Sales numbers for first half of 2024 are 31% growth for Tundra, 20% decline for Ram P/U. That's for 1500 and HD versions of Ram combined. Ram 1500 alone probably declined even more
Lets figure this out with Math.
The question is how much power is needed to tow X Mass Y distance
The Silverado EV towed a 6,500 lb car enclosed car trailer 232 miles on a charge
The Silverado used 204.9 KWh.
It consumed 1.13 KWh per Mile.
To match that with 80KWh with a Range Extender would look like 92 miles (80KWh) from the Battery+ 139 miles (120KWh) from the Range extender.
One gallon of gasoline equals 33.7 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.
ICE engines are ~ 20-40% efficient
At 30% efficiency, the range extender would need 12 gallons of gas to generate 120KWh
If they averaged 65mph (65mph/232mph)*204.9KWh= an average of 57.4KW, or 77hp were used to pull that trailer.
If the steady-state energy requirements were doubled to ~154hp.
It makes sense to target the output of the Range Extender at 150-170hp (110-125 KW) close to 2x the Average power demand. Using the Battery to boost acceleration and capture the energy from deceleration.
Of course, this system could use many operational patterns. IMO, range extenders should be optimized to be used as a battery substitute, not to charge the battery.
My 2023 Ford escape hybrid with less than 5k miles is going into sleep mode to save the battery, canceling all remote features. They also thought it was electrical. I now believe it is the COMPUTER. I've taken it in twice for that and other smaller things like the dash computer screens constantly changing. Now my has mileage is now less than 30 mpg (it was about 40 just a few weeks ago). Suddenly they have no appointments available at GALPIN Ford!! I called my salesman and mentioned the LEMON LAW. I'm now waiting for his call back.
P.S. that flapping/ bouncing in the rear of your car or truck when going over 50 mph is the LIFTERS. I had that happen in a brand new ford years ago. They told me to open (or was it close) the back windows. I said No, NO, NO. Find out what is wrong and fix it! They did.
Ford's head honcho and the other big shots are scared as shit on how good them Chinese automakers are
The WSJ explains that the Chinese have managed to overturn the pecking order with “elegant, low-cost engineering” and by “using a low-cost supply base to undercut the competition on price,” namely the competition from Western automakers whose brand cache is no longer competitive against Chinese brands selling cheaper, well-made cars while “moving at light speed". And other Ford executives agree, admitting to Farley that Chinese EVs are, indeed, ahead of Ford and other domestic automakers in America.
Farley considers them an “immediate threat in Europe and other overseas markets, and a long-term risk in Ford’s profit engine of North America, regardless of protectionist measures.” Whereas global carmakers once hardly saw the Chinese as a threat, they are now gasping to catch up. That’s why Ford is paying more attention to its Chinese partners and rivals, and is no longer taking them for granted.
A pushrod v8 making the same hp makes way more tq at a lower rpm than a dohc v8. Even the ecoboost makes more tq than the coyote. It's an awesome engine for light cars and does pretty good in the 150, but don't act like it has the grunt needed for a superduty class vehicle.
Yea, Central Indiana Toyota dealerships are raking in the dough selling Tundras and Tacomas to people who used to own a Ford, Mopar, or GM truck. The conquest/defection ratio chart confirms this
Wouldn’t that require a transmission? One of the claimed benefits of the EREV is you eliminate the cost/complexity of a transmission.
It will be fascinating to see what the final drive train becomes. I’m skeptical that they can make this perform under load on the highway. I think if they took the F-150’s hybrid implementation and made it a PHEV with a larger battery it would perform very well. But, it would be more complex and expensive.
I think it is clear that Ford does not intend to compete in those markets as a volume OEM in passenger vehicles. They've pulled back significantly already in all those markets to focus on large imported SUVs, pickup trucks and vans. The only market where Ford has somewhat relevant need for B-segment car is Europe and they have that covered with Puma.
And who knows... there is probably 50/50 chance that Ford will stop selling passenger vehicles in Europe so even Puma is probably on the bubble.