EREV battery capacity deploying 6x faster than BEVs. Implications for Harvester?

[elvis buys]

It will be interesting to find out if the gasoline engine will be able to charge the battery at a rate faster or equal to the rate of discharge when at maximum load, such as towing heavy trailers through mountainous highways at 70+ mph. I imagine the 500 mile range will be drastically reduced in those instances. With ICE vehicles I've owned, towing a heavy camper reduced the normal range by more than one half. And when the gasoline runs out of the Harvester engine tank, can it be refilled and allow immediate continuation of the trip?

I just registered here to make this very point, but I see you beat me to it.

I would just add that the Harvester genset would only have to provide the *average* power consumption during a trip, including trips that have segments of heavy uphill towing. *It won't have to provide the peak power demand as long as the battery pack isn't depleted.* This is assuming that the power management scheme has a mode that allows the genset to run *before* the battery is depleted. IOW, that it's not hobbled by stupid EPA rules like the BMW i3 EREV was.

Since no long trip is 7% uphill the whole way, an EREV has several advantages over ICE or pure BE vehicles. An EREV with nominal 150 mile EV range should have a large enough battery to recover (via regen on the downhill segments) most of the extra energy expended going uphill, unlike typical PHEV (due to their much smaller batteries) or ICE.

Yet the inevitable drastic range reduction while towing heavy won't force frequent, lengthy recharging stops (usually at a cost per kwHr so much higher than utility rates that cost per mile isn't much less than gas). And of course, even longer range should be easy enough to provide with an auxiliary fuel tank, at drastically lower cost and weight than adding battery capacity.

This scheme seems perfect for people who want to do traditional truck tasks.

Of course, the devil is in the details, which are still a couple years away. They could easily screw up the implementation. Let's hope they get it right.

 

[elvis buys]

For me, 150 miles on battery and 350 on gas sounds great. Provided I could fill the tank and continue without losing performance. Even with a low battery.

With the EREV, 150 miles on battery would cover 90% of my use. Other times, even the BEV's 350 miles wouldn't be enough. I often pull a trailer, so mileage ratings would be a lot less.

Some areas I go have no electricity, let alone charging infrastructure. I can carry extra gas easier than additional electricity.

Hopefully, the EREV's reduced battery size offsets the weight of the Harvester system. Heavy weight is not your friend off road.

All very true points, and especially pertinent to people who want/need a truck for traditional truck tasks rather than as a large sedan that doesn't include a trunk lid.
Let me add another one: not only less routine maintenance, but also no transmission rebuilds (typically ~$5k). This is particularly pertinent because recent GM/Ford 8 & 10 speed truck transmissions are not very durable (apparently designed to last until just after the warranty expires).

 

[joewilk45]

I’m glad Scout confirmed to me that I can change more Traveler Harvester order to the EV only when I get to the build option because 150 miles is not what I thought and had it reversed. Also, we currently have a plug-in hybrid Volvo that gets 32 miles range (AKA 20 real miles) and find we really kick on the engine. We get warnings of old gas, and I imagine 150 mile range will meet 80% or more users so will old gas be an issue as well? For me, no overlanding, and the ability to use Tesla’s charging network, 350 miles (AKA 230 likely) is just fine so long as you deliver on the 0-60 and torque!

Hello I have a 2023 XC 90 Recharge Ultimate Air suspension for get 36 miles pure electric I love the vehicle but debating keeping till scout becomes available or buy a Hyundai we leased Volvo lease is up 2026 could buy out 42 k or walk Do you like your Volvo and what year and model ? Thinking keeping Volvo love the ride 20 k miles no issues to date have level two chargers at both homes so ready to go full EV or r only inconvenience will be two trips to and from Florida (1,200) miles

 

[OlyScout]

Hello I have a 2023 XC 90 Recharge Ultimate Air suspension for get 36 miles pure electric I love the vehicle but debating keeping till scout becomes available or buy a Hyundai we leased Volvo lease is up 2026 could buy out 42 k or walk Do you like your Volvo and what year and model ? Thinking keeping Volvo love the ride 20 k miles no issues to date have level two chargers at both homes so ready to go full EV or r only inconvenience will be two trips to and from Florida (1,200) miles

We love our 2024 XC60 Recharge Ultimate! It is everything - air suspension, B&W, 21” wheels, etc. it’s our 3rd XC60. Previous was Polestar Recharge w/ 22”. We also have 2023 Model Y Performance.

That said, given their newness, we’re stuck for a few years to not make a rash decision since they have depreciated, but our next two will be the Scout Traveler and Toyota Land Cruiser.

We have a Tesla level 2 charger and an adapter for the Volvo and love the ease of charging v. gas. No turning back for us and will always have at least one full EV. Wife loves the Land Cruiser so happy wife, but I’m stoked for the Traveler. Think we may get the full EV version and will see. But I’m a realist and we expect it’ll be closer to $75K when it’s released if they have a version like their prototype. And it’s worth it!

 

[joewilk45]

I think if they start at 58 and you add 2 packages your looking at 68 k your Harvester Trailhawk 72,990 but thanks for Volvo data I love pilot assist etc and great for grandkids when they visit long time before we're picking colors

 

[Hatman]

I have deposits for each model and want the Harvester on both. Such a great concept for an EV but I want more than 150 on batteries. At least make it close to 50/50 of the 500 miles on batteries.

 

[cvollers]

Just need the battery to give its 350 range as a solid number and the Harvester to give its 150 range or more depending on tank size. Big point will be how fast does the Harvester charge the battery back in its use and for how long can you do that with tank sizes and charge speeds, driving and parked.
Can’t wait I ordered both with the Harvester. Wanted the Traveler and Terra but selected the Traveler first then my wife said she is taking it from me. So I had to reserve the Terra too lol. Guess it all works out in the end

I’m hoping the Harvester driving dynamics are not different from the pure EV version. How they manage the weight distribution of less battery with the engine in back and fuel in front will be key.