Glitches SOLVED... But Is My Bluetti DIY EverDrive EREV Ready For PRIMETIME?

[Trucked Up EVs]

The Worksport SOLIS Tonneau Cover augments it. The Bluetti Apex300/B500k combo system I chose system powers it with almost 16 kWhs, & the EverDrive prototype lets me do it all while driving.

But is my home-made 'EREV' worth it, or is a gas or diesel power source a better solution for almost every applicvation? Depends on whether you want to burn gas/diesel or not, but also what you plan to use it for.

Now that most of the bugs are fixed, the only real way to see the results is to go out and test it, which I'll be doing on the batteries only, with an Inverter aenerator, along with separate solar gain tests.

I also ran into in-parallel balancing issues due to the solar input feeding only one Apex unit. I'll now be adding a very inexpensive solar option to offset that via the other Apex unit. I'm also looking into a solar film as long as I can pull it off easily and inexpensively. Solar will never be the power source. It just augments it.

I've finally figured out my bugs with flowing through power to charge the Bluetti system while alos Level-2 charging the truck, Now that this is solved, every time I charge the truck at home, at a campsite, or a hotel, I can now leave in the morning with a usable 147 kWh instead of regular 131 kWh.

Here's the battery version of the rig so far:
Worksport SOLIS Solar Tonneau Cover
A Lectron WiFi-enabled Portable Level 2 Charger (I'll be swapping this for something more robust and with potential to splice in 2 NEMA 14-50 ends)
Two BLUETTI Apex 300 with two B500K 5kWh expansion packs
One Bluetti NEMA 14/50-to-AC cable
2 x BLUETTI MC4 to port Solar Charging Cables
2 x BLUETTI P090A External Battery Connection Cables
One Hub A1 unit mounted to the bed to link all the batteries in parallel
the EverDrive system.

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[22legit2quit]

I think it’s neat what you’ve done but fairly impractical for the the Everyman or everywoman. You’ve effectively added a battery extender, you know like the one the was supposed to be available with the cybertruck. With it you’ve effectively given it 30-50 miles of range, if that’s reasonable for the addition of $1300ish for each bluetti not counting whatever the expansions cost, your 2000 dollar tonneau cover and whatever you paid for the everdrive you must have deeper pockets than most everyone.

Adding a generator that can keep up with charging either the 11.5 or 19kw capacity would not only be cheaper and more practical for almost every application but also much more easily removable because just like many of us here being able to add significant range while not taking away from the intent behind having an EV makes sense. Most of the folks on here probably won’t be interested in this capability because their commute and normal driving would never need it, they may even have a long haul vehicle to use if they planned on traveling great distance or believed charging was an issue.

The erev is an idea that has practical application but zero profitability for big businesses. The manufacturers will have to warranty poorly engineered products that will stove pipe their sales capabilities and the oil companies will lose money on product sales due to less demand. Im going to do it when its available, I mean adding everdrive because its something I would use with a generator while camping or towing because I now have an all in one system to be off grid.

 

[Trucked Up EVs]

This EREV portion of my build series will show all options. I just began with batteries.
Being that I addressed all these points in the videos, I'm assuming you didn't watch them, so here's a recap:
1) Deeper pockets, and generators are cheaper - False. Show me one generator that is applicable to this application that gives you a continuous 11.2~19kw capacity, and I'll show you deeper pockets than my setup. A simple 8kw continuous diesel will run you $15k US to start (if you're lucky), and, with fuel, will weigh twice as much as all the batteries combined. Alternatively, the 'home portable generator' can not even be continuously used as a home backup generator because they are not built for it, so basically, for most of its life, it's an 800-lb paperweight in the garage. They are also banned from many campste and RV site due to noise. Almost none of them are EFI, which means if it's run on the highway, expect all kinds of efficiency and fail issues. Also, you have taken the purchase in a vacuum.
2) All-in-one - Almost every EV truck owner NEVER wants to go back to gasoline or diesel - for anything. Many have solar on their homes or want to have it. Almost all of them - simply because they own an EV - want home backup power. You get none of that with a portable generator. You get all of that with the batteries.
3) Portability - I have loaded both generators and these batteries into the truck. The batteries are far more portable, stackable, expandable, etc. I used an 11k Inverter generator for my extended range off-road trip long before EverDrive. Good luck loading/unloading one on your own without some help.
4) Gas generators do more - False. If I buy Bluetti primarily as a home backup system, this is half the price of a Tesla Powerwall for the same kWh, installed. If you want full home backup, you would likely get three Apex300s and three to six B500k expansion packs. It would work continuously for your home, or your RV, or your cabin, and while transporting them, they'll act as range extenders. A home backup Generac will be twice the price and compoletely immovable.

The Bluetti system is all-in-one. With three ApexI can charge at 11.2kw, faster than almost any portable home EFI Inverter generator on the market.

As I mentioned throughout the series, I'll be testing gas and diesel generators as well. The EV Truck owner can make their choice as o what is more practical for their use case.

 

[fhteagle]

First off, mad respect to @ZSC100 for all the work that has gone into EverDrive to make all this even possible, and showing up in person to install this in the other video.

With respect, I think both @22legit2quit and @Trucked Up EVs are both overselling the pros of their preferred solution and also overblowing the negatives of the other method.

Here's my attempt to be pragmatic in analyzing both. I have no need to be "right", so happy to hear nuanced discussion either way about all the possibilities.

EverDrive + Batteries:
Pros: Get to use the same batteries over and over; possible to charge at campsites, home, or work and possibly quite cheaply from solar/wind/hydro; and depending on the form factor the pieces _may_ be easier to person-load into the truck; backup power without having to fight/babysit PPOB constantly.
Cons: AFAIK, there is no way to charge the extender batteries to full in the same time frame as a DCFC charging stop, correct? Therefore this is a range extension maybe once or twice per day-ish, which does little for the most demanding use case for BEVs; cost of finished / polished solutions like Bluetti, EcoFlow, etc versus a far more capable DIY system.

EverDrive + Combustion:
Pros: Fuel availability along highway (especially way remote) locations; speed of refueling the built in gen tank and/or aux tankage; energy density of fuel / amount you can potentially bring with you.
Cons: Double stopping for DCFC and dead plankton juice (yes there are more and more locations with both, but it's still a double stop even if its the same place); all the headaches (literally), smell, noise, maintenance of combustion; serious efficiency losses in so many steps of this energy chain.

I am glad we have options to do it your own way at least. Pick the pros and cons that fit your needs, where and when you need it.

Both of these options could be improved greatly by tighter (bi-directional) DC integration between the extension energy source and the HVB (a la James Klafehn's method). I understand exactly the difficulties in doing that safely, reliably, and in an idiot-proof manner. Hence why @ZSC100 and partners are not going that direction with their in development product... but it is still the better solution when done right in my not so humble opinion.

 

[20andOut]

Question: how much does the entire system weigh? I have a BLUETTI Apex 300 (80-90# with cables) and two PV350 panels (estimating another 50-60# with cables). Looking at your setup, you’ve got panels on a tonneau cover plus 2 Apex 300 units, but not sure which model expansion batteries you have and how many of them, and any additional cables and other gear. I’m curious with the system’s added weight, have you seen a drop in MPGe or range? I could see a system like yours helping to provide power for off grid activities: camping or other power needed operations, such as charging and running trail maintenance tools like chainsaws, drones and other gear if you were on an extended search and rescue operation In backcountry, etc.

 

[Trucked Up EVs]

First off, mad respect to @ZSC100 for all the work that has gone into EverDrive to make all this even possible, and showing up in person to install this in the other video.

With respect, I think both @22legit2quit and @Trucked Up EVs are both overselling the pros of their preferred solution and also overblowing the negatives of the other method.

Here's my attempt to be pragmatic in analyzing both. I have no need to be "right", so happy to hear nuanced discussion either way about all the possibilities.

EverDrive + Batteries:
Pros: Get to use the same batteries over and over; possible to charge at campsites, home, or work and possibly quite cheaply from solar/wind/hydro; and depending on the form factor the pieces _may_ be easier to person-load into the truck; backup power without having to fight/babysit PPOB constantly.
Cons: AFAIK, there is no way to charge the extender batteries to full in the same time frame as a DCFC charging stop, correct? Therefore this is a range extension maybe once or twice per day-ish, which does little for the most demanding use case for BEVs; cost of finished / polished solutions like Bluetti, EcoFlow, etc versus a far more capable DIY system.

EverDrive + Combustion:
Pros: Fuel availability along highway (especially way remote) locations; speed of refueling the built in gen tank and/or aux tankage; energy density of fuel / amount you can potentially bring with you.
Cons: Double stopping for DCFC and dead plankton juice (yes there are more and more locations with both, but it's still a double stop even if its the same place); all the headaches (literally), smell, noise, maintenance of combustion; serious efficiency losses in so many steps of this energy chain.

I am glad we have options to do it your own way at least. Pick the pros and cons that fit your needs, where and when you need it.

Both of these options could be improved greatly by tighter (bi-directional) DC integration between the extension energy source and the HVB (a la James Klafehn's method). I understand exactly the difficulties in doing that safely, reliably, and in an idiot-proof manner. Hence why @ZSC100 and partners are not going that direction with their in development product... but it is still the better solution when done right in my not so humble opinion.

This is such a great breakdown, and from the old fart making these videos on Trucked Up EVs, I want to thank you personally for the fair critique.
Yes, using LFP batteries and a J1772 as your EverDrive power source, you're looking at two charges per day, or about 10~25% additionally at a DC fast charger, depending on the DCFC speed.
I've since tested this.
So, realistically, I'm adding about 120km, or 70 miles of range per day (without solar input). But I want to reiterate that I've been very clear in all my videos about the cons, that if you're doing the really heavy load stuff - towing maximum capacity over great distances, this isn't going to move the needle very much. You would need a high capacity gas or diesel on-highway generator to do that.
I also want to point out that one of my most successful videos on the channel was celebrating using a gas inverter generator to act as my off-grid 'charging station' and go beyond the range of the truck. I still feel this epitomizes the brilliance of EverDrive because now I could do that same trip without stopping! (stay tuned for future shenanigans)!
You'll see 'preferred methods' coming up - I promise - and I'll be just as giddy about showcasing those power sources as well.
The reality is that many EV truck owners simply don't want to ever burn a drop of fossil fuel again.
Based on channel feedback, that was the #1 choice people wanted, so that's where I started.
I will comment on your 'far more capable DIY system' assumption, however; in that this is not what most people want of will ever do, and here's why:
Many engineers and DIYers have suggested a used Nissan Leaf pack, or a Tesla model 3 assembly 'dropped in the bed'. Well, goodbye to your bed - and we both know it's not that simple. It's also not portable, multifunctional, and certainly not cheaper. The complexity will scare away most adopters, and then you have a whole new set of problems to overcome, including legal payload weight and towing capacity.
The focus for every power source for Trucked UP EVS will be simplicity, multifunctionalilty, portability, and price - whether that be battery gas, propane, or diesel.
Price out an 8kw running diesel generator for on-road use and get back to me on how that stacks up to an even more robust battery system than what I've demonstrated.
If I added another Apex300 AND a 5kWh expansion pack and achieved 11.2kw truck charging speeds, far beyond most retail 'portable generators' capacity, recharged it at the Pro Power onboard's maximum, and had the equivalent of a Nissan leaf in total KWh, it's still half the price for the entire system than the cheapest diesel option out there.
But I think you're right. Maybe my rose-coloured glasses need a shot of black-and-white reality every now and then!
These are the kinds of comments that get us all thinking about exciting solutions. My intention is not to roast gas or diesel; it is to celebrate that EverDrive is power source agnostic and, if it goes to market, for the first time, we'll have the power to choose.

 

[22legit2quit]

First off, mad respect to @ZSC100 for all the work that has gone into EverDrive to make all this even possible, and showing up in person to install this in the other video.

With respect, I think both @22legit2quit and @Trucked Up EVs are both overselling the pros of their preferred solution and also overblowing the negatives of the other method.

Here's my attempt to be pragmatic in analyzing both. I have no need to be "right", so happy to hear nuanced discussion either way about all the possibilities.

EverDrive + Batteries:
Pros: Get to use the same batteries over and over; possible to charge at campsites, home, or work and possibly quite cheaply from solar/wind/hydro; and depending on the form factor the pieces _may_ be easier to person-load into the truck; backup power without having to fight/babysit PPOB constantly.
Cons: AFAIK, there is no way to charge the extender batteries to full in the same time frame as a DCFC charging stop, correct? Therefore this is a range extension maybe once or twice per day-ish, which does little for the most demanding use case for BEVs; cost of finished / polished solutions like Bluetti, EcoFlow, etc versus a far more capable DIY system.

EverDrive + Combustion:
Pros: Fuel availability along highway (especially way remote) locations; speed of refueling the built in gen tank and/or aux tankage; energy density of fuel / amount you can potentially bring with you.
Cons: Double stopping for DCFC and dead plankton juice (yes there are more and more locations with both, but it's still a double stop even if its the same place); all the headaches (literally), smell, noise, maintenance of combustion; serious efficiency losses in so many steps of this energy chain.

I am glad we have options to do it your own way at least. Pick the pros and cons that fit your needs, where and when you need it.

Both of these options could be improved greatly by tighter (bi-directional) DC integration between the extension energy source and the HVB (a la James Klafehn's method). I understand exactly the difficulties in doing that safely, reliably, and in an idiot-proof manner. Hence why @ZSC100 and partners are not going that direction with their in development product... but it is still the better solution when done right in my not so humble opinion.

Going back and reading it I could’ve put a few more accolades for trucked up to make it more balanced.

I said it was neat and it is, all the gadgets are cooler, the battery packs the solar tonneau cover. I’ve watched his videos many times and I’m a fan. Most notably the stinky burn of gas or diesel is not a thing. Having corresponded with Zach personally on everdrive, I am more than excited to get one, like as soon as I can.

Having the choice to add whichever or both (one might be more practical depending on what you’re doing each time than the other) is a great option. I think my concern was getting this to the masses with the least question marks. As battery tech becomes more efficient coupled with battery storage capacity getting more dense, this may become a battery extending thing only. I don’t think we’re in the 2-5 year from now range for that becoming widely available in the US, but I think the options are coming.

In the short term, and I’ve queried Zach about this, I think looking at some of the most efficient setups on the market with the applicable setups on the market could really help the rollout and adoption by more than the ultra enthusiast. The setup truckedup has would be or is becoming like the higher end, all out setup. Just like I’m sure you could have a very large tri-fuel generator running on propane, with some sort of hydraulic lift, ramp or hitch mount as the similar fossil fuel option. Knowing full well that most people who are interested are going to want something a little less that they could add on to and/or upgrade as they went along.

Having upgraded my insight to effectively being an erev with the fomoco kit, I know that this is a niche market no matter how much you would try to show people that it’s really the next logical step. I’m sure that a lot of people wish for the old days when cars and trucks were much more reliable and seemed to last and were kept for a minimum of ten years. I think that the everdrive system could help not just all of us here, but if they choose to branch out into other ev truck models it could really force the industry to look at what they’re doing (or not doing) and deliver a warranty backed product that they can monetize.

 

[SunPowered]

I definitely see a use case for extended range towing (eg a small travel trailer) and I would use my 52v lithium iron rack batteries that could easily be added and removed from the bed situationally. Nice to have an option to extend range. Weight in the bed does not radically affect efficiency so there would be very little penalty for adding 2 or 4 batteries to the front of the bed at 100 lbs each. (4 would add 20 available extra kWh. Not insignificant.). I like the flexibility to occasionally add, or remove as the situation might require. The difference between 150 miles range and perhaps an enhanced 190+/- could be logistically significant. Also, extends life of truck battery by reducing number of cycles over time.

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