Community Forums

Scarab0088 · 03-17-2013, 09:49 PM

Thanks to Mike for the interesting OP.

Too bad that threads sometimes get hijacked..."unsubscribe" - "Click"

Craig_R · 03-17-2013, 10:29 PM

Large fleets would like nothing more than to move to greener vehicles, but it has to be cost effective. This is an interesting interview with Mitch Jackson who is the FedEx VP for Environmental Affairs about improving the corporation's fuel costs.

FedEx's electric truck challenge - YouTube

Oldme · 03-18-2013, 08:53 AM

Wow now Popular Mechanics is more objective that local news.

I guess that is an interpretation of "Objective thinking".

Time will tell, why there are the same problems in Europe and other countries as we have here in the USA, around fracking areas.

I do not believe in Global Coincidences.

**JohnRR** · 03-18-2013, 08:57 AM

This seems like the time to point out we are getting off topic here, maybe time for a new thread if you all would like to continue.

Oldme · 03-19-2013, 07:57 AM

JOHNRR,
I agree and apologize for getting astray on the battery issue.

I hope the Japanese (?) manufacturer that is trying to now get the patient gets it and make smaller batteries that will work as house batteries.

DriVer · 03-19-2013, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldme

I hope the Japanese (?) manufacturer that is trying to now get the patient gets it and make smaller batteries that will work as house batteries.

I am hoping that we will see US based battery manufacturers come up to speed in this technology discipline if they have not already mastered the art.

FEDEX is pleased with the performance of it's electric van fleet although EV cost three time more money than a dinosaur fueled vehicle.

wmpbauer · 03-25-2013, 08:19 AM

Two companies:
Lithionics Battery, Lithionics Battery - Clearwater, FL
Smart Battery, Home Lithium RV / Marine Batteries - Tampa, FL

Both are actively engaged in research and development of lithium RV batteries. Batteries are more expensive than flooded cell, but weigh much less. The extra cost could amortize over time with less weight to haul around.

Emerging battery technologies like this will change some of our habits as they are either rejected or proven in the marketplace, which is where they have to compete. An example is the move to residential refrigerators, which has been pretty viable the last couple of years because of a combination of development in refrigerator thermal efficiency, MH electrical management, and system controller integration.

Motorhome engineers are more system integrators than researchers. They're probably not going to just jump on-board with a developing technology unless it is proven in other applications and cost-benefit analysis matches what customers demand. I know that my new Aspire is going to be heavy on the battery side of the coach. One way Entegra COULD eliminate that problem would be to replace lead/acid flooded cell technology with Lithium Ion storage technology. It would not be without cost, however, because the battery is more expensive. Of course, if you factor in Entegra and Spartan Chassis having to pony up for bigger tires and a more expensive front axle (their current solution), then the cost-benefit becomes more reasonable. Even so, I don't look for that to happen in the immediate future.