Harvester

[brian.healer]

Not sure if this has already been suggested, but I’d love to see Scout consider a removable, portable “Harvester.”

Essentially, this would be a portable generator specifically optimized to charge the Scout directly via DC charging—rather than relying on a standard portable generator setup. It could take up a modest amount of space in the truck bed, but the benefits would likely far outweigh the space tradeoff.

For example, it could simplify the product lineup by allowing all vehicles to remain fully EV by default, with owners having the option to add the “Harvester” at any time if their needs change. If the unit required service, it could be dropped off at a dealer independently, while the vehicle continues operating as a pure EV.

Beyond vehicle charging, the generator could also serve as a versatile power source for camping, overlanding, job sites, or residential backup during blackouts.

I think this kind of flexible, modular approach would align really well with Scout’s utility-focused brand.

 

[cyure]

Not sure if this has already been suggested, but I’d love to see Scout consider a removable, portable “Harvester.”

Essentially, this would be a portable generator specifically optimized to charge the Scout directly via DC charging—rather than relying on a standard portable generator setup. It could take up a modest amount of space in the truck bed, but the benefits would likely far outweigh the space tradeoff.

For example, it could simplify the product lineup by allowing all vehicles to remain fully EV by default, with owners having the option to add the “Harvester” at any time if their needs change. If the unit required service, it could be dropped off at a dealer independently, while the vehicle continues operating as a pure EV.

Beyond vehicle charging, the generator could also serve as a versatile power source for camping, overlanding, job sites, or residential backup during blackouts.

I think this kind of flexible, modular approach would align really well with Scout’s utility-focused brand.

Welcome to the community!

I think this is a brand new suggestion. I don’t remember anything like this being suggested before.

I admit I don’t know enough about how a generator like this would work to know if this is feasible, but I think I know someone on here who would have a pretty good idea @SpaceEVDriver is this in your wheelhouse to know if something like this would be possible or what it would entail? Thanks.

Welcome again!

 

[R1TVT]

Not sure if this has already been suggested, but I’d love to see Scout consider a removable, portable “Harvester.”

Essentially, this would be a portable generator specifically optimized to charge the Scout directly via DC charging—rather than relying on a standard portable generator setup. It could take up a modest amount of space in the truck bed, but the benefits would likely far outweigh the space tradeoff.

For example, it could simplify the product lineup by allowing all vehicles to remain fully EV by default, with owners having the option to add the “Harvester” at any time if their needs change. If the unit required service, it could be dropped off at a dealer independently, while the vehicle continues operating as a pure EV.

Beyond vehicle charging, the generator could also serve as a versatile power source for camping, overlanding, job sites, or residential backup during blackouts.

I think this kind of flexible, modular approach would align really well with Scout’s utility-focused brand.

Yes, you will be able to do this, based on similar vehicles, using the EVSE that is provided with the truck. You may or may not need an adapter to connect the EVSE to the generator, and you will need to turn the generator's 240V inverter "on". Using something portable like an Eco-Flow, you could also use the truck to reverse the charge to the Eco-Flow. You could also use a gas or propane or diesel generator of course, adding ~2Mi/Hour on a more portable unit.

I see no need for Scout to enter the portable generator business, but theoretically, they could build one that would fit into a proprietary space somewhere in the bed. I doubt they would want to do that inside the Traveler in a confined space.

Also, you can go for greatness and tow one of these suckers:

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

People are already doing it. But you have to spec out the generator so it provides low noise power as most EVSEs won't work with dirty power from cheap generators.

I'm not sure why an automobile manufacturer would go into that business if they weren't already there. I guess you could consider a Honda EV + a Honda generator to be a Honda EREV.

 

[R1TVT]

I should have been more specific and stated, "while parked".

 

[J Alynn]

I’m questioning why you’d want it taking bed space when it could be under the vehicle other than a bit of tow weight but I’m expecting BEV anyway so I don’t particularly care
Welcome!

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

 

[BeerParty]

Not sure if this has already been suggested, but I’d love to see Scout consider a removable, portable “Harvester.”

Essentially, this would be a portable generator specifically optimized to charge the Scout directly via DC charging—rather than relying on a standard portable generator setup. It could take up a modest amount of space in the truck bed, but the benefits would likely far outweigh the space tradeoff.

For example, it could simplify the product lineup by allowing all vehicles to remain fully EV by default, with owners having the option to add the “Harvester” at any time if their needs change. If the unit required service, it could be dropped off at a dealer independently, while the vehicle continues operating as a pure EV.

Beyond vehicle charging, the generator could also serve as a versatile power source for camping, overlanding, job sites, or residential backup during blackouts.

I think this kind of flexible, modular approach would align really well with Scout’s utility-focused brand.

I see two big problems with this suggestion:

1. The weight/size of the generator. To provide the power necessary to support the truck as an EREV, you would need at least 70HP. A 25HP portable generator weights over 200 pounds. Any engine powerful enough to to support the truck as an EREV would weight too much to consider it portable.
2. The fuel tank. The Harvester is currently spec-ed to have a 15 gallon fuel tank. To make the generator portable, the fuel tank would have to be part of the generator. A 15 gallon tank alone would be too large to make it portable.

There are a lot of other issues to consider, but those are the main ones that are nearly impossible to overcome right now.

 

[brian.healer]

I suppose what I am really after is having the range extender (Harvester) option while not sacrificing the EV range or more importantly the towing capacity. I realize that this is bit of wanting to have my cake and eat it too.

I see the comments about using an aftermarket generator in the hitch - but for me was thinking more an integrated solution whereby it could charge while driving and have the vehicle itself control the generator. I like the removable feature again for the weight reduction when not using it, the simplification of the product line, and simplification of maintenance. I see a lot of comments about why would the want to get into the generator game? Seems like they already are with the harvester - they are just not making it plug and play.

All of that being said there are lot of other good points here in the thread about size/weight/safety - maybe i will just have to have to keep dreaming.

 

[Chavannigans]

Love the idea!!!

I think you would need to forgo most of the functional storage in the bed and a big chunk of payload to fit the gas/diesel generator, LFP battery generator that cleans up the voltage and acts as an electrical buffer, and necessary fuel bladders/tanks, however you would still have a frunk for gear which can be doable if you are camping with ultralight gear or staying in a form of lodging.

Though, the main concern I have with this concept is the fact that the BEV Terra is their least popular reservation choice. I think the number of people who buy a BEV Terra and want this accessory would be even smaller, so Scout would most likely either never recoup their R&D for making it, or it’s pricing would be cost prohibitive.

Never discount the aftermarket though.

There is every chance in the world someone will cook up a 5.5ft X 4ft bed insert for EV trucks that has a gas generator, battery, and fuel cells to extend your range beyond 500 miles with a full BEV. Would slip right between the wheel wells.

Diesel “Reefer” generators are often designed to fit in really tight places but produce great power, and remain reliable enough to protect loads of food products worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Diesel fuel is more power dense than gasoline so you’d need less of it to go further.

You could build a tray insert that fits below the bed line with a 10-15kwh LFP battery buffer, 25 gallon fuel tank, and the reefer engine mounted to a DC generator. If you cover it in Marine carpet it would be quieter and still offer a sleeping platform if you use a camper shell.

 

[R1TVT]

Not that I would ever need or want to do this while driving a Pure BEV truck, but I would much rather have a power storage solution like an EcoFlow or something similar send power to the battery (VS. a gas or diesel generator). I would imagine that the driving experience with a portable generator mounted inside the bed, inside a compartment, would require signifcant amounts of dampening. I can't imagine how much noise and vibration would be added (even if were somehow dampened).

Also, keep in mind that for the truck to manage charging while driving, you would also need the following:

- New SW & U/I development
- Adjustments to the BMS
- Partitioned modules that could take on a charge (while other modules were being discharged to power the truck)
- Additional safety & monitoring features

The beauty of the pure BEV is its incredible simplicity.

 

[LastDayScout]

One of the more popular Kubota generators is the GL7000. It provides power similar to lower end level 2 EVSE (chargers). It is pretty damn heavy as I have seen them in the back of pickups plenty of times. So, this gives you an idea of what it would take.
The Kubota GL7000 is a 7 kW (7,000-watt) liquid-cooled, dual-voltage (120/240V) industrial diesel generator designed for quiet, reliable, and compact power. Powered by a 2-cylinder Kubota Z482 diesel engine, it features a 7.4-gallon tank with up to 10-16.5 hours of runtime, one-side maintenance, and safety shutdowns.

Dimensions L x W x H (inches)	1066 x 618 x 698 (42.0 x 24.3 x 27.5)
Approx. Net Weight (lbs.)	235 (518)
Sound Level (Full Load at 23 ft. [7m])	66

​

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

You would give up more towing capacity with a removable generator than with one designed into the frame as the Harvester will be.

More specifically, the truck + trailer Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is dependent on the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes payload capacity. If you add load to the bed, you face a one for one decrease in available weight for the GVWR and thus the GCWR, which means your trailer max weight is decreased.

On a recent, cold, inefficient trip, my Lightning used about 30 kW average to fly down the highway at 70 mph. You probably won't find a "portable" 30 kW generator that could fit in the bed of the Terra. You can find a 20 kW "portable” generator. Westinghouse makes a 20 kW (28 kW peak) “portable” generator that weighs about 570 pounds, dry. Add the 17 gallons (110 pounds) of gasoline gets you to 680 pounds. That will take up half your bed and half your payload capacity, and decrease the available towing capacity by at least 680 pounds. The Westinghouse generator is air cooled, which means it’s not really meant for long run times despite its claims of “up to 11 hours at 50% load.” You’d be pulling at 100% load capacity, so it would need active, liquid cooling and it would run for significantly less time (probably only about 3-4 hours maximum).

The Terra BEV is likely to have a payload capacity of around 1200-2000 pounds, depending on all the various parameters we don’t know. The Harvester will necessarily have a lower payload capacity (and towing capacity). I’m guessing the decrease in payload will be about 400 pounds. Adding a weaker but heavier (and less reliable) generator to the bed would decrease the payload capacity by around 700 pounds instead of 400 pounds. So, at a minimum, the Harvester will have a lower available towing capacity by at least 400 pounds, and depending on the cooling requirements and equipment placement, it could be even lower. Tossing a 700 pound generator in the bed will reduce the available towing by 700 pounds or more, depending on where it’s put. If it’s put aft of the rear axle, the towing capacity will drop by 10x the weight.

And we haven’t even gotten to the issue with a removable generator in an SUV. Where do you put it and its fuel?

 

[LastDayScout]

You would give up more towing capacity with a removable generator than with one designed into the frame as the Harvester will be.

More specifically, the truck + trailer Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is dependent on the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes payload capacity. If you add load to the bed, you face a one for one decrease in available weight for the GVWR and thus the GCWR, which means your trailer max weight is decreased.

On a recent, cold, inefficient trip, my Lightning used about 30 kW average to fly down the highway at 70 mph. You probably won't find a "portable" 30 kW generator that could fit in the bed of the Terra. You can find a 20 kW "portable” generator. Westinghouse makes a 20 kW (28 kW peak) “portable” generator that weighs about 570 pounds, dry. Add the 17 gallons (110 pounds) of gasoline gets you to 680 pounds. That will take up half your bed and half your payload capacity, and decrease the available towing capacity by at least 680 pounds. The Westinghouse generator is air cooled, which means it’s not really meant for long run times despite its claims of “up to 11 hours at 50% load.” You’d be pulling at 100% load capacity, so it would need active, liquid cooling and it would run for significantly less time (probably only about 3-4 hours maximum).

The Terra BEV is likely to have a payload capacity of around 1200-2000 pounds, depending on all the various parameters we don’t know. The Harvester will necessarily have a lower payload capacity (and towing capacity). I’m guessing the decrease in payload will be about 400 pounds. Adding a weaker but heavier (and less reliable) generator to the bed would decrease the payload capacity by around 700 pounds instead of 400 pounds. So, at a minimum, the Harvester will have a lower available towing capacity by at least 400 pounds, and depending on the cooling requirements and equipment placement, it could be even lower. Tossing a 700 pound generator in the bed will reduce the available towing by 700 pounds or more, depending on where it’s put. If it’s put aft of the rear axle, the towing capacity will drop by 10x the weight.

And we haven’t even gotten to the issue with a removable generator in an SUV. Where do you put it and its fuel?

That is amazing that Westinghouse can get it so "light weight". The 14kw Kubota is over 1000lbs.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

That is amazing that Westinghouse can get it so "light weight". The 14kw Kubota is over 1000lbs.

Kubota is engineering for longevity and regular use. Westinghouse’s big box store generators are for people who will use it two or three times in its lifetime.

 

[LastDayScout]

Kubota is engineering for longevity and regular use. Westinghouse’s big box store generators are for people who will use it two or three times in its lifetime.

Yes, that is why you see them used in "reefer" units mentioned above. Thermoking and Carrier use Kubota engines for those purposes.

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

Or Scout could dump the Harvester nonsense from the Terra only and offer a removable battery pack that slides in bed. All while offering a max pack battery that gets 420 miles. With removable battery pack that gets another 100 miles. Hey a guy can dream right?

 

[cyure]

Or Scout could dump the Harvester nonsense from the Terra only and offer a removable battery pack that slides in bed. All while offering a max pack battery that gets 420 miles. With removable battery pack that gets another 100 miles. Hey a guy can dream right?

With the Terra being longer than the Traveler wouldn’t it be possible to offer a larger battery in the Terra?

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

An OEM removable battery pack would cost a minimum of $10k and likely up to $15k-$20k, the same as the Harvester (I’m guessing).
Brand-T promised such a thing for the dumpster, but it failed to materialize.

Scout would sell a dozen of them and would never make back the engineering investment cost.

But… And don’t let Scout’s engineers see this or they’ll figure out a way to make this impossible…

If they’re engineering the BEV and the Harvester to be nearly identical, there is possibly going to be either an AC power line from the Harvester to the onboard charger or a DC power line from the Harvester’s converter to the battery…

Buying a BEV and then tapping into that line (after your warranty is expired and you’re willing to park a good 100 meters from your home), with an auxiliary aftermarket battery doesn’t seem impossible…Who knows what internal software reconfiguration would be required…

 

[R1TVT]

An OEM removable battery pack would cost a minimum of $10k and likely up to $15k-$20k, the same as the Harvester (I’m guessing).
Brand-T promised such a thing for the dumpster, but it failed to materialize.

Scout would sell a dozen of them and would never make back the engineering investment cost.

I would also doubt that Scout or any OEM would want to play that game ever.

Adding a battery pack that is ~700lbs would be a lawsuit waiting to happen.

"Honey, just going outside to take the portable battery pack out of the truck... Call an ambulance if you hear loud screams coming from the garage"