Driving an EV pickup

[sly_karma]

On this year's road trips, I've been experimenting with using Google Maps rather than the Ford nav system. Some of the software updates early in the year mentioned improvements to Android Auto integration, and it seems like they have done just that. Entering a destination into Maps adds the distance to go below the Lightning's range display, and updates it in real time, same as the Ford nav does. You can tell it's connected into the vehicle's central management system, because it continues to update even when there is no wireless data signal.

One thing I wasn't sure would happen was preconditioning the battery ready for optimal DC fast charging, but I'm satisfied it works now - I'm seeing really high charge rates (>150 kW) in the first few minutes after plugging in.

Ford nav search function is sloppy and clunky compared to google. It's way easier to search for and find a charger or other destination. The only odd thing is you can't explore routes and chargers ahead of time on the phone, save it and send to the truck. I map it out on ABRP and then type it in to the truck right before departure.

Google accurately predicts battery percentage on arrival because it has direct access to vehicle data as the drive progresses.

I know when Ford dropped all mapping functions from the Fordpass app, they said they were working with Google to replace it. It's good to see how much it has progressed.

 

[sly_karma]

Additional to above: Back Roads Map Book app displays right onto the big screen via Android Auto. Has been useful on my last couple of logging road adventures. I haven't explored the app very much, but it doesnt appear to have much in the way of trip distance calculation or route planning capability. But boy does it have a lot of detail!

Downloading maps for use outside phone data coverage is easy, so you can track exactly where you are. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of route finding when you're "out the back of Woop Woop," if I may be forgiven for using Aussie speech. Although many of us have found ourselves in a bit of trouble in the bush despite knowing our precise location.

 

[sly_karma]

The nice people at Big White have provided a couple of DCFCs at their beautiful new Central Check-in building. I could get home fine without charging, but half an hour's worth of free electrons in a nice shady spot seems OK to me. Having one pre-dinner beer while answering emails after a dusty day on the race course.

I know the free charging incentives won't last forever, but there sure as hell ain't anyone giving out free gas anywhere. I'll take it while I can get it.

 

[chille51]

Additional to above: Back Roads Map Book app displays right onto the big screen via Android Auto. Has been useful on my last couple of logging road adventures. I haven't explored the app very much, but it doesnt appear to have much in the way of trip distance calculation or route planning capability. But boy does it have a lot of detail!

Downloading maps for use outside phone data coverage is easy, so you can track exactly where you are. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of route finding when you're "out the back of Woop Woop," if I may be forgiven for using Aussie speech. Although many of us have found ourselves in a bit of trouble in the bush despite knowing our precise location.

Now that's interesting. I assume it would work the same in my Powerboost. Might have to check out that Back Roads Map Book app. I have a small library of the hard copy books, but never looked at the app. I usually have a small hand held GPS with the Back Roads chip in the truck when exploring the back roads, but having information on the screen would be a hell of a lot easier. Plus, that chip is probably pushing 10 years old at this point.

 

[sly_karma]

If your vehicle has Android Auto or Apple Auto, you'll be able to put the BRMB on the screen. Definitely handy to have it on the bigger screen.

 

[sly_karma]

I finally got around to getting an adapter to use on Tesla destination chargers. These are 240 volt (Level 2) chargers found at hotels, shopping malls, BnBs, etc. Theyre not operated by Tesla, it's just a different brand of home charger that can be purchased and installed.

When I adjusted the filters in Plugshare, I was impressed to see how common they are in my area. I decided to navigate to a nearby winery that I now know has one of these Tesla L2 units, and verify that my new purchase works.




Mission accomplished! Plug it in and it just starts, no fluffing around with apps. Tasted some wines, bought some bottles, got a few free electrons. Headed home with another charging option to add to the repertoire.

 

[sly_karma]

We all know Hope is a major highway junction and most of us have probably seen how congested gas stations there can be on busy summer weekends. EV owners mostly like to top up there before tackling the mountains, or replenish after crossing the passes and be ready for the freeway run to the city. So it was good to see growth in charging offerings around Hope, both in quantity and speed.

Tesla: newly opened third site, just off the old highway. They now have fifty (50!) plugs in and around Hope.

Chevron: same site, new chargers. The old internal-battery units have been replaced with direct-connected 180 and 400 kW chargers. This place has everything: gas station conveniences, supermarket and liquor store steps away, long cables that reach any vehicle, plenty of room for trailers, and free charging (temporary, no doubt). 10 plugs, mix of CCS1, NACS (Tesla) and CHADEMO.





Petro Canada: old unfaithful has lifted its game a bit. Still only 2 plugs on a poky old school gas station site, but they've replaced the very unreliable DCFCs with 200 kW units and ditched their equally unreliable smartphone app. The credit card readers don't work, but access is available via the Chargepoint app. Delivered a respectable 120 kW. Free charging here too.

 

[sly_karma]

The Start button on the dash of the Lightning has been steadily wearing, sort of smeared its white graphic across the centre of the button. 55,000 km on the odometer. No other buttons are doing this. Posted a pic on the Lightning FB group, only one out of 15-20 respondents had similar experience.



Took it to dealership last week, they agreed it's warranty and have ordered the part. First repair item on the vehicle.

 

[-Jim-]

Although bothersome, if that's the first repair in two years of Driving (and doing 55,000 KMs) sounds like you got a good one.

 

[Aquaholic]

Will they replace the bezel as well?

 

[sly_karma]

Not sure.

 

[chris73]

4 years and just shy of 100k on my Lightning work truck. No repairs or maintenance work done on it yet. Except on my second set of tires. Saved thousands $ in fuel. Lots of travel on gravel roads, hauling boats and trailers. Used as portable generator many times. Left Porsches, Mercedes and any muscle cars like sitting ducks behind. Best work truck I ever had. Never going back.

 

[kaelc]

What's the battery replacement look like for the lightenjng? Nissan leafs look like simple swaps where model 3’s seem ridiculous, removing the seats and bunch of hassle that makes an engine swap look reasonable.

 

[sly_karma]

What's the battery replacement look like for the lightenjng? Nissan leafs look like simple swaps where model 3’s seem ridiculous, removing the seats and bunch of hassle that makes an engine swap look reasonable.

I'll ask the dealership what the book rate is for battery replacement next time I'm in. Should give an indication of complexity.

 

[wildmanyeah]

4 years and just shy of 100k on my Lightning work truck. No repairs or maintenance work done on it yet. Except on my second set of tires. Saved thousands $ in fuel. Lots of travel on gravel roads, hauling boats and trailers. Used as portable generator many times. Left Porsches, Mercedes and any muscle cars like sitting ducks behind. Best work truck I ever had. Never going back.

Are they still making them?

 

[chris73]

Are they still making them?

They are still selling them and my employer is buying more and more.

 

[wildmanyeah]

That’s good because there was that news last year saying they were halting production and they seem like they are a really good platform.

 

[CiscoCat]

Ive hit the limit with these factory tires and need replacements. Whats everyone running? Would like to get an all terrain with snowflake rating

 

[Max123]

While I can't recommend a specific EV tire, for my last few vehicles I gave up on running a single 4-season/All Season. I ski, and sometimes head from the lower mainland to the Okanagan after work on Friday in the winter. I've seen too many people in the ditch on Highway 3, so I drive conservatively and run dedicated winter-only tires on my truck.

From May-October I run Pirelli Scorpion XTM tires (snow flake rated, so can be used all year) - which have been pretty good. Very durable, beefy sidewall - great for FSR roads and highway use. My only complaint is that they run a bit loud and tend to pick up gravel so you get that annoying tick-tick-tick for the first few km when back on pavement

Through winter, I got a set of Kumho Wintercraft tires. I had no particular loyalty to the brand and bought them because they are a winter-only tires and were a good price. I have been pleasantly surprised by these tires (which seems to be the consensus of many online reviewes - well priced, punch abover their weight). Phenomenal grip in both snow and on black ice unless really pushed. They are stud-able, but I run them without. While the up front cost is greater, I get quite a bit more longevity out of both tires and I feel like I'm always using the right tool for the job. I bought an extra set of factory wheels, so its just a matter of swapping everything over in the garage once a season - easily done in less than an hour and gives me a chance to check the brakes / brake fluid while I'm in there.

I understand lots of people don't have room for an extra set of wheels/tires kicking around in the garage - but if you can, highly recommend.

PS - surf craigslist for some OEM wheels - I bought an almost new set of 4runner wheels for $400 - guy had bought some fancy aftermarket wheels and just want them gone.

 

[sly_karma]

I think EV pickups have less demanding tire needs than ICE trucks. The 50/50 fore/aft weight balance, low CoG, smooth low torque and instant traction control are all highly desirable factors for winter driveability. I've had good results for two winters using a medium-aggressive AT rated M+S, not a mountain/snowflake model, and definitely not studded. Sure, Okanagan winters arent very snowy, but I'm up at one ski hill or another pretty well every weekend through the winter.

The only reason I switch back to the factory all season for the warm months is for the lower rolling resistance/better range. Same factor is important for me in winter as well, I strive for the best rolling resistance still with enough traction. Lightning doesnt need big chunky noisy winters.