Adapting to the Future Tech Before Production

[Timmdodge60]

Speaking of motors, this was an interesting announcement from CES

https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-...t-ces-2025-could-transform-the-future-of-evs/

The concept is interesting, but the non-starter for these in-wheel motors always seems to be the un-sprung weight added to the wheels. It seems to be even more of an issue for off-road vehicles.

 

[KarlT]

Ok, I have no idea what I’m talking about, but don’t EV’s have battery packs that can be removed? Then future batteries could replace current tech? Although could be cost prohibitive?

 

[timmyhil]

Ok, I have no idea what I’m talking about, but don’t EV’s have battery packs that can be removed? Then future batteries could replace current tech? Although could be cost prohibitive?

That is Scouts reason for the Body on Frame, is that its future proofing the platform.

 

[colinnwn]

Most EVs have battery packs that can in theory be removed. Some practically are much easier to do than others. I'm hoping the body on frame will make Scout one of the easiest.

Then you have companies like Tesla moving toward making an integrated skateboard that contains a unibody frame unit with the battery pack almost glued into it, to make it lighter and cheaper to manufacture.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Ok, I have no idea what I’m talking about, but don’t EV’s have battery packs that can be removed? Then future batteries could replace current tech? Although could be cost prohibitive?

The battery packs are replaceable. One of the issues is the software and hardware interface between the BMS and the vehicle computer. Once the design is finalized and production starts, it will be quite a while before there are any significant design changes.

When Nissan released higher capacity packs for the Leaf, they were not compatible with the early models, even though they were in the same size shells. Some people did their own upgrades by transferring the higher capacity cells into the older shells.

 

[4x4fun]

ford started with ICE engines, it makes no sense to start a new company today to make ICE vehicles. They have the harvester which can mostly function as the same thing and the world is moving to EVs in one form or another (EV, hybrid, EREV, etc). By not having separate ICE engines they don't have to build any of the tooling, maintenance, testing, service, etc that it would require

True i know its saving them money by not having to design and manufacture both vehicle types. But I'm not sure the world is "moving to ev," as yopu stated. Currently China has the most EVs. EVs currently only make up about 8.9% of all US vehicles. There have been a lot of studies which look at gas vs ev ownership, EV is not cheaper. And for all saying EVs are less harmful to the environment, yall havent done the research. Child labor and minerals that are needed for EV.

 

[timmyhil]

True i know its saving them money by not having to design and manufacture both vehicle types. But I'm not sure the world is "moving to ev," as yopu stated. Currently China has the most EVs. EVs currently only make up about 8.9% of all US vehicles. There have been a lot of studies which look at gas vs ev ownership, EV is not cheaper. And for all saying EVs are less harmful to the environment, yall havent done the research. Child labor and minerals that are needed for EV.

Those are some straight facts, just be careful of the keyboard warriors that might attack you at any moment.

 

[quikster]

True i know its saving them money by not having to design and manufacture both vehicle types. But I'm not sure the world is "moving to ev," as yopu stated. Currently China has the most EVs. EVs currently only make up about 8.9% of all US vehicles. There have been a lot of studies which look at gas vs ev ownership, EV is not cheaper. And for all saying EVs are less harmful to the environment, yall havent done the research. Child labor and minerals that are needed for EV.

That’s why people make hybrids and erev they help bridge the gap. They can both even facially be driven without ever plugging in if you so choose. EVs are still growing everywhere and I don’t think anywhere will be pure ev only quickly things are still moving that way and I’ve seen nothing that suggests otherwise

 

[joewilk45]

I think things that make sense are going to make a comeback. And EV's are the future. Me being 65 I could be a dinosaur or embrace knowing time is not my friend I choose to embrace what makes sense and intrigues me. I want to experience and drive what my Grandkids will be driving their kids to the fields and family events.

 

[maynard]

Besides battery technology, there are some amazing electric motor innovations happening in power output density, size, and weight.

Practically to hit their delivery and price objectives, along with confidence in reliability metrics, I don't think you will see much new battery or motor technology in first run Scouts.

The computer power will likely be upgraded over the development for future support of new software deployment, and because the hardware upgrade path to prevent obsolescence is much easier to manage.

I don't believe changes to the battery size for any incremental improvements will provide much relief for Harvester besides maybe gas tank. The Harvester itself is behind the rear axle so that's a definined and limited space.

I'd love to see something like a LiquidPiston or linear combustion engine used there. But for the same reasons above I think at first it will be a fairly normal VW group engine manufactured in the US.

This all makes complete sense to me... Well put.

 

[maynard]

Speaking of motors, this was an interesting announcement from CES

https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-...t-ces-2025-could-transform-the-future-of-evs/

Having a hard time wrapping my head around in-wheel motors, the weight, temperature transfer, changing tires...

 

[joewilk45]

Why couldn't there be a rear and hub where axles meet rear housing have an additional shaft going to genrator this way no heat issues

 

[maynard]

Why couldn't there be a rear and hub where axles meet rear housing have an additional shaft going to genrator this way no heat issues

makes sense...

 

[joewilk45]

I guess the amazing discovery would be to invent a motor that also was an alternator as its propelling the car it's charging the battery be like the kids paying the parents back

 

[maynard]

I guess the amazing discovery would be to invent a motor that also was an alternator as its propelling the car it's charging the battery be like the kids paying the parents back

Ahhh, moving closer to that perpetual motion machine...