ThanksI'm not sure where the pixelated sketch you posted above came from, but that isn't anything official from us. So no need to worry.
Not in your driveway, but swappable batteries are feasible, but usually associated with a battery rental model. Could be interesting if the original purchase were $10k cheaper due to not having to pay for the battery.
Battery swapping stations like Jiffylube are definitely going to be a thing.
There are Toyota dealers bemoaning the Tundras sitting on their lots: unhappy that Toyota had decided to follow the upscale sizing and packaging of the King Ranch sort. Customers are wanting the Tacoma for it's smaller size and less expensive packaging. The 24 Tacoma which is about to hit their lots is following the bigger and higher trend just like the smaller trucks of the other makers. Government requirements play a role, but the dealers are finding buyers unwilling to spend $80K for a $55K truck - and the appeal of the luxury is being tested by their pocketbooks. In the past I have made the point here that the American manufacturers are ignoring a very important market, the small to mid-sized pickup that is a true service vehicle used in everyday work. I had considered it a niche product, now I'm hearing it's in demand. There's a reason that all those people fighting wars are using the utility versions of the Hilux. We need a simple rugged pickup that we can reach into the bed without standing on a step-stool, and we don't mind driving with muddy boots.
Just don't hold your breath, its hard enough to get a new DCFC in place to expand the charging network. And since no trucks enable battery swapping on the fly as you suggest, you are fighting a chicken and egg battle. With longer range trucks, better BMS and faster charging you are essentially obfuscating the need for a battery swap. No OEM is going to sell a truck without an initial battery pack anytime soon, bc it would be a massive paperweight. That type of subscription model would require interoperability between OEM's and batteries (serious design considerations) thousands of on-line locations spread across the country in order to be effective, with zero profit for an incredibly long time. It is a tough financial model in terms of start a fly wheel - particularly in light of real estate costs and interest rates. It is also serving an edge case, since 90% of the time you will just charge at home or at a local DCFC. Most people do not chunk travel frequently into multiple 300-400 mile segments (range). Sure, on a road trip you do, but that is not the nominal use-case for a typical driver.
Thank you sir. Assumed all that but since I’m ignorant (slowly learning) I wanted someone intelligent to clarify
And speaking about power outlets in the back of a pickup. I recently observed a pickup (brand has slipped my recollection) that had the power outlet in the bed located far forward on the sidewall. The sides so high that anyone shorter than an NBA player could never reach over and plug something in, and that left the option of getting out you ladder to climb up to the lailgate and walk forward to it's location. I know that doesn't apply to you suggestion of in-toolbox outlets, but the principles of easy access apply, so yours needs to be high enough that it's not buried behind the accumulated layer of tools.
I am a battery repair tech with VW - most time consuming part of removing ID4 battery is all the safety stuff to make sure we don't accidentally kill ourselves (same as why charging the car is so complicated, but that's another story). 2 coolant quick connects, 4 electrical connectors that unlatch in <30 seconds, a row of bolts around perimeter and 4 middle bolts, then battery drops out. Oh, and several plastic trim pieces that make sure smooth air flow have to be removed. There is a green disconnect/lock out plug under the hood - pull insert out and install padlock in provided hole makes car safe to handle.
That would be a nice idea to have the ability to upgrade the battery. I don’t want the scout to be ridiculously hard to get work done on it. I just feel like I don’t want to see a new Scout go to waste in the future when it gets old.
