Community Forums

motojavaphil · 05-07-2018, 03:39 PM

Tesla recently premiered a battery powered Big Rig with a 500 mile range before having to recharge. Better yet a concrete house was made with a 3d printer. Using other, much lighter materials, it would seem a coach house could be constructed that would be more solid than current offerings. Any thoughts on this?

yowmemperor · 05-07-2018, 03:46 PM

Sure, at a cost in most cases. If one could get their hands on carbon fiber, use it wherever possible, and Aerogel for insulation, then any one of lighter materials for internals - counter tops, doors, storage, etc. You could lighten up a beat like that a ton. I would imagine at some point, too light might be a problem in some driving conditions...

Not to mention carbon nanotubes... I haven't followed their development in a couple years, super light, insanely strong.

It would sure be fun to try though!

Logan Oregon · 05-07-2018, 03:47 PM

Both are new technologies that likely will take years to work out the kinks, and bring the costs down to something reasonable.

Unless you're willing to be on the bleeding edge and perhaps spend a lot more than others, something like this will be several years out.

I'm not waiting for that, choosing instead to take what I can and enjoy my retirement. My pioneer spirit is in the adventure, not testing new technology for the next generation of coaches.

TonyMac · 05-07-2018, 03:49 PM

And how long does it take to recharge said Big Rig back up to its 500 mile range, which is about half what they range with 250 gallons of diesel?

motojavaphil · 05-07-2018, 04:20 PM

I do not know recharge time. https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gal...paign=galleryI have a friend who drives a Tesla car across country without charging issues.

motojavaphil · 05-07-2018, 04:32 PM

I realize this is new tech but the possibilities are huge. https://youtu.be/GqLayMpNruE

yowmemperor · 05-08-2018, 08:53 AM

I would imagine with a big rig, recharge times will be limited by the source. with li-on batteries, and the sheer size of the bank needed for the rig, it could take some huge amperage. I am guessing the Tesla cells range 1-1.5 C. Not sure how they are packing them hundreds, to a few thousand per pack...

Gary RVRoamer · 05-08-2018, 09:41 AM

Winnebago & Motiv Power have developed - and marketed - an all electric motorhome for commercial applications. It has a short range, about 80 miles. See https://electrek.co/2018/05/02/winne...ric-motorhome/

We are still a long way from a practical heavy duty platform with decent range. Besides, arriving at your destination with near dead batteries isn't all that great!