Switching Harvester to All EV Model?

[SpaceEVDriver]

Anything mounted on bars on a roof will be detrimental to range. With the Terra, there is an interesting opportunity with the pick-up bed to seamlessly integrate a solar tonneau... This would be an interesting option to consider for truck owners, or if you wanted to eliminate the large glass roof and combine a solar roof with a solar tonneau. Still not really enough power generation for anything truly revolutionary. but interesting for camping or accessories or when leaving the truck unattended for long periods.

https://insideevs.com/news/737297/rivian-r1t-solar-tonneau-cover/

I have a rack that’s just below the roofline on the Lighting so I can mount the panels on the rack and it doesn’t create any additional drag. I’ve seen the tonneau covers, but they’re very expensive. Most of the tonneau covers I’ve seen have been around 600 Watts, and that’s about what I can do with my rack too. That’s a great number for a 3- or 4-day camping trip in my area. I’ve done the math in other posts, but 600 watts at 50% loss for all the reasons is 300 Watts. For my spring and summer camping, that’s 10-14 hours of sunlight, or 3kWh to 4.2 kWh per day, which is enough to give the truck 9-10 miles per day, or ~40-55 miles. I charge the power station at home so it’s ready to use the first night without solar. I have a favorite location that’s 410 miles round trip with no fast chargers and just one or two L2 charging possibilities on the route. With a 320-350 mile range (slower roads for a good chunk of the drive) in the Lightning, we can make it with the solar, but only on a longer weekend. The convenience of a tonneau cover could be worth the cost.

 

[J Alynn]

On a truck none of that is a concern since everything can be in the bed and one can purchase relatively water-resistant power stations and chargers.

If I were doing this with an SUV, I’d run the DC lines through one of the many rubber-sealed entry points like at the (equivalent of) firewall. For the output to the J1772 port, it’ll be more difficult to find a large enough entry, but hopefully there will be at least one. If not, one could just set the power station outside while charging.

Agree but that power charger looks like it could be a great grab and go feature for those with sticky fingers. Would almost be nice to put a rubber sealer entry right next to the exterior outlets on side of traveler. That way it’s under the port door. Maybe it could be worked that way but thinking hole might get a bit large and cumbersome

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Agree but that power charger looks like it could be a great grab and go feature for those with sticky fingers. Would almost be nice to put a rubber sealer entry right next to the exterior outlets on side of traveler. That way it’s under the port door. Maybe it could be worked that way but thinking hole might get a bit large and cumbersome

I’m sure there’s a way to set it up. As one random example, they could provide an after-market or special “solar option” that includes a a J1772 or NACS plug in the interior of the Traveler that has an interlock with the J1772 plug on the exterior of the vehicle. That would be a lot of extra engineering, so I wouldn’t be a fan of Scout Motors doing the work. But if they provide upfitter compatibility, I can imagine several upfitters would be interested in such an option. As part of the “solar ready option,” they could include an XT-90 plug under the charge panel that provides a straight-through to an XT-90 plug on the interior. Solar could be plugged into that, the auxiliary battery could be plugged into the interior XT-90, then the output from the auxiliary battery could be plugged into the interior J1772/NACS plug. Super straightforward, no extra holes, etc.

I spend a fair amount of my camping time reading and napping in the shade near the vehicle. I’ve never lost a panel to sticky fingers, but I do leave the tonneau cover closed when away from the truck.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

Over the weekend my wife and I did a roughly 370 mile road trip. We started in Missoula, traveled through Hamilton and onto the Bannack Ghost Town. From there we traveled to Dillon for lunch, and then headed back home to Missoula. I started wondering what this trip would have been like in a full EV. Using Google Maps (see below) there would have been a charger roughly an hour into our trip, and then the next was an out of way detour. According to Google Maps, charging in Dillon while at lunch wasn’t an option (I looked for a charger at the public parking and didn’t see one). This trip was another example where in my area a full on EV just isn’t the right fit for me. If I look at Scout, it’s Harvester or bust.

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

Over the weekend my wife and I did a roughly 370 mile road trip. We started in Missoula, traveled through Hamilton and onto the Bannack Ghost Town. From there we traveled to Dillon for lunch, and then headed back home to Missoula. I started wondering what this trip would have been like in a full EV. Using Google Maps (see below) there would have been a charger roughly an hour into our trip, and then the next was an out of way detour. According to Google Maps, charging in Dillon while at lunch wasn’t an option (I looked for a charger at the public parking and didn’t see one). This trip was another example where in my area a full on EV just isn’t the right fit for me. If I look at Scout, it’s Harvester or bust.
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You should download plug share. It lists three places to charge in Dillon

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Over the weekend my wife and I did a roughly 370 mile road trip. We started in Missoula, traveled through Hamilton and onto the Bannack Ghost Town. From there we traveled to Dillon for lunch, and then headed back home to Missoula. I started wondering what this trip would have been like in a full EV. Using Google Maps (see below) there would have been a charger roughly an hour into our trip, and then the next was an out of way detour. According to Google Maps, charging in Dillon while at lunch wasn’t an option (I looked for a charger at the public parking and didn’t see one). This trip was another example where in my area a full on EV just isn’t the right fit for me. If I look at Scout, it’s Harvester or bust.
View attachment 6228View attachment 6229

It's better and worse than Google suggests.
That first charger, the "EV Gateway Charging Station" is a 7.2 kW charger, which is Level 2 and slow for use on a road trip. It would be the one I would stop at for lunch on the way home if I were going the opposite direction.

Google doesn't show the several other L2 chargers available on the route.

That said, it is no doubt very sparse and if someone is relying on one of those L2s to be operational and it wasn't, they might be quite unhappy.

In my mind, the ~1.5-2 mile detour east on I-15 to the supercharger or EA charger isn't all that much of a detour, but I know some people don't like any kind of doubling-back.

For me this trip wouldn't be a big deal in an all-electric like the Mustang (312 miles range), Lightning (320 miles range), a long or max range Rivian (>300 or >400 miles range), or the 350 mile range of a Scout. But I wouldn't expect someone new to EVs to try it out as their first trip.

 

[OH1984]

It's better and worse than Google suggests.
That first charger, the "EV Gateway Charging Station" is a 7.2 kW charger, which is Level 2 and slow for use on a road trip. It would be the one I would stop at for lunch on the way home if I were going the opposite direction.

Google doesn't show the several other L2 chargers available on the route.

That said, it is no doubt very sparse and if someone is relying on one of those L2s to be operational and it wasn't, they might be quite unhappy.

In my mind, the ~1.5-2 mile detour east on I-15 to the supercharger or EA charger isn't all that much of a detour, but I know some people don't like any kind of doubling-back.

For me this trip wouldn't be a big deal in an all-electric like the Mustang (312 miles range), Lightning (320 miles range), a long or max range Rivian (>300 or >400 miles range), or the 350 mile range of a Scout. But I wouldn't expect someone new to EVs to try it out as their first trip.

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I had a similar issue last weekend driving to red river gorge KY. There was one level 2 charger at a cafe that estimated a 4hr charge time near our camp site. I plugged into with a level 1 at the site after charging at the cafe for lunch.

Either 65 miles to Richmond Kentucky or Lexington and I drove to Lexington to the super charger then back. Hindsight I should have stopped at Lexington on the way.

We stayed less than I planned due to storms and made it back home with about 20% charge left. I hope infrastructure is vastly improved in a couple years then I will most likely switch to full EV.

2023 Tesla Model 3 performance with est 231 miles from 80% and 192 miles from 100%.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

It's better and worse than Google suggests.
That first charger, the "EV Gateway Charging Station" is a 7.2 kW charger, which is Level 2 and slow for use on a road trip. It would be the one I would stop at for lunch on the way home if I were going the opposite direction.

Google doesn't show the several other L2 chargers available on the route.

That said, it is no doubt very sparse and if someone is relying on one of those L2s to be operational and it wasn't, they might be quite unhappy.

In my mind, the ~1.5-2 mile detour east on I-15 to the supercharger or EA charger isn't all that much of a detour, but I know some people don't like any kind of doubling-back.

For me this trip wouldn't be a big deal in an all-electric like the Mustang (312 miles range), Lightning (320 miles range), a long or max range Rivian (>300 or >400 miles range), or the 350 mile range of a Scout. But I wouldn't expect someone new to EVs to try it out as their first trip.

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For me the detour on I-15 is an inconvenience because we weren’t headed that way, and it wasn’t a lunch stop. On your search it looks like we could have charged in Dillon. The point I was making for me, is that a vehicle has to meet my lifestyle needs. I’m not changing who I am or how I travel for a vehicle. The Harvester seems to be a good option for folks like me. On a normal week back and forth to work I travel less than 100 miles, and an EV makes a lot of sense. It’s the longer trips where an EV falls on its face for me. The Harvester gives me the best of both worlds.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

You should download plug share. It lists three places to charge in Dillon

You’re not wrong. However, doing a little interweb searching, the chargers were still not in a great place. We ate lunch at Papa T’s, and on this map it looks like a bit of a walk to lunch while the car is charging. Again, I’m not arguing for or against EV’s for other people. I just need it to be more convenient before I make the change. I’ll take a deep look at the Harvester when the time comes, but I’m not ready to give up the gas and go option when I need it.

 

[BartMan Terra Total EV]

You’re not wrong. However, doing a little interweb searching, the chargers were still not in a great place. We ate lunch at Papa T’s, and on this map it looks like a bit of a walk to lunch while the car is charging. Again, I’m not arguing for or against EV’s for other people. I just need it to be more convenient before I make the change. I’ll take a deep look at the Harvester when the time comes, but I’m not ready to give up the gas and go option when I need it.

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I am certainly not trying to talk you out of a Harvester. I will say if driving a few miles in the wrong direction or having to walk a bit to lunch is to inconvenient then yes a Harvester is what you should go for 100 %.

 

[Chavannigans]

You’re not wrong. However, doing a little interweb searching, the chargers were still not in a great place. We ate lunch at Papa T’s, and on this map it looks like a bit of a walk to lunch while the car is charging. Again, I’m not arguing for or against EV’s for other people. I just need it to be more convenient before I make the change. I’ll take a deep look at the Harvester when the time comes, but I’m not ready to give up the gas and go option when I need it.

View attachment 6235

These situations are why we are planning to bring our e-bikes on road trips. It will open up some more options for food and sight seeing while we charge the truck. It isnt a perfect solution since weather isnt always agreeable but it will still be worth the effort when it is.

 

[R1TVT]

You’re not wrong. However, doing a little interweb searching, the chargers were still not in a great place. We ate lunch at Papa T’s, and on this map it looks like a bit of a walk to lunch while the car is charging. Again, I’m not arguing for or against EV’s for other people. I just need it to be more convenient before I make the change. I’ll take a deep look at the Harvester when the time comes, but I’m not ready to give up the gas and go option when I need it.

It sounds like you re-convinced yourself to get the Harvester, and if i were you I would get the Harvester. You could do the entire trip without stopping for gas or electricity. If that is what is important and you are OK with the trade-offs, then yes, you should get the Harvester...

 

[OH1984]

It sounds like you re-convinced yourself to get the Harvester, and if i were you I would get the Harvester. You could do the entire trip without stopping for gas or electricity. If that is what is important and you are OK with the trade-offs, then yes, you should get the Harvester...

Hoping infrastructure is improved vastly then can go EV.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I know I sound like I’m shitting on the whole EV thing, and I don’t mean to be. I’m just not ready to give up the gas backup for my use. The Harvester is really exciting for me.

 

[J Alynn]

I know I sound like I’m shitting on the whole EV thing, and I don’t mean to be. I’m just not ready to give up the gas backup for my use. The Harvester is really exciting for me.

I don’t take it that way. My in-laws live in Circle so I get its rural in Montana and upper midwestern states. I think in your use scenario it makes complete sense. I think those who live in heavily populated areas with plenty of charging and still refuse considering EV is a bit of a different story. But in the end-SM realizes their are different buyers so to each their own

 

[cyure]

I know I sound like I’m shitting on the whole EV thing, and I don’t mean to be. I’m just not ready to give up the gas backup for my use. The Harvester is really exciting for me.

Which is exactly why they are offering both and I hope people are happy with whatever they choose.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I know I sound like I’m shitting on the whole EV thing, and I don’t mean to be. I’m just not ready to give up the gas backup for my use. The Harvester is really exciting for me.

I don't think that's what you sound like. I think you sound like someone who hasn't experienced an EV and has good reasons to worry about whether a BEV would be right for you. The midwest has an infrastructure that's not welcoming to EVs and that causes a catch-22 for potential EV buyers (who spends first? The infrastructure developers or the EV buyers?). The Harvester will likely help usher in support for expanding that infrastructure, but who knows.

Everybody I know who has tried an EV for more than a few drives has decided to stay with EVs and are hoping to get entirely away from gas ASAP.

Well, everybody except one family. They got scammed by the used car dealer who sold them a known lemon without disclosing that it was a lemon. Unfortunately they're in a state without decent protections for used car buyers.

The electrification of vehicles has followed the typical technology adoption model fairly closely. First there were some very early adopters of DIY EVs and early adopters with the EV1 and Rav4 EV, then that kind of fizzled because the battery technology wasn't ready. Next were early adopters of hybrids (Toyota Prius and Honda Insight) who were given all kinds of grief, but who were ultimately proved correct (no major battery replacement failures or costs). Now almost everyone is willing to consider a hybrid, and almost all manufacturers have hybrid options for almost all classes of vehicles. Then EVs using Lithium came along and that opened the door to EVs being usable in many more scenarios. The infrastructure is still catching up, but nearly every manufacturer has at least a couple of EV options.

I can't imagine myself going back to a gas vehicle. I don't even like to ride my motorcycle anymore because it's loud and I'd have to go to a gas station to go more than about 50 miles. I'm itching to replace my tractor for similar reasons.

 

[LastDayScout]

I know I sound like I’m shitting on the whole EV thing, and I don’t mean to be. I’m just not ready to give up the gas backup for my use. The Harvester is really exciting for me.

Do what works for you. I think you fall in the group that might actually need the Harvester. Good for Scout by covering a wider swath (see what I did there) of the market.

 

[oldgeeksguide]

I know I sound like I’m shitting on the whole EV thing, and I don’t mean to be. I’m just not ready to give up the gas backup for my use. The Harvester is really exciting for me.

I’m a big ev fan, but I’m glad Scout has the harvester option, making it a good choice for a lot more people. It’s a gateway drug