Diesel-Electric Semi Truck - Everything You Want To Know

DEBOSS GARAGE・2 minutes read

An open house featured the Edison truck, a hybrid diesel electric truck built in North America after winning a design contest and moving 107,000 lb. The team behind the truck is focusing on gradual progress, seeking investment for further development and offering both complete trucks and conversion kits for a sustainable electric vehicle market.

Insights

  • The Edison truck, a unique hybrid diesel electric vehicle, was inspired by a project in a First Nation Community in Northern Canada that saved $85,000 in fuel costs by using a battery bank to reduce generator size.
  • The innovative design of the truck, featuring custom-made frame rails, electric motors at the back, and a focus on easy maintenance, highlights a shift towards efficient and sustainable heavy haulage solutions, setting it apart from traditional trucks and showcasing Canada's prowess in the electric vehicle industry.

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Recent questions

  • What inspired the creation of the Edison truck?

    The idea for the Edison truck came from a project in a First Nation Community in Northern Canada, where a battery bank reduced generator size and saved $85,000 in fuel.

  • How was the design of the Edison truck determined?

    The truck was designed through an internet contest with over 100 drawings, with the winning design receiving 32,000 votes.

  • What sets the Edison truck apart from traditional trucks?

    The front of the truck appears reversed due to the motor being located behind it, distinguishing it from traditional trucks.

  • How does the Edison truck address maintenance concerns?

    The truck features bolted components for easy maintenance, with panels at the back for easy access to fuses, relays, and diagnostics, designed for convenient maintenance.

  • What are the future plans for the Edison truck?

    The company plans to offer both complete trucks and conversion kits, allowing customers to choose between new vehicles or retrofitting existing ones.

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Summary

00:00

Innovative Hybrid Truck Surpasses Expectations

  • An open house was held featuring the Edison truck, a hybrid diesel electric truck built in North America.
  • The truck was constructed in a year in a quanset hut and is the first of its kind.
  • The idea for the truck came from a project in a First Nation Community in Northern Canada, where a battery bank reduced generator size and saved $85,000 in fuel.
  • The truck was designed through an internet contest with over 100 drawings, with the winning design receiving 32,000 votes.
  • The truck successfully moved 107,000 lb, surpassing the Tesla semi by 19,000 lb on its first haul.
  • The truck's frame rails were custom-made with a unique design to prevent rust jacking and maintain tensile strength.
  • The truck features electric motors at the back, a normal suspension, and bolted components for easy maintenance.
  • The suspension is a Hendrickson walking beam for durability during prototype testing.
  • The truck's rear ends have a weight rating of 52,000 lb, suitable for heavy haulage.
  • The front of the truck appears reversed due to the motor being located behind it, distinguishing it from traditional trucks.

14:59

Innovative Truck Design for Efficiency and Durability

  • Electric motor designed with straight cut gears for forward and backward operation, allowing axle swaps for mud protection.
  • Electric air compressor airs up the truck in 45 seconds, with double redundancy for air compressors.
  • Batteries placed in frame rail with airbags for protection, ensuring isolation from shocks and bumps.
  • Truck regulations in BC involve self-certification for trucks due to minimal design changes over the years.
  • Central seating for better view and efficiency, inspired by heavy equipment design.
  • Simple cab design with basic gauges, toggle switches, and easily accessible electrical gear.
  • Wiper motors on different switches for spray balance, with a wig wag for low air warning.
  • Panels at the back for easy access to fuses, relays, and diagnostics, designed for convenient maintenance.
  • Cat C9 diesel generator with Dan Foss electric motor for peak power demand and efficient energy usage.
  • Efficient energy usage with batteries for initial inertia and generator for maintaining power, ensuring clean and constant operation.

27:31

Optimizing Diesel Efficiency for Vehicle Longevity

  • Running diesel at the optimal RPM leads to cleaner emissions and better fuel efficiency, with a 50% reduction in fuel mileage demonstrated in a truck.
  • Engines in vehicles last shorter than those in dozers or excavators due to consistent operation at the ideal RPM, as shown by a dyno test.
  • The diesel engine setup mirrors that of freight trains for efficiency and longevity, with a smaller engine being more efficient due to weight considerations.
  • Hybrid systems with diesel and electric components require minimal batteries, with the ability to customize power sources like propane or natural gas.
  • Cooling systems for electric vehicles are crucial, with liquid cooling and diesel heaters ensuring battery efficiency in cold weather.
  • Electric vehicles face efficiency challenges in cold weather, but diesel heaters can optimize battery performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Butterfly hoods with insulated panels aid in temperature regulation, while swing fenders provide a convenient workbench for mechanics.
  • Electric vehicles' quiet operation poses safety concerns for wildlife, necessitating loud horns for warning signals.
  • Weight considerations in electric vehicles can be optimized by replacing heavy components with lighter materials, enhancing efficiency and performance.
  • Retrofitting existing trucks with electric components offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, promoting longevity and sustainability in vehicle manufacturing.

40:00

Innovative Canadian team creates electric tank-like vehicle.

  • The team successfully built a Sherman tank-like electric vehicle, which performed exceptionally well, surprising everyone involved.
  • The prototype was completed in about a year by a team of 10 individuals, and they are now seeking investment and partnerships to further develop and test the vehicle.
  • The focus is on gradual progress, avoiding the rush to mass production seen in many other electric vehicle companies, ensuring thorough testing and refinement.
  • The company plans to offer both complete trucks and conversion kits, allowing customers to choose between new vehicles or retrofitting existing ones.
  • Future plans include exploring pickup truck retrofit kits, providing classic trucks with electric power and range extension options.
  • The team's innovative approach and successful prototype showcase Canada's capability in the electric vehicle industry, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
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