Episode 181 | Stopping and Swapping: Hybrids for Trucks

Ian Rust, Founder & CEO, Revoy joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the development of Revoy and why hybrid is the right approach to electrifying Class 8 trucks. 

The conversation begins with Ian discussing Revoy’s approach to hybrid technology for electrified trailers.

We view hybrid definitely the most viable solution for electrification in the Class 8 market. – Ian Rust

The Revoy EV hooks up in-between a tractor and a trailer in a matter of minutes. Revoy is able to do this, because they deliver pre-charged EVs to their customers, eliminating the charging downtime. 

By bringing in that pre-charged battery pack we can integrate in under five minutes. – Ian Rust

One of the major benefits to the Revoy system is an increase the MPG (miles per gallon). The Revoy test fleet has been able to achieve 67 mpg in a diesel class 8 truck. When trucks are traveling on hilly roads, the extra torc delivered by the hybrid system allows trucks to keep pace with the other motorists on the road. When coming down a hill, the system’s regenerative braking activates, assisting the professional driver and increasing safety. 

We can actually stop a tractor trailer with a Revoy EV applied 30% sooner. – Ian Rust

Revoy’s EVs will not be sold, they will be leased on a per mile basis with zero up-front payment. They will be deployed at strategically located hubs where the drivers will stop and swap their Revoy EV in four minutes. 

You can just have essentially uncapped long-haul range on electric power by just stopping and swapping in four minutes. – Ian Rust

Wrapping up the conversation, Ian shares his thoughts on what the future will look like for electrified class 8 trucks. 

Recorded on Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Episode Chapters

0:00 Introduction 

0:37 Revoy’s Approach to Electrified Trailers

3:03 Increases in MPG (miles per gallon)

5:08 Safety and Insurance Benefits

8:49 Revoy Business Model

12:56 Infrastructure 

20:28 Stop and Swap

24:20 Hybrid Technology 

31:42 The Inspiration for Revoy

34:40 Scaling Revoy 

40:35 Future of Hybrid Solutions for Class 8 Trucks

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