Is EV Assist the Future of Semi-Trucks?

[jack action]

I have never been impressed with Electric Vehicle (EV) solutions in general. But this one is going in a direction that I like. A great solution for an easy transition with lots of potential for the full EV semi-truck of the future.

You hook up the EV of Revoy between the trailer and the tractor, converting the vehicle instantly into a hybrid:

• 250 mi range
• 20-35+ mpg
• 85% reduction in emissions
• under 5-minute swap at their stations when depleted (faster than filling a diesel tank!)
• additional horsepower and stopping power
• it even adjusts reversing automatically

You don't own it, you rent it.

What do you think about this solution?

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[berkeman]

You hook up the EV of Revoy between the trailer and the tractor, converting the vehicle instantly into a hybrid:

Hybrids have coordinated control of the electric and gas propulsion (and regenerative braking) via the ECU. How does the addition of this unit handle that coordination? (Sorry if it was mentioned in the video, I didn't watch it yet).

 

[jack action]

It seems to analyze the force at the kingpin connection.

 

[berkeman]

It seems to analyze the force at the kingpin connection.

Dat sounds kind of scary. "I think the cab needs me to push more" (as the truck sits at a red light)...

 

[Baluncore]

"Revoy on Ice" will be a performance worth watching.

 

[jack action]

"Revoy on Ice" will be a performance worth watching.

Actually, they claim it is safer:

Manage adverse conditions
Prevent rollovers, flipping in wind, and jackknifing on ice with intelligent auto-corrections from the electric vehicle.

 

[berkeman]

Jack -- please point me to what I'm missing. How is the cab ECU coordinating with this add-on ECU? Please post some valid technical references. This is posted in the technical engineering forums, so you need to post valid references, not a glitzy dumb YouTube video.

Thanks.

 

[jack action]

This is a new company with a new product, I don't think they are spreading the details on how it works exactly.

That being said, you are the only one wanting the cab ECU to react to the add-on ECU. From what I understand - and what is explained - the add-on ECU has sensors to evaluate the pulling force of the truck; most likely the speed and acceleration are also involved.

Similar concepts are already in use with pedal assist systems for EBikes:

Torque Multiplier

The common approach to using a torque sensor. Either the torque or power to the motor increases in proportion to the human torque on the pedals. If you pedal twice as hard you get twice as much power.

There is no link between the electric motor ECU and the "human ECU" like with a throttle assist system. It seems trivial to coordinate such a system with an internal combustion engine instead of a human.

Dat sounds kind of scary. "I think the cab needs me to push more" (as the truck sits at a red light)...

If the truck doesn't pull, the add-on doesn't push either. If the truck slows down, the add-on slows down as well. Even better, when the truck backs up, the add-on knows it has to make sure it is in the proper alignment. (The wheels can steer.)

 

[Baluncore]

Even better, when the truck backs up, the add-on knows it has to make sure it is in the proper alignment. (The wheels can steer.)

So the agent could tow many of them, back down the hill, coupled together like a caterpillar. Do they regeneratively charge?
I could hire a dozen for an hour, just to reverse around the yard.
Let's start by hooking four of them together in a ring, to see what multiplies.