A YouTube channel called The Fast Lane Truck ran a distance test, gas powered against an electric. The vehicles tested was the GMC Denali and Ford F150 Lightning towing a 6,000 ton travel trailer.
NOTE: I am not going to link directly to their YouTube site. They seem to be apolitical, and probably want to stay that way. BTW: if you do watch the video there will be other videos covering the same subject. They are also worth a watch if you have a few minutes.
On board distance calculator for the F150 estimated the range at a 100% charge will be 160 miles. The Denali's range was estimated to be around 260 miles.
It soon became apparent the distance the Lightning was going to be able to travel was going to be much shorter than originally estimated. Just a few minutes down the road the Lightning lost 10 miles of range.
The estimated range of the F150 had to frequently be recalculated downwards, shortening the distance it could travel before it needed to be charged. The range to the F150 continued to drop. So much so that the test vehicle had to turn around to go back to a fast-charging station. It wasn't going to come anywhere close to where charging stations would be available if it had continued south. He traveled about 90 miles on the original charge.
The GMC also turned around, heading back to the original starting point. The GMC made it back to the starting point with about 70 miles remaining on the estimated range.
When the Denali returned to the starting point it took 17.4 gallons to fill up the tank at a cost of $94.00 (9 MPG) The driver of the F150 didn't fully charge his truck, topping off at 75%. He also anticipated he would need to stop again to charge he vehicle. It took 45 minutes to get to 75%. It cost $27.00 to charge the Lightning to 75%. Charging to 75% will obviously have an impact on the overall range the Lightning can travel before needing another squirt of electricity.
The cost difference was about $14.00. And that is at former VP Biden's gas prices. I'm sure most of you remember we were paying about $2.50 a gallon just 18 months ago. I wonder if the cost to charge electric vehicles has gone up as much over the past 18 month.
Rough calculations. The Denali needed $94.00 worth of gas to travel 156 miles. The F150 would need to spend about $80.00 to go the same distance. A third stop will be necessary since it was charged to 75% at the first stop. As I pointed out above, the Lightning needed to turn around to find a charging station. Interestingly, this was along I-25 through Denver. Colorado is state that is known for taking the whole green energy bait hook, line, and sinker. Yet, along the major north-south route through the state, there were large gaps between clusters of charging stations. Not enough charging stations for the trip to be straight forward. Lots of planning and stops (each a minimum of 45 minutes) would be necessary to keep the F150 moving in the direction intended. Due to the longer range and availability of gas stations, planning stops would be a lot less frustrating. Plus the time difference. 10 minutes to fill up?
I have done several blogs posts over the years about electric vehicles. As you might imagine, I am not in favor. The technology just isn't there yet. We have reached the apex of battery technology. Until a better way comes along, electric vehicles are not going to replace gas and diesel engines.
Not unless it is forced upon us.
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