Have our trucks got too much power yet?
I've often thought about all the energy being wasted with braking applications and exhaust braking on down grades. It's only a matter of time before our rvs will have electric drive axles to help hold...
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We are looking at this type of add-on to some of our newer HD Ford trucks at my work right now. It is an electric motor that goes behind the transmission (driveshaft is shortened I believe) that provides a boost to the vehicle when needed and braking does help to charge the batteries. It can then be plugged in at night to fully charge the batteries. Apparently it can result in almost 50% fuel savings in some cases. The biggest problem is the cost; it is about $25k which makes the payback rather long but I do believe it would pay for itself with some of the gassers which get horrible fuel economy around the city.
Our Ford dealer has advised us that this will be a factory option within a year or two.
Our Ford dealer has advised us that this will be a factory option within a year or two.
