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A fun tool to compare Traveler BEV vs. EREV routing

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TheManchot said:
We currently have deposits down for both the Traveler BEV and EREV (placed both before realizing it wasn't necessary). As we try to decide which configuration actually fits our use cases better, I put together a Gemini Gem to analyze specific routes.

It breaks down the logistical differences between the two powertrains for a given trip. If you are on the fence, looking at the practical implications of a long haul might clarify things. Take it for what it's worth, but it can help think things through.

I know AI tools can be polarizing, but I’d suggest looking at the example output before writing it off. It's been fun looking at the various scenarios, even knowing these things aren't 100% accurate.
Note: The example below was generated using Gemini Pro, but I believe Gems are now available to free users as well. Not sure how that might change the output.

Example Output (anyone can see with or without a Google Account, just copied and pasted to Google Docs for easy viewing):
Route: Denver, CO > Black Bear Pass > Tuweap > Hurricane UT (Scout Connectors, 35" tires, July, 15% reserve)
docs.google.com

Scout Traveler BEV/EREV Trip Comparison Tool Example

Based on your specific route inputs (Denver > Black Bear Pass > Tuweap > Hurricane), I have locked in the "Explore" profile. This is an advanced, high-risk route that combines technical rock crawling with extreme remoteness. Here is your tactical comparison for a July expedition running 35" All-...
docs.google.com docs.google.com

The Gem (Link - try for yourself - you at least need to be signed into a Google account to try - Pro accounts work for sure):
gemini.google.com

‎Google Gemini

Meet Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. Get help with writing, planning, brainstorming, and more. Experience the power of generative AI.
gemini.google.com gemini.google.com

How to use it:
Once you open the Gem, you don't need a complex prompt. Just type your start and end points and stops along the way. It may ask you a few routing, time of year, and rig (e.g. 35" tires) questions.

Examples prompts from the Gem link above:
  • Denver, CO to Moab, UT
  • San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas
  • Portland, OR > John Day > Hells Canyon with Scout Connectors, 33" tires, and 15% minimum reserve in November
It will generate a comparison report looking at charging stops, total time, and refueling logistics for both platforms.

I'll be curious what you all think. Cheers
Click to expand...
Would this work for a regular hybrid vs BEV comparison too?

I'm contemplating a Route 66 road trip this summer and a big question will be whether to take my F150 Lightning or my wife's Kia Carnival hybrid.
 
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N Wilson said:
Would this work for a regular hybrid vs BEV comparison too?

I'm contemplating a Route 66 road trip this summer and a big question will be whether to take my F150 Lightning or my wife's Kia Carnival hybrid.
Click to expand...
Rivian just had a couple of guys leave the Illinois factory in a pre-production R2 traveling Route 66. They were making short social media posts but unfortunately I haven’t seen a comprehensive write up.
 
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cyure said:
If you do go you have to start a thread and take us along with you!
Click to expand...
I had started this one recently:

N Wilson

Thread 'Route 66 Centennial Road Trip'

This year, 2026 is the Centennial of Route 66, so I was thinking it would be fun to do a road trip with my family on The Mother Road.

I'm only in the beginning stages of planning and figuring out if this is even possible for us financially and time-wise, so it's by no means a definite plan yet and very well may not happen. Since I live in MA, it would basically be a full cross-country road trip, as I'd have to drive across the whole Eastern US just to get to the start of Route 66 in Chicago, then, if we drive the full length to CA, we'd have to drive all the way back across the country to...
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If we do the trip, we'll be driving through your neck of the woods. Might be cool to meet up at some point. Would love to get a group of forum members together if any others live in the area too.
 
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N Wilson said:
Would this work for a regular hybrid vs BEV comparison too?

I'm contemplating a Route 66 road trip this summer and a big question will be whether to take my F150 Lightning or my wife's Kia Carnival hybrid.
Click to expand...
I haven’t focused it that way and don’t have reference data for various hybrids. If you ran it as is, what it’s going to be most useful for is where you can charge (and gas up to some extent).What you could do is use it with a prompt like this (it won’t be precise at all – and let’s face it even with Scout’s it’s not because of limited data, but will give you a rough idea).

Prompt would be something like this - give it a try. It’ll ask you some follow-on questions (change each vehicles range a your trip start/stop/waypoints to match what you’re trying to do). But do something like:

```
Since the Scout’s aren’t out yet, I want you to do the same trip planning, but as a proxy for Scout Traveler BEV use a Ford F-150 Lightning (mine has a 250 mile range) and for the Scout Traveler EREV replace it with the Kia Carnival (~ 600 mile range).

Route 66 from St. Louis to Los Angeles. Scenic route through Santa Fe, and limited Highway 40, but obviously only within the capability of both the Lightning and Kia Carnival.
```
 
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N Wilson said:
Would this work for a regular hybrid vs BEV comparison too?

I'm contemplating a Route 66 road trip this summer and a big question will be whether to take my F150 Lightning or my wife's Kia Carnival hybrid.
Click to expand...
I currently own a Rivian R1T and while you can easily do Route 66 in a BEV nowadays, it just comes down to personal preference at this point. Personally I love driving an EV daily, and love taking my Rivian off-road but thats where the problems start. While my truck is wildly capable off-road I am admittingly limited to how far I can go and charge anxiety is very much a real thing.

I think this is where Scout is going to knock it out of the park. The EREV is truly the best of both worlds and could potentially do away with range anxiety altogether. Initially I reserved a BEV Traveler but has since changed to a Harvester because of my Rivian ownership experience.

In conclusion, while the Route 66 trip would be possible in your Lightning, it could be more enjoyable and potentially less stressful in the Kia but at the same time would limit the areas you can access. Again, this is where Scout, (and the next gen Lightning, Ram) will give us our cake and we can eat it too. :cool: 🤙
 
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Scout_Lookout said:
I currently own a Rivian R1T and while you can easily do Route 66 in a BEV nowadays, it just comes down to personal preference at this point. Personally I love driving an EV daily, and love taking my Rivian off-road but thats where the problems start. While my truck is wildly capable off-road I am admittingly limited to how far I can go and charge anxiety is very much a real thing.

I think this is where Scout is going to knock it out of the park. The EREV is truly the best of both worlds and could potentially do away with range anxiety altogether. Initially I reserved a BEV Traveler but has since changed to a Harvester because of my Rivian ownership experience.

In conclusion, while the Route 66 trip would be possible in your Lightning, it could be more enjoyable and potentially less stressful in the Kia but at the same time would limit the areas you can access. Again, this is where Scout, (and the next gen Lightning, Ram) will give us our cake and we can eat it too. :cool: 🤙
Click to expand...
Great perspective.

I actually don't have any worries about range or charging on the route. I planned the whole route out using Plugshare and there seem to be ample charging station options all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica.

What I think it will come down to are two things.
1. Additional time added for charging stops.
2. Personal space for each of the 3 kids. This one might end up being the determining factor because in the Lightning all 3 will have to sit together in the one back seat. Currently, when we take short trips of an hour or less, they can't make it to the destination without getting on each other's nerves. In the Carnival, with 3 rows they are more spread out and have much more space.
 
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N Wilson said:
Great perspective.

I actually don't have any worries about range or charging on the route. I planned the whole route out using Plugshare and there seem to be ample charging station options all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica.

What I think it will come down to are two things.
1. Additional time added for charging stops.
2. Personal space for each of the 3 kids. This one might end up being the determining factor because in the Lightning all 3 will have to sit together in the one back seat. Currently, when we take short trips of an hour or less, they can't make it to the destination without getting on each other's nerves. In the Carnival, with 3 rows they are more spread out and have much more space.
Click to expand...
I think you just answered your own question
 
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