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January 26, 2010
Tomorrow’s World
Are You Ready for Electric Trucks?
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Jay Giraud believes in electric trucks for fleets.
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Up to now, there is nothing quite like electrical power to move a vehicle without polluting. It seems like the way to go in a near future. Many manufacturers have already unveiled promising electric cars, while some small car makers have already ventured into the segment. But have you ever thought of an electric truck?
Yes, Ford has already promised us an all-electric Transit Connect mini delivery van. And it has also presented us a propane powered F-150 prepared by Roush Industries. But an all-electric pick-up? At any rate, it makes sense for Vancouver’s Jay Giraud. Jay used to be a professional snowboarder who had quite a career, including his own line of organic clothing. Now, he wants to venture into the automotive scene.
Electrical power, the only solution
Like most newcomers in the business, Jay is more interested in newer technologies. He says he was blown away by the Honda Hydrogen program but he thinks that the American FCX does not really fit the need. Now, he would like to put electric motors into Ford pick-ups.
Why Ford pick-up? “Because I think that fleet vehicles would be the perfect choice for electrical power and, as far as I know, Ford dominates the fleet market, GM comes in second,” says Jay. Teaming up with Metro Ford in Vancouver, he has begun modifying some Ford products to run electric motors. Though he is targeting the F-150, he has started with a few Escapes.
Obviously, fuel economy and preservation of the environment are his first concerns, but Jay also thinks about durability and reliability. According to our man in Vancouver, he sees many advantages to switching to electric motors, especially that a regular gasoline-powered car engine with a transmission has thousands of moving parts including the complexity of oil, fuel, and their lines. In the case of the electric motor, there is only one moving part and owners don’t have to worry about pressure or anything else.
Only advantages
Jay thinks that there will be a big demand very soon for electric powertrains. He is the founder and CEO of Rapid Electric Vehicles (REV), a company that has been developing replacement electric drivetrains for light trucks like the F-150. He has begun work with Metro Ford and his product includes all that’s needed to convert a new truck like an F-150 to electrical power including mounting brackets. No need for an automatic transmission when the power steering becomes electric, too! Charging problems? REV is looking to work with governments (both in U.S. and Canada) to install charging stations that could very well be integrated to regular service stations using standard 120 volt outlets.
REV plans to modify some 1,000 vehicles this year. Most of them will be installed and serviced at Ford dealers. Actually, the REV system can even be fitted within a slightly used truck. To him, concentration on fleet vehicles makes a lot of “dollars and sense.” Obviously, the startup ramp is steep. But we, at fleetdigest, will keep a close eye on the evolution of the project. Because, admit it, it makes a lot of sense, mostly for fleet and commercial vehicle owners!
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Eric Descarries