[rjcarter3]

it has an onboard gasoline generator to charge battery pack for additional range. its designed to help the segment of vehicle owners where EV only won't work. the lines keep getting more blurry on what is eco- conscious. crawling back into my hole now until the future warrants viewing.

The Chevy Volt was ahead of its time, turns out. Now it’s been re-introduced as “plug-in hybrids” or “unlimited range EV’s”. Pretty funny that the new Ramcharger EV has the same engine as our Promasters! 😄

 

[phil]

Wouldn't a Pacifica hybrid with a larger battery do the same thing as the Ramcharger?

 

[phil]

didn't know this warranty part

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Warranty Information
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty. Beyond that, the

High Voltage Battery Limited Warranty is good for 10-year/150,000 miles in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) states and 10-year/100,000 miles in non-ZEV states.

Currently, the 14 ZEV states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

 

[GaryBIS]

I’ve never heard anyone say they couldn’t buy an EV because there aren’t any SUV’s available - maybe if they were talking about the size of a suburban or expedition. The other two points flagged as misinformation are really just information.

In order to use Tesla supercharging to get out under an hour, you need to have a Tesla-supercharger compatible car and a short or no wait ahead of you at the supercharger station. That’s the best case scenario which is still worse than ICE. If it’s only L2 charging, you will indeed be waiting hours. On L1 charger at your destination let’s say, you’ll be waiting a day or longer.

EV’s are still noticeably more expensive than ICE counterparts, unless you’re buying something like a Chevy Bolt which doesn’t do supercharging. That’ll probably change over time, but that’s the situation now.

Hi RJ,
The Kelly Blue book has average prices paid for various categories for the past few years...

For 2023, they show mid size SUVs average sales price as $48,218.

A Tesla Model Y mid size SUV long range AWD is $48,990 and if you get the $7,800 tax credit, it goes down to $41,190


Kelly says the average price paid over all models for a new car as of March 2023 was $48,008.
I was surprised at how high this is - I'd guess this is higher than expected due to how popular expensive pickup trucks are?

The Bolt does do DC fast charging, but the max rate is only 50 KW, but then the battery is not huge.
The Bolt does surprisingly well on range tests.
This is a fun video comparing the Bolt to a couple other EVs over a couple mountain passes...
GM will stop making the Bolt at the end of this year. They promise a new and improved version (hopefully with faster DC charging).

Just as one data point, in my 7 months of driving an EV, I've never spent an hour charging - 15 to 20 minutes is typical.
I've only had to wait for a charger once, and the wait was about 30 seconds. That includes time in Montana, Alberta and California - and place in between.

Gary

 

[rjcarter3]

Hi RJ,
The Kelly Blue book has average prices paid for various categories for the past few years...

For 2023, they show mid size SUVs average sales price as $48,218.

A Tesla Model Y mid size SUV long range AWD is $48,990 and if you get the $7,800 tax credit, it goes down to $41,190


Kelly says the average price paid over all models for a new car as of March 2023 was $48,008.
I was surprised at how high this is - I'd guess this is higher than expected due to how popular expensive pickup trucks are?

The Bolt does do DC fast charging, but the max rate is only 50 KW, but then the battery is not huge.
The Bolt does surprisingly well on range tests.
This is a fun video comparing the Bolt to a couple other EVs over a couple mountain passes...
GM will stop making the Bolt at the end of this year. They promise a new and improved version (hopefully with faster DC charging).

Just as one data point, in my 7 months of driving an EV, I've never spent an hour charging - 15 to 20 minutes is typical.
I've only had to wait for a charger once, and the wait was about 30 seconds. That includes time in Montana, Alberta and California - and place in between.

Gary

Yes, if you qualify for the tax credit it does make EV prices competitive but still higher.

I've never paid anywhere close to $40,000 for a new car. I bought a pretty well trimmed Subaru Forester in 2018 for just under $30,000. Looks like their prices haven't changed much. I feel like that's a pretty comparable vehicle in terms of size to a model Y. 10 grand buys a lot of gas.

How much range does 15-20 minutes on a charger actually get you? I realize there’s diminishing charging speed at higher SOCs, but that just means you have to make stops more often which still seems like a nuisance.

 

[JohnForde]

Yes, if you qualify for the tax credit it does make EV prices competitive but still higher.

I've never paid anywhere close to $40,000 for a new car. I bought a pretty well trimmed Subaru Forester in 2018 for just under $30,000. Looks like their prices haven't changed much. I feel like that's a pretty comparable vehicle in terms of size to a model Y. 10 grand buys a lot of gas.

How much range does 15-20 minutes on a charger actually get you? I realize there’s diminishing charging speed at higher SOCs, but that just means you have to make stops more often which still seems like a nuisance.

We have a Tesla model Y. On 150 Kw chargers it adds 10 miles/minute. On 250 kw chargers it adds 16 miles/minute. Above 50% SOC that rate slows.

 

[Bromaster5]

Hi RJ,
The Kelly Blue book has average prices paid for various categories for the past few years...

For 2023, they show mid size SUVs average sales price as $48,218.

A Tesla Model Y mid size SUV long range AWD is $48,990 and if you get the $7,800 tax credit, it goes down to $41,190


Kelly says the average price paid over all models for a new car as of March 2023 was $48,008.
I was surprised at how high this is - I'd guess this is higher than expected due to how popular expensive pickup trucks are?

The Bolt does do DC fast charging, but the max rate is only 50 KW, but then the battery is not huge.
The Bolt does surprisingly well on range tests.
This is a fun video comparing the Bolt to a couple other EVs over a couple mountain passes...
GM will stop making the Bolt at the end of this year. They promise a new and improved version (hopefully with faster DC charging).

Just as one data point, in my 7 months of driving an EV, I've never spent an hour charging - 15 to 20 minutes is typical.
I've only had to wait for a charger once, and the wait was about 30 seconds. That includes time in Montana, Alberta and California - and place in between.

Gary

Id like to see EV drivers working out while doing that 20 minute charge, show the American public while at "the pump" how to get pumped!

-Top ten things EV drivers do while charging? Survey says.....

 

[rjcarter3]

We have a Tesla model Y. On 150 Kw chargers it adds 10 miles/minute. On 250 kw chargers it adds 16 miles/minute. Above 50% SOC that rate slows.

So on a long range model y, 50% is about 165 miles. 0-50% charges in 10-16 minutes depending upon the charger? That’s still not great compared to ICE fillups but on the outer limits of acceptable if you’re only driving about 500 miles and can charge at your destination.

 

[GaryBIS]

Id like to see EV drivers working out while doing that 20 minute charge, show the American public while at "the pump" how to get pumped!

-Top ten things EV drivers do while charging? Survey says.....

I do jumping jacks at every charge stop, but the stops are to short to get a good workout

Top few activities...
Snooze
Walking the dog - best thing about owning a dog is you have an excuse to stop and take a walk.
Bathroom
Eat
Catch up on the PM forum etc.


We actually resigned up for Netfilx since you can watch it on the EV display, but stops really are to short to get anything started on Netflix.
They have it setup so you can play computer games and even support a game controller - going to have to try this.

Gary

 

[Baxsie]

. . . new Ramcharger EV has the same engine as our Promasters! 😄

It is more of a plug-in series hybrid than an EV . . . but whatever. I can imagine contractors (or more likely soccer parents) having one of these, plugging it in every night and only needing gas once a month for long trips.

I would be quite interested in a 145mi range plug-in series hybrid ProMaster with this architecture. With some kind of a 400-v to 120 vac inverter you could do all your AC, heating, cooking etc.

Not the best of both worlds . . . but perhaps a reasonable compromise right now.

 

[Chance]

With 400 miles of range on $6 of electricity who wouldn't love it! But my old Promaster with a Colorado camper van now must go. Cheap. View attachment 100490

Congratulations on your new Electric Van.

I have strange question regarding your van that could relate to other vehicles. I’m curious what size and model of tire GM used given that the van is likely heavy, and also assume GM would select tires with relatively low rolling resistance for a BEV to increase range. If you happen to know Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and axle load ratings that would be appreciated also. From pictures tires look a little larger than those on PM. Also wonder if LT (light truck) or C (commercial) rated.

Like I said strange question in that it’s not related directly to electric drive.

 

[phil]

brightdrop spec sheet
Site Maintenance

600 OM
Site Maintenance

HV stuff
https://www.gmstc.com/wp-content/up...ntent/uploads/2023/08/Brightdrop-Zevo-400_600-2022-Emergency-Response-Guide.pdf

BrightDrop Sales & Service Footprint
Site Maintenance

 

[Bromaster5]

Not news to me, grab a snack guys, it's going to be a long intermission.

Are Americans Falling Out of Love With EVs?

Manufacturers need to cut costs as electric-vehicle inventories pile up, but this is easier said than done.

www.wsj.com

 

[Chance]

brightdrop spec sheet
Site Maintenance

Thanks Phil, great information on detailed specs.

I was aware of 9,990-pound GVWR option but not that they also offered 11,000-pound rating which provides more payload, a significant option to have with larger/heavier battery.

Tires are common size LT245/75R17 which normally have load index of 121, yet on graphics within specs (strictly a visual thing) they show 120 as example. That’s odd yet happens to match highest (rear) axle weight rating of 2,800 kg (1,400 kg per tire). Could be a coincidence, but still wonder if these tires are somehow different because of lower rolling resistance.

A picture of early FedEx BrightDrop van where tire can be seen shows it was a Firestone Transforce HT. Not sure if they all use that tire which seems “normal”, or if it was an early prototype. Most EV I have seen use some kind of “green” tire design to extend range. I’m just curious about LRR tires for vans in that weight class.

 

[offgridengineering]

... ready to be surprised. I plan on 200 mile legs...Battery holds 177kWh.

Welcome to the forum, and to the ongoing debate about climate, electric vehicles and van camping!!!
You will do 200/250 easy, in my opinion. With Maxie, our Maxwell ePro, we easily do 100 mile range in the Rockies, and 150+ everywhere else, and we have half of your battery size. So enjoy your quiet trips, ev's are the best that way, and fill up while checking your emails...it's magic!
Oh and we have 1.3kw PV on the roof now, so you have even more space for solar. For that flat roof, I'd do flexible Sunpower, at about 1/3 the weight of fixed modules.
Take care and wave when you see another EV!!
Tim

 

[MtBiker]

So on a long range model y, 50% is about 165 miles. 0-50% charges in 10-16 minutes depending upon the charger? That’s still not great compared to ICE fillups but on the outer limits of acceptable if you’re only driving about 500 miles and can charge at your destination.

So if you were to stop every 2-2 1/2 hours at 50%+- plugin and go to the restroom, buy a coffee and maybe stretch a bit you would have charged your vehicle for 15- 20 minutes maybe.
In your gas vehicle you usually stand at the pump while you fuel, go park in a parking spot, go inside to the restroom, etc...
And it still takes 15-20 minutes.
All in all it takes about the same time. Your actual usage may vary. But now at 64 years old I need to stop at least every 3 hours to be comfortable.
When I was younger the 42 gallon tank in our Suburban would last about 600 miles. I can't sit still that long.

 

[Baxsie]

Maybe EV design range and recharge times are based on aging boomers' typical prostate health 🤔

 

[RV8R]

Maybe EV design range and recharge times are based on aging boomers' typical prostate health 🤔

Well ,,, Maybe only 49% of them 😜

 

[rjcarter3]

So if you were to stop every 2-2 1/2 hours at 50%+- plugin and go to the restroom, buy a coffee and maybe stretch a bit you would have charged your vehicle for 15- 20 minutes maybe.
In your gas vehicle you usually stand at the pump while you fuel, go park in a parking spot, go inside to the restroom, etc...
And it still takes 15-20 minutes.
All in all it takes about the same time. Your actual usage may vary. But now at 64 years old I need to stop at least every 3 hours to be comfortable.
When I was younger the 42 gallon tank in our Suburban would last about 600 miles. I can't sit still that long.

I don’t know how my refueling stops keep getting exaggerated into 15-20 minutes. It takes me almost as little time to take my bladder from full to empty as it does my gas tank from empty to full. If the gas station isn’t busy, I’ll do both at the same time. In either case I’m usually back on the road within 5 minutes or as little as 3 if I don’t need the bathroom break. And, there’s practically no road trip where I would need to stop more than once to refuel.

 

[CarKeys]

Heading out with mother in-law to pick out a E.V. before thanksgiving .It would stink if she couldn't make it over for thanksgiving dinner 🤪