multiple occasions and even spoke with the CEO, and now they’ve achieved another significant milestone: towing 8,000 pounds with their custom-built pickup that began as a 1995 Dodge and now operates with electric axles and a diesel generator under the hood.
The last update we provided on this vehicle noted that it had just moved under its own power for the first time. However, operation was restricted to basic forward and backward movements, as much work remained to make it fully drivable. Now, it has successfully completed a series of safety inspections, and it’s towing a large Airstream camper on public roads.
The truck you see here—named the ReCharger—was formerly powered by a 12-valve, 5.9-liter Cummins diesel. It still features a Cummins, in fact, but a smaller R2.8 four-cylinder. This engine acts as a mobile generator, charging the onboard battery that powers the electric axles. This powertrain concept was originally developed for locomotives over a century ago and has been adapted for this pickup truck. Edison also adopts this strategy for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
In this video, you can see how effortlessly the pickup tows the vintage camper. Acceleration from a standstill is smooth, and what’s even more impressive is the control it maintains over the load. While diesel engines often rely on Jake brakes or exhaust brakes to slow down a truck-and-trailer combination, this series-hybrid utilizes regenerative braking. It’s set to a level that allows the friction brakes to remain largely unused during typical operation. Meanwhile, the truck is recapturing that expended energy and channeling it back into the battery for reuse. It’s advantageous for everyone involved.
We Connected an Airstream to Our Hybrid Ram Truck (Initial Towing Test)
Edison’s VP of Pickups, Rich DeBoss, stated that with a fully charged 60-kilowatt-hour battery, the vehicle has towed the Airstream for approximately 75 miles. While the diesel engine’s main role is to recharge the battery during operation, they are still fine-tuning the setup. Although this particular R2.8 Cummins was believed to be a newer model with a more powerful tune, DeBoss suggests that it’s actually an earlier engine generating less than 300 lb-ft of torque. He believes that a larger engine, ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 liters, would be optimal. For now, they are making it work with the smaller four-cylinder that operates around 2,600 rpm, with a goal to achieve a quieter 1,800 rpm in the future.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that this is still very much a prototype. DeBoss notes that future versions of the truck will be more polished, featuring the generator activating automatically as required (they are currently engaging it manually). Additionally, while Edison intended to offer the bundled hardware as a kit, it seems they have encountered legal hurdles in Canada. Nevertheless, the company aims to pursue the original equipment manufacturer route, allowing them to market Edison-branded pickups equipped with series-hybrid powertrains. They may also offer individual components for builders interested in embarking on such a project themselves.
DeBoss is such a strong advocate for the project that he has left his former YouTube channel, DeBoss Garage, to dedicate himself to Edison full-time. The Canadian firm has made significant progress, evolving from operating out of a basement to establishing a fully functional shop with a dirt floor—talk about making strides. On a lighter note, it will be fascinating to observe what Edison can eventually achieve with these diesel-electric pickups. It wouldn’t be surprising if larger manufacturers followed suit when regulations necessitate such changes.
The truckers in a shed outperforming Tesla with century-old EV technology
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**Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck Exhibits Capability by Effortlessly Towing 8,000-Pound Airstream**
The automotive sector is experiencing a considerable transition towards hybrid and electric vehicles, with manufacturers investigating innovative technologies to improve performance and efficiency. One of the most thrilling advancements in this field is the Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck, which has recently demonstrated its remarkable towing abilities by smoothly towing an 8,000-pound Airstream trailer.
### Overview of the Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck
The Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck stands as a combination of conventional diesel power and contemporary electric technology. This hybrid model aims to merge the advantages of both worlds: the torque and distance of a diesel engine with the efficiency and lower emissions of electric drive. The truck is tailored for both city driving and heavy-duty applications, making it a flexible choice for various consumers.
### Towing Performance
A key highlight of the Edison Pickup Truck is its towing capacity. In a recent demonstration, the truck effectively towed an 8,000-pound Airstream trailer, showcasing its formidable performance capabilities. The synergy of diesel and electric power facilitates significant torque delivery, which is essential for towing heavy loads. The electric motor’s instant torque enhances acceleration and simplifies the process of starting to tow a heavy trailer.
### Efficiency and Range
The Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck is designed for optimal efficiency. The hybrid system enables ideal fuel consumption, particularly in towing scenarios where traditional diesel engines might falter. The electric component can contribute during low-speed operations, such as parking or maneuvering in tight spaces, which not only saves fuel but also minimizes emissions. This dual powertrain arrangement ensures that drivers can benefit from a longer range without frequent fueling, making it ideal for long journeys or extended outdoor excursions.
### Environmental Impact
With an increasing global focus on sustainability, the Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck offers a more eco-friendly alternative to standard trucks. By incorporating electric technology, the vehicle lowers greenhouse gas emissions and diminishes the carbon footprint linked with towing heavy loads. This aligns with the rising demand for greener transportation options, especially among environmentally aware consumers.
### User Experience and Features
In addition to its remarkable towing ability, the Edison Pickup Truck is outfitted with advanced features aimed at enriching the user experience. These include smart towing technologies that assist drivers in managing their loads, such as integrated trailer brakes and stability control systems. The vehicle also features a cozy interior with modern infotainment systems, ensuring that both drivers and passengers enjoy their trips, whether traveling on highways or off the beaten path.
### Conclusion
The Diesel-Electric Edison Pickup Truck exemplifies the future of automotive engineering, merging the advantages of diesel and electric power to create a vehicle that excels in performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Its capability to effortlessly tow an 8,000-pound Airstream trailer highlights its strengths, making it a compelling choice for consumers who need a dependable and powerful pickup truck. As the appetite for hybrid vehicles grows, the Edison Pickup Truck is at the vanguard of this transformation, paving the way for a new chapter in transportation.