Jospong Validation Visit

Summary

The electric truck test exceeded expectations, successfully completing an 84 km duty cycle with outstanding performance. Initial estimates for range efficiency were surpassed, as the truck achieved 1.3 km/kWh—more than double the anticipated range. The test also provided valuable data for driver preparation, minimizing the learning curve for future operators. Beyond performance, the trucks offer significant fuel and maintenance cost savings, making them an economical and environmentally-friendly solution. With these promising results, the project is on track for further development and potential wider adoption.

Takeaways

• 😀 The goal of the test was to assess the performance of fully electrified single axle and swing arm trucks over an 84 km duty cycle.
• 😀 The trucks exceeded performance expectations, outperforming the original goals and demonstrating promising results.
• 😀 One of the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the project was to ensure the trucks could handle at least 85 km per day, allowing for data collection on performance.
• 😀 Another KPI involved tracking the charging percentage required for a specific round trip to analyze energy consumption during operations.
• 😀 The test aimed to gather data for driver training, ensuring drivers were well-prepared before using the trucks to minimize the learning curve.
• 😀 The trucks are part of one of the first retrofits of their size and class with such a mission, making this a groundbreaking project.
• 😀 Previous estimates for similar trucks ranged from 0.3 to 0.9 km per kilowatt-hour, but the trucks performed significantly better, achieving 1.3 km per kilowatt-hour—more than double the design spec.
• 😀 The trucks’ performance exceeded the best expected numbers, showcasing the potential of the technology to outperform conventional fuel-based vehicles.
• 😀 The success of the project highlights the potential for cleaner, higher-performing trucks that are also more economical, particularly due to significant fuel and maintenance savings.
• 😀 The J-Pang team is excited about the trucks’ performance and the advantages they offer in terms of reduced operating costs and environmental impact.

Q & A

What were the main objectives for the test conducted in the transcript?

The main objectives were to have the JPang team view the fully electrified trucks, test the trucks on an 84 km drive to ensure they could handle the duty cycle, and gather data on charging, driver experience, and other key performance indicators for further refinement and training preparation.

How well did the trucks perform during the test drive?

The trucks exceeded expectations, performing better than anticipated. They not only met the required duty cycle but also outperformed the initial performance estimates, achieving more than double the expected efficiency.

What was the initial range estimate for the trucks based on similar models, and how did the test results compare?

Initial estimates for similar trucks were in the range of 0.3 to 0.9 km per kilowatt-hour. The trucks tested achieved a performance of 1.3 km per kilowatt-hour, which is more than double the lower end of the initial estimate.

What specific KPIs were set for the truck project?

The KPIs included ensuring the trucks could handle a daily duty cycle of at least 85 km, assessing the percentage of charging used per round trip, understanding the driving experience for first-time users, and gathering data to reduce the learning curve for drivers before the trucks are deployed.

What was the significance of gathering data on charging and duty cycle during the test?

Gathering data on charging and duty cycle was crucial to understand the efficiency of the trucks over the course of a typical day. It helped in assessing the energy consumption and determining how far the trucks could travel before needing a charge, as well as refining the training for drivers.

How does the performance of the trucks impact the project’s goals?

The trucks’ performance not only met but exceeded the project’s goals, leading to a clearer path for completing the project. With better-than-expected range and efficiency, it improves the potential for cost savings in both fuel and maintenance, and enhances the feasibility of deploying these trucks in real-world scenarios.

Why was the truck retrofit considered significant?

The retrofit was significant because it was one of the first attempts to convert a truck of this size and class into an electric model with this kind of mission. It represented a new challenge in terms of design and functionality, with no prior benchmarks for such a retrofit.

What is the expected impact of the truck’s performance on cost savings?

The expected impact is substantial cost savings in both fuel and maintenance. The trucks are more energy-efficient, meaning they will use less fuel, and their electric design is expected to result in fewer maintenance costs compared to traditional trucks.

How will the data collected during the test help with driver training?

The data collected will help identify key aspects of the driving experience, allowing for better preparation of drivers before they begin using the trucks. It will also inform the development of training materials, ensuring that the learning curve is minimized for first-time users.

What is the long-term goal of the project based on the results of the test?

The long-term goal is to successfully deploy fully electrified trucks that are both cleaner and more cost-effective, with improved performance and lower maintenance. The success of the test moves the project closer to its final goal of wide-scale adoption of these trucks in real-world operations.