New ICE Vehicles Banned in California by 2035

[Irace86.2.0]

So the range extender on the BMW i3 was enough to maintain the charge of the battery, so the car could be driven off the electric motors. The range extender wasn't connected to the drive wheels. The difference, the motor wasn't large enough to keep the battery charged at high duty like going fast or going up steep hills. It also didn't charge the battery. It was only enough to get to a charger, so it would minimize its impact of using fuel.

This is different. It can charge the battery, and it can probably operate on higher duty, but there will be a weight and efficiency penalty to have a larger engine and larger fuel tank, but it is a good solution for people with range anxiety or who are atypical in their use by towing far and towing often or with commuting far.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

...but it is a good solution for people with range anxiety or who are atypical in their use by towing far and towing often or with commuting far.

Hadn't thought about towing but this does certainly solve that problem (assuming as you say it charges the battery enough to meet the need). My guess would be this doesn't wait for a 0% SOC but clicks in at a point where the charging efficiency is there (say 20% SOC).

I don't tow anything, but if I did that would be another check box in favor of this RAM solution.

This is not unlike the way a diesel/electric train works, but without the battery storage.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Hadn't thought about towing but this does certainly solve that problem (assuming as you say it charges the battery enough to meet the need). My guess would be this doesn't wait for a 0% SOC but clicks in at a point where the charging efficiency is there (say 20% SOC).

I don't tow anything, but if I did that would be another check box in favor of this RAM solution.

This is not unlike the way a diesel/electric train works, but without the battery storage.

I believe the i3 turned on automatically at a certain low charge, and it could be turned off entirely, so someone wouldn’t use the range extender if they were close to home to avoid emissions. I don’t think someone could activate it to always be on or to activate at 75% charge or something.

The Ram might do the same: turn off completely or toggle to activate in high demand situations or activate to recharge on demand. We will see how the EPA accounts for this in MPG ratings.

[alex87f]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

So, basically a Volt with a bigger battery.

Honestly, I may very well consider this. What I've always wanted was a hybrid with a 200 - 300 mile of EV range. Yes, I know all the arguments against it. This is probably about as close as I'll ever get.

The big question is how much. 92kWh is a big battery, and though the Pentastar isn't expensive and comes without a 'box, that truck is bound to carry a big price tag.

That being said it might fare quite well, being that it addresses pretty much all arguments against EVs. Granted, it won't attract cummins buyers, but those buy larger trucks anyway (and they've gotten somewhat expensive too).

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by alex87f

The big question is how much. 92kWh is a big battery, and though the Pentastar isn't expensive and comes without a 'box, that truck is bound to carry a big price tag.

That being said it might fare quite well, being that it addresses pretty much all arguments against EVs. Granted, it won't attract cummins buyers, but those buy larger trucks anyway (and they've gotten somewhat expensive too).

So the V6 "mild hybrid" Ram 1500 started at $31,305 in 2021 (Link). Take out the conventional transmission, driveshaft, rear diff, transfer case, and then add in a battery ($$$), EV motors ($), and I would expect a premium, but not gargantuan. The Lightening with its smallest pack starts at $50k. This will have turbo diesel power and then some in feel and performance.

[alex87f]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

So the V6 "mild hybrid" Ram 1500 started at $31,305 in 2021 (Link). Take out the conventional transmission, driveshaft, rear diff, transfer case, and then add in a battery ($$$), EV motors ($), and I would expect a premium, but not gargantuan. The Lightening with its smallest pack starts at $50k. This will have turbo diesel power and then some in feel and performance.

My money is on 65-70 grand in base trim, and 75-80 in common configurations. Which, at the current interest rates, might be a bit of a tough sell.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by alex87f

My money is on 65-70 grand in base trim, and 75-80 in common configurations. Which, at the current interest rates, might be a bit of a tough sell.

I guess the base 1500 is more like $38-40k, where the classic in RWD, V6, single cab is $31k, but if you want to add a larger engine, crew cab, 4x4, etc then the price starts at $45k for the V8. This thing is going to have AWD, 660hp/615tq, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, 14k tow capacity, etc. with probably crew cab as standard and a nicer interior than the base tradesman. I think you are probably right. That seems to be similar to what they are offering in gas powered options.

[Lantanafrs2]

As a mechanic my mind looks forward to when the warranty expires. In my experience, chrysler products are such pieces of shit in basic ice specification that adding the hybrid aspect will put food on the table of many service writers.

[Lantanafrs2]

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Lantanafrs2

Electric Viking Equinox video

I agree that most of the reservations were for folks looking at the low end range (basically a Bolt replacement because at the time GM had not announced Bolt 2.0).

But, if I was going to spend $50K on the Tesla I would buy the high end of this instead. Primarily because of the Cabin configuration, although I do like the external design better as well.

[Lantanafrs2]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I agree that most of the reservations were for folks looking at the low end range (basically a Bolt replacement because at the time GM had not announced Bolt 2.0).

But, if I was going to spend $50K on the Tesla I would buy the high end of this instead. Primarily because of the Cabin configuration, although I do like the external design better as well.

There's no free lunch. Got to pay up for the good stuff.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Lantanafrs2

There's no free lunch. Got to pay up for the good stuff.

Exactly. I will have to say I think a base Cadillac LYRIQ Tech at about $60,000 is a much better deal than the top end Equinox for that very reason.

[Lantanafrs2]

[Dadhawk]

Lucid Gravity 3 row SUV. Looks like it has potential, but as with the Air not digging the style. I was all hot for the Air until I saw one on person vs photos.