclark6482]

What a concept, making something new with an eye to repair easily and inexpensively. Anyone not building commercial equipment like this is trying to lock you in to a lifetime of service plans and planned obsolescence

[@Buddha_the_Pug]

Chace can't help but smile when explaining the name Topsy. Love it!

[@gfimadcat]

I'm not a trucker, just your average garden variety IT geek, but this is fkn awesome. I like the fact it's just standard parts, bolted together into something functional. Turnaround time for fixing stuff seems to be in the order of "oh that'll be 30 minutes including a 10 minute coffee break" and not a "oh that'll take me a few days just to get the part off and then another week for the ordered parts to arrive".

[@SpencerHHO]

This is a much better set of compromises than any other option. Not only do you drastically reduce fuel consumption, you also reduce the pressure on minning. The modularity also allows for changes in the future as the situation changes. I wish you all the success in the world. Hopefully some other companies start licensing your designs and components.

[@-Hari-03]

i wish people made cars like this. everthing is open and freely accessible for service AND its built with proper materials. those door latches are awesome, something out of the early 1900s (in a good way) because you just KNOW its only ever going to fail if a gorilla gets hold of it and even if that does happen its so simple to repair. i love stuff like this.

[@jackhammered]

As I guy who works in the trades I appreciate all the common sense applied to this build 👍

[@donswier]

As a BMW i3 REx owner (150,000 kilometers) and veteran truck driver (since 1984), this is awesome. Been waiting for a true series hybrid truck of ANY size. No transmission, smooth torque, regen to save brakes. Why aren't the big 3 doing this for a pickup (instead of lugging around a huge battery that limits range)??

[@Ph3389]

The wiring is awesome finally it’s like a mechanic built a truck as a tall guy I’ve had to go underneath the dash and it sucks thank you for making that

[@gastoncharest8689]

Very cool and practical truck, I like everything about it. I have a suggestion though for the blind spot directly in front; have you thought about installing "Cross-Over" mirrors on the front just like the ones on a school bus. As an ex-trucker and now a school bus driver instructor I think it would be worth to look in to that suggestion. We can see directly in front of the bumper🤔

[@randgrithr7387]

Very satisfied to hear that the generator can send power to the axles directly. That will greatly improve the lifespan of the battery.

[@AnupamVipul]

You sir have my respect . I have been talk about this tech "serial hybrid" Get best of both world today not wait for some magic tech tommrow . I love the design philosophy of user serviceable parts and thank good no curve glass 👍👍👍👍

[@Luddite1]

Oh I really hope you sell thousands of these and export em to As a truck mechanic I’m absolutely loving everything you’ve built and where you’ve put it !

[@NJHENDO]

Continually planting seeds at our company to order one of these bad boys once y’all are ready for production. This has been SUCH a joyous ride to watch over the last couple of years. Your trucks share many things in common that we preach to our customers in the food industry-coming from an engineering division for automated packaging machines.

[@dirtpounder]

Coolest company in the court if you got them to bring one on board. It is very cool to see their journey; knew it would turn out good but this is just incredible.

[@markthurston601]

Ur keeping it simple ur a worker u know wat is needed its a win win win

[@ScaredOfMonster]

I honestly can't believe you actually finally built it ! Been following from the very early stages, bought stock and support you fully !! Just amazing !!

[@LePenseur4444]

This guys are real and down to earth 🌏 people. Great company. I had the pleasure of visiting them in 2022. Keep on trucking Chase.

[@tbix1963]

Great overview. Have been waiting for years for someone to wake-up and build a practical hybrid electric vehicle. Have enjoyed watching your team building this and have been continuously impressed. Wishing you and your crew the best.

[@dp1381]

WOW I am so impressed! More so than the EV aspect, I’m thrilled somebody finally made a truck that has serviceability in mind from the outset in every detail. I just work in construction and do normal dude stuff with my trucks and I hate modern trucks with complicated electronics covered by cheap plastic paneling held on with bullshit fasteners. I got myself an ‘82 f250 just because I love how simple it is and how easy it is to get to anything that needs work. I did u-joints on her last night and there’s so much room underneath I could crawl, kneel, and roll on the ground. It was a blast. Thank you so much for bringing these old school real world ideas back into trucks. I’d love to see something similar in a 3/4-1 ton pickup chassis one day soon.

[@justinmcsweeney9385]

What you guys are doing is the exact opposite of what car manufacturers of the day are doing. Absolutely a great platform and I hope to see it surpass what tesla is trying to do.

[@Bagehot99]

Unreal. Fantastic. I am NOT a huge advocate of battery power for heavy hauling, but I must admit that some of my assumptions were challenged by this video. Just amazing practical design elements though - who knew that making things easy to get to would be a good idea? I'm a MASSIVE fan. I'm in the fleet services business, by the way.

[@JackieBright]

This is an absolutely beautiful truck. I would absolutely buy a car / pickup built with this design & engineering philosophy

[@andyjasso3050]

As an engineer myself i love that you have come up with a very practical and well thought out solution that puts many a large scale truck manufacturer to shame!. Bravo guys and keep up the excellent work and i would buy one in a minute if i could afford it.

[@jasonlarsen3515]

I am looking forward to watching your real world testing and the evolution from prototype to production.

[@polaris6644]

This thing is awesome. Everything is simple, easy to service, and well suited for people who want a truck that works. There's money here, and it's definitely gonna start coming in down the line.

[@ethangifford7570]

I can't get enough of this truck. It looks fantastic, and everything is so thought out for simplicity. I can't wait to see the first sleeper version with stacks on it.

[@RichardRoy2]

This is brilliant. They've been running Diesel Electric locomotives forever. I don't know why no one's put an effort into this option before. Engine only running at it's most efficient RPM, regen braking, lower engine capacity requirements. Who could ask for more. Well, maybe super solar cells some time down the road. If I were still hauling, this would be awesome. Nice work. Hope you get support from our government.

[@spevakdesigns]

This is absolutely amazing Chase and Edison crew! I've been following for nearly two years and can't believe how far you've come in such a short time. Such a well thought out and logical design from bumper to bumper. There are numerous innovations you've incorporated into this truck are revolutionary in this industry. Can't wait to see where you go from here and hope to get to see one in person someday in the future!

[@joeaddison]

Love the old school mixed with the new school! The mentality is the most impressive thing, repairability, driver comfort, driver visibility, driver repairs, etc. You're thinking about how this truck will work 25-55 years from now!

[@Rubensteezy]

6:24 I'm a Systems Administrator and do wiring for a motorcycle race team, and this wiring makes my palms sweaty lol Fantastic prototype. I am very excited to see what this company does next.

[@TheNightwalker247]

Love the focus on usability and repairability. Also straight windows instead of curved rgreag for replacement

[@dmacpher]

Regenerative breaking will be a game changer for this rig on BC hilly terrain

[@cynthiastockstill2450]

Awesome, my brother needs this he’s heavy haul in and out of the woods all the time!!!

[@justinfowler2857]

That is a truck ready to work. Truly a thing of beauty.

[@grahamlauder2866]

I admit that as an old trucker, I was a skeptic at the start of this. But I have to admit I've become a convert. Keep it up.

[@RandomSkitts]

I really like the thought and little details in this truck. From the efficient driveline to the way the mirrors are mounted to make it easier to service. So many things we were put in place with the customer/ user in mind and I like that.

[@samuelaguirre7697]

Time to IPO and grow! An amazing concept. Trucks designed and built by the guys that actually know what they need out of a truck. Keep up the amazing work!

[@austinengler]

"The reason why we have a butterfly hood is that it's cool"- put it on a t shirt. The triple wipers look awesome from the interior view.

[@kellywebb9641]

This truck is pure genius and I can't wait until these hit the market well done 👍

[@Project337]

Now's the time to install a Portafloor in the shop and start up on that service truck, I can't wait to see how you plan to package all of this running gear in other configurations for other vocations.

[@nathanfranck5822]

This is awesome - perfect practical machine. No more battery dogmatism

[@codywinkler7230]

Can't wait to see this rig fully loaded and see how she performs! Good looking truck, love the serviceability aspect, and the electric drive concept. Looking forward to great things!

[@justincharles6585]

I know absolutely nothing about trucks and i love this right here

[@samwenske]

Can’t wait to see the actual production version

[@travisedwards4948]

Great truck! I'm a automotive and heavy duty mechanic. It's about time someone like myself built a real truck that you can work on and as well it's efficient. Great job guys! 👏

[@pieterbarneveld9518]

The industry has been waiting and wanting this for years , congrats on sticking with the simple is best philosophy. Can’t wait till see what the future holds. 🍻

[@keepupwithspeedy]

I have been saying for years that all vehicles should run just like that truck. Way to go for showing that it can be done and done at a decent price.

[@owendodman3037]

You could put a second headache rack behind that one. And make the power distribution headboard slide out to the passenger side of the truck allowing access to both. Cheers 🍻

[@Dutch4609]

Then you would have to add so much extra cable to compensate. It would be easier to design a pinned headache rack that folds down towards the 5th wheel plate so that you can get to the PDU. That comes with it’s own set of challenges, like how to stand the headache rack back up, but I see that as being a simpler challenge to overcome than moving the entire PDU.

[@owendodman3037]

@@Dutch4609 just a couple 6ft loops of loom in the harness like they already have for 'servicability" and a couple heavy duty slides with a lock

[@pookatim]

This is an excellent solution. It will be interesting to see how it does. The most important factor is that it was designed and built by truckers for truckers. Ease of repair is extremely important to any vehicle that will be doing actual work. As the old saying goes in such applications, K.I.S.S. "Keep It Simple, Supid!"

[@ChaseCares]

The rear e-axles our water cooled right? It would be interesting if in the winter you can dump the heat they generate into the engine, so you wouldn't have to run a block heater or wait for a warmup period, you could just get in the truck and go and the generator could automatically start when warm/needed. You all have probably thought about that, but I thought it seemed interesting. Amazing truck, keep up the great work!

[@mickys8065]

There is no engine. That diesel generator is just that, a generator. You can already hop in Topsy and start moving, regardless of if the generator is ready to go. So the generator can be getting warmed up whilst on the move.

[@dirtdevil70]

​@@mickys8065Thats what he is suggesting. Run off the batteries at the start, using the heat generated by the axles ( i think they are liquid cooled) to preheat the diesel so that its toasty warm when iit needs to start..ie no block heater needed

[@Dutch4609]

@@dirtdevil70yes they are liquid cooled, but it’s cooling package is separate from the engine. The generator has its own cooling package.

[@dirtdevil70]

@@Dutch4609 simple heat exhanger solves that while still allowing both systems to be separate.

[@Dutch4609]

@@dirtdevil70good point. Maybe something that is looked into later on.

[@heartsky]

Worked on trucks, drove trucks, dispatched trucks. This looks great, and I believe this is the future. Well done team!

[@Flameheadwilson]

I love the reliability and simplicity design approach. I wish more companies chose long term reputation and sustainability over making as much money as fast as possible.

[@chrisaquaro9901]

New school technology made into an old school original truck, made by a trucker. We need more of this in our lives. Vehicles made by the people who run them and work on them. Would love to have one in the fleet

[@themisterchristie]

Keeps getting more and more impressive. Love the thought put into this truck.

[@sparkymotive]

As someone who fixes diesel-electric locomotives for a living, I see this as a total win. Sick build!

[@arkthefennecfox2366]

Its a gorgeous truck fellas, Proud of how it progressed, i just wish i could afford to support you fellas, Hope we get some stuff like this in the states

[@richardcarr6493]

THIS IS EXACTLY what l said for yrs what is the most viable EV idea especial in this application ,same as trains for decades have been working :) l can t wait to see where this goes !!

[@mathewwhite1821]

Love the example you've given of a loaded log truck in the mountain regen braking all the way down to the water. Then empty using batteries back to the top. The fuel usages would be so minimal.

[@Waveluth]

My favorite all time recovery tow truck was the 1964 Autocar. It was a beast and built so heavy it was incredibly powerful. When I see what you’ve done with this hybrid truck it BLOWS MY MIND. I am 100% impressed and wish you success with it. It’s built like a REAL TRUCK !! Good job guys!!! ✌️🇺🇸👍👍👍👍

[@LeftCoastStephen]

Very good looking HD truck. With the aerodynamics of a brick, it wouldn’t work for long haul trucking but is perfect for what you intend. It’s very obvious that at least one of you has spent time on your back, in the mud and snow, fixing something. Great job!

[@chriskieta8725]

I think Topsy and your retrofits are excellent demonstrations of the kind of practically minded changes the trucking industry needs from an equipment perspective. I realize that diminishing the number of new trucks being sold isn't ideal for incumbent manufacturers, but refitting older vehicles and moving newer ones to hybrid electric drivetrains are economically advantageous for owners and drivers, and environmentally advantageous for essentially everybody. I really feel like people depending on Tesla and other "full-battery" large trucks are on the wrong track. Even with the weight allowances such trucks are going to be a hard sell compared to a traditional vehicle in terms of weight and range.

[@Allstarlogisticsinc]

My favorite thing on this truck is what you guys did with the diagnostics, If I ever get the opportunity i will def buy a truck, you are true legends And a back up compressor is genius!

[@cowkiller2189]

I know the lower windows would get plastered with mud and road salt, but did you guys ever consider putting wipers on the lower windows too?

[@jonathanellis8737]

Wipers and lower window grill guards would be sweet for what the truck is meant for.

[@aaronbounds1336]

17:20: great point. Typical ICE engines need gears and transmissions to try and maximize efficiency (because rpm band is so narrow). Running the ICE engine at the single most efficient rpm constantly is the way to go.

[@fazbeark1ng]

i really like the butterfly hood with the sliding parts

[@alexteeters4.0]

I'm an RV tech, i would love to see this level of engineering applied to everything on the road.

[@kaceesavage]

I can’t wait to see it in person some day, this is absolutely the coolest semi out there.

[@johnboynb]

I love it. it's a true working man's creation. It reminds me of the trucks of old which were built to be worked on and last forever. I also remember a BC company that tried to make rugged pickups back in the 80's and 90's I think they were called Grizzly, and they were built in North Vancouver.

[@husamabudawoud3258]

Wish my HD truck 2500 is built like this. Electric replacing hydraulics is very convenient too.

[@briangathas8999]

Not that I know for sure, but someone has finally created practically the same power system as a diesel loco has had, with obvious tech upgrades, since 1925 when first commercially introduced by GE and Ingersoll-Rand. CONGRATULATIONS! hope it becomes popular.

[@acelee91]

This is so cool! I love that you guys are at the same spectra as me when it comes to form vs. function! Love the look of the entire thing, best thing is that you don't go for the "fancy" curves that everyone else goes for. Unfortunately I live in Sweden and I guess it will take some time before we will see your trucks over here 🤣

[@fro16883]

i never thought i would be excited for a semi truck, this is neat AF O.O;