Although Edison Motors may not be a household name yet, the company recently developed an electric conversion kit for Class 8 trucks. This kit replaces the original powertrain with a combination of a diesel generator, a sizable battery pack, and an electric motor. The company is now gearing up to offer a similar package tailored to various pickup trucks, including models like the square body Chevy and classic Ford F-Series.
The installation process involves the removal of the original axles, replaced by one or two of Edison's electric axles, depending on the customer's preference. A single e-axle provides 350 horsepower, while models equipped with two electric motors deliver a robust 500 horsepower. The original driveline and transmission are swapped out for a Caterpillar diesel engine, serving as a generator. A lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack with capacities of either 60 kWh or 90 kWh is installed alongside an inverter control unit.
Edison's system operates on a 600-volt electrical architecture, with essential control modules housed within a spacious toolkit-inspired storage unit in the bed of the pickup. The company offers options for both single-rear-wheel and dually configurations, describing its retrofit models as "torque monsters" with a staggering 8,000 lb-ft (10,846 Nm) of torque and a top speed of around 140 mph (225 km/h).
Interestingly, Edison Motors notes that the electric conversion could theoretically be applied to new trucks as well. However, they acknowledge that this would be more challenging due to the additional software and technologies found in newer models. Certified Edison dealers will be responsible for installing and servicing these conversion kits.
It's important to note that these kits won't come cheap. Prices will vary depending on the specific truck and the customization options chosen by the owner. Edison estimates that the cost will be approximately half to one-third of purchasing a brand-new pickup truck.
Source: Carscoops
