CappyJax
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
So, I have been looking at towing reports of Model X owners. They are reporting as much as a 40% loss of range. I expected it would be pretty high. I also expect that at 11,000 pounds, the range of the R1T might be as low as 150 miles with the large battery back. This would make XC trips a nightmare. Especially considering that almost every charging station would require you to unhitch your trailer.
I have been researching hydrogen fuel cells, as their cost has dropped significantly in recent years. The fuel cells themselves are very small and lightweight. It is the hydrogen tanks that are large and heavy. 300kg for 15kg of hydrogen. However, that would provide around 360kwh at 60% efficiency. That would jump the range back up to around 450 miles. The tanks and fuel cell could be built into the trailer being towed and it could be refueled via Nikola/Nel ASA refueling stations. In addition, the electricity from the fuel cell could be used for RV appliances. Based on my estimated power usage for my "Adventure Home", that should provide over 50 days of electricity with zero solar.
In addition, if you are out camping and taking the R1T for excursions, you have a way to recharge it for extended excursions. The tanks could also be removed from the trailer and would fit in the bed of the R1T and they could be taken to be filled.
At present, the cost per kg of hydrogen is around $14/kg making a fillup cost $210. But hopefully in the next couple years, the increase in demand and quantities of scale will lower that figure. It is believed that it will be as low as $2 per kg in the coming years which would make it far cheaper than a gas or diesel truck.
But even at $14/kg, it wouldn't be all that bad. I now spend over $150 to fill up my RV for a little over 400 miles. and it only weighs 11,000 lbs total. But a $30 fill up would be pretty amazing.
Based on my research, such a system would cost in the area of $15,000. But Rivian would need to have a plugin at the rear of the vehicle capable of 100kw.
Because the Nikola also has large battery packs, I suspect that they will have hydrogen and fast chargers at their fill up stations. I don't know for sure though. It would be nice to get both the tanks and batteries topped off in one spot.
The bed of the Rivian could hold another 9 kg of hydrogen tanks which would increase the range an extra 150 miles or so. This might be a really cool option altogether. If you are going on a long trip and don't need the bed of the truck, you throw in three tanks and a fuel cell, and you can go 880 miles without a trailer. How sweet would that be!
I have been researching hydrogen fuel cells, as their cost has dropped significantly in recent years. The fuel cells themselves are very small and lightweight. It is the hydrogen tanks that are large and heavy. 300kg for 15kg of hydrogen. However, that would provide around 360kwh at 60% efficiency. That would jump the range back up to around 450 miles. The tanks and fuel cell could be built into the trailer being towed and it could be refueled via Nikola/Nel ASA refueling stations. In addition, the electricity from the fuel cell could be used for RV appliances. Based on my estimated power usage for my "Adventure Home", that should provide over 50 days of electricity with zero solar.
In addition, if you are out camping and taking the R1T for excursions, you have a way to recharge it for extended excursions. The tanks could also be removed from the trailer and would fit in the bed of the R1T and they could be taken to be filled.
At present, the cost per kg of hydrogen is around $14/kg making a fillup cost $210. But hopefully in the next couple years, the increase in demand and quantities of scale will lower that figure. It is believed that it will be as low as $2 per kg in the coming years which would make it far cheaper than a gas or diesel truck.
But even at $14/kg, it wouldn't be all that bad. I now spend over $150 to fill up my RV for a little over 400 miles. and it only weighs 11,000 lbs total. But a $30 fill up would be pretty amazing.
Based on my research, such a system would cost in the area of $15,000. But Rivian would need to have a plugin at the rear of the vehicle capable of 100kw.
Because the Nikola also has large battery packs, I suspect that they will have hydrogen and fast chargers at their fill up stations. I don't know for sure though. It would be nice to get both the tanks and batteries topped off in one spot.
The bed of the Rivian could hold another 9 kg of hydrogen tanks which would increase the range an extra 150 miles or so. This might be a really cool option altogether. If you are going on a long trip and don't need the bed of the truck, you throw in three tanks and a fuel cell, and you can go 880 miles without a trailer. How sweet would that be!
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