New GM Electric Pickup Truck

[Salts]

Have you considered a soft start device? My next compressor is going to be inverter based. That way I get soft start and modulation to boot.

I thought about putting a soft start on the air conditioner and the air compressor, its an option. Thing is, I'm in Michigan and neither are all that important. Plus I have a full basement that is always cool.

On those very rare occasions where power is out and its super hot outside, its a fine excuse to go clean up and organize downstairs.

[Ampster]

............

Darn generator won't run the air conditioner because it can't supply the startup surge. I'm hoping a couple of Sunny Island 6048's will do it.

Have you considered a soft start device? My next compressor is going to be inverter based. That way I get soft start and modulation to boot.

[Salts]

Yes, one would hope that 20 Amps could do a lot in that situation. It could keep my refrig and a few lights on during a blackout. At least that is what a bmneighbor did recently with his RV.

We run 2 fridges, 3 freezers, a well pump, 3 computers, sump pump, house fans, lights, and a television on our 5000 watt portable Coleman (natural gas) generator, and its not even putting out full power. I've always considered 5000 watts with as much surge capacity as I can get, to be the goal.

Darn generator won't run the air conditioner because it can't supply the startup surge. I'm hoping a couple of Sunny Island 6048's will do it.

[Mike90250]

I predict it will take about a week for some construction guy to figure out how to get unlimited mileage using the welder's 240V generator in the back of the truck.....

[Ampster]

240 volts @ 20amps is a significant amount of power.

Yes, one would hope that 20 Amps could do a lot in that situation. It could keep my refrig and a few lights on during a blackout. At least that is what a bmneighbor did recently with his RV.

[Salts]

That is until we know the power offered by that output. I would venture that it would be maxed at 20 Amps. That is all that would be needed at most small construction sites or boondocking.

240 volts @ 20amps is a significant amount of power.

[Ampster]

If they are talking about having 240v outputs on these work truck I would just you that. No modification to the vehicle at all.

That is until we know the power offered by that output. I would venture that it would be maxed at 20 Amps. That is all that would be needed at most small construction sites or boondocking.

[BoloMKXXVIII]

I don't think it is any safer, nor do I think this idea would work. Lithium batteries in vehicles are configured for higher voltages than what most off-grid users require. The off-grid portion of my solar system is powered by a Chevy Volt battery that was originally 380 volts. I reconfigured it into 48 volt modules.

Boy would I love to get my hands on a 180kw pack.. I might have to buy a Delorean and build a Flux Capacitor!

If they are talking about having 240v outputs on these work truck I would just you that. No modification to the vehicle at all.

[Salts]

I figure I will wait about 2 years after they are released then try to find one that was totaled by the insurance company but the battery/electrical system is still intact (I know it will be difficult to find). Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, just use the vehicle complete as a storage system. Maybe cut off the "truck" parts and put the rest in a shed. Much safer then trying to remove the battery and building a custom charging system.

I don't think it is any safer, nor do I think this idea would work. Lithium batteries in vehicles are configured for higher voltages than what most off-grid users require. The off-grid portion of my solar system is powered by a Chevy Volt battery that was originally 380 volts. I reconfigured it into 48 volt modules.

Boy would I love to get my hands on a 180kw pack.. I might have to buy a Delorean and build a Flux Capacitor!

[Ampster]

Here is a Car and Driver review. https://www.caranddriver.com/tesla/pickup-truck

The issue with using a complete Tesla pack will be finding an inverter that works at the pack voltage. Existing Model S and Model X modules are 24 volts (16 modules in a pack). The modules in the Model 3 are larger and the above article suggests the pickup pack might be 800 volts.
There already is a market for 24 volt modules at about $1,200 which is under $0.30 per Watthour.

[BoloMKXXVIII]

I figure I will wait about 2 years after they are released then try to find one that was totaled by the insurance company but the battery/electrical system is still intact (I know it will be difficult to find). Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, just use the vehicle complete as a storage system. Maybe cut off the "truck" parts and put the rest in a shed. Much safer then trying to remove the battery and building a custom charging system.

[Ampster]

It looks like the Tesla pickup might not be ready for production until 2022. If is is available for $60k and it has a range of 400 miles that would be $0.43 per kWh for a portable Lithium pack of about 140 kWhours. I am assuming it gets 350 Watts per mile which is how I translated 400 mile range into a 140 kWh pack.

[Paul Land]

Wow, a self propelled battery !

Brilliant idea if I do say so.

[Mike90250]

Wow, a self propelled battery !

[Ampster]

I drive a plugin hybrid that I recharge from my household solar power system.

I have been following the development of the Bollinger Farm utility truck, I would love to drive one of those.

The Tesla and Rivian pickups, which supposedly are already in production for 2020 say they will have a 120/240 volt AC receptacle. Ford has invested in Rivian and Bollinger looks promising. GM has some catching up to do if they want a piece of that market.

Those 240 volt plugs might be able to drive some small loads during a blackout.