Thoughts on a plug-in hybrid conversion
Hello! I am the founder of a Seattle-based startup. We are developing a family of universal retrofit kits that convert existing vehicles into plug-in hybrids. Our first product will be for pickup tru...
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The hitch mount sits low enough to avoid the tailgate (adjustable height). It can be paired with our helper suspension system (basically a spring system that connects the hitch to the axle) so that the mass acts like it's right on top of the axle.
The regulations get muddy when what you're doing affect the emissions control system of the vehicle. When I talked to CARB they were like, oh yeah, you're going to have a much easier time if you keep things separate.
In terms of which class of truck we go to market with, we haven't decided yet. My opinion changes on a daily basis. Right now I'd say I'm sort of 40-30-30 class I-IIa-IIb. Lots of Tacoma drivers who just put mountain bikes in the bed on the weekend and a home depot run twice a quarter!
The math on payback is super situational. I have a spreadsheet I can share if wanted. Our first beta customer to sign an LOI gave us all the data for their 59 vehicle fleet and the payback period for specific vehicles ranged from under 2 years to over 10 years. The fleet-wide average was 3 years. Their gas is $5.96 a gallon and their electricity is pretty cheap (gotta love hydro).
We do have some IP about electrifying just the front axle. The space is much more constrained, though, which makes achieving universality a lot more challenging. Plus then you still need to add a driveshaft disconnect for the rear or a tranny oil pump. Probably something we'll pursue someday, but not our initial focus.
The regulations get muddy when what you're doing affect the emissions control system of the vehicle. When I talked to CARB they were like, oh yeah, you're going to have a much easier time if you keep things separate.
In terms of which class of truck we go to market with, we haven't decided yet. My opinion changes on a daily basis. Right now I'd say I'm sort of 40-30-30 class I-IIa-IIb. Lots of Tacoma drivers who just put mountain bikes in the bed on the weekend and a home depot run twice a quarter!
The math on payback is super situational. I have a spreadsheet I can share if wanted. Our first beta customer to sign an LOI gave us all the data for their 59 vehicle fleet and the payback period for specific vehicles ranged from under 2 years to over 10 years. The fleet-wide average was 3 years. Their gas is $5.96 a gallon and their electricity is pretty cheap (gotta love hydro).
We do have some IP about electrifying just the front axle. The space is much more constrained, though, which makes achieving universality a lot more challenging. Plus then you still need to add a driveshaft disconnect for the rear or a tranny oil pump. Probably something we'll pursue someday, but not our initial focus.
