Electric Cars

An electric vehicle enthusiast successfully experimented with using external battery banks to augment the driving range of his Ford F-150 Lightning. This innovative, albeit expensive, modification provides a glimpse into potential aftermarket solutions for electric vehicle range extension, opening new possibilities for DIY enthusiasts.

Details of the Range Extension Experiment

In an intriguing demonstration, Simon Lindley, a YouTuber known for his channel "Trucked Up EVs," embarked on a mission to transform his Ford F-150 Lightning into a makeshift extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The core of his project involved a prototype system named EverDrive, designed to connect directly into the truck's high-voltage electrical architecture.

Lindley's setup eschewed conventional charging methods, instead opting for a direct link to the vehicle's AC charging mechanism. This involved installing an auxiliary J1772 charging port into the truck's bed, with power cables meticulously routed beneath the vehicle to the front. There, they were integrated with the EverDrive prototype, which, through a series of relays and a microcontroller, interfaced with the truck's onboard chargers.

The central command unit of this system is a microcontroller developed by PEAK, programmed to transmit bespoke CAN messages to the truck. This "secret sauce" enables the vehicle to receive a charge from the external power sources even while in motion. For his test drive, Lindley equipped the Lightning's bed with Bluetti battery packs, accumulating 16 kilowatt-hours of energy capacity.

The financial commitment for this undertaking was substantial. The Bluetti battery system alone retailed for approximately $7,500 (or $7,499 CAD, equivalent to about $5,300 USD at the time of purchase). The EverDrive system, though still in its prototype phase, is anticipated to launch with a price tag of around $2,000. In total, this modification represents an investment of roughly $9,500 for an additional 15.8 kWh of battery capacity. This can be juxtaposed with the Tesla Cybertruck's canceled range extender, which was projected to cost $16,000 for an estimated 47 kWh.

During his initial trial, Lindley encountered a minor setback as the battery configuration led to an imbalance, preventing approximately 8% of the Bluetti's power from being fully utilized. Despite this, his calculations indicated that the external battery setup provided an additional 34 miles of driving range during his road trip. While this may appear to be a modest gain, the significance lies in the pioneering effort to create an aftermarket solution for EV range extension.

This experiment, conducted by Simon Lindley, represents a notable step in the realm of electric vehicle customization. It highlights the potential for enthusiasts and aftermarket developers to enhance existing EV capabilities, offering solutions for range anxiety and empowering a community keen on pushing the boundaries of electric mobility.

This endeavor highlights a fascinating frontier in electric vehicle technology: the potential for user-driven innovation to enhance functionality. While the cost-benefit ratio of such a modification might be debated, its "cool factor" and implications for emergency power or extended trips are undeniable. It stimulates thought about how manufacturers might integrate similar solutions in the future or how a vibrant aftermarket community could evolve to support the growing EV ecosystem, fostering greater adoption and versatility for electric transport.

In response to the increasing popularity of electric bicycles and scooters, a new strategy has been implemented by an Oregon sheriff's department. This initiative seeks to proactively identify and address areas where reckless riding habits are prevalent before they result in accidents or injuries. The approach aims to strike a balance between encouraging sustainable transportation and ensuring public safety.

Oregon Introduces Online Reporting for Unsafe E-Vehicle Use

In a significant move to enhance road safety, the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon has enhanced its online traffic complaint system. As of July 11, 2026, the updated platform now includes a specific category for reporting irresponsible activities involving electric bikes and scooters. This development comes in the wake of a noticeable increase in hazardous riding, particularly among younger individuals during the summer season. Captain David Huey highlighted various complaints, including riders occupying central traffic lanes, excessive speeding, performing stunts like wheelies in public thoroughfares, and even throwing objects at moving vehicles. Rather than merely serving as an outlet for grievances, the department intends for this tool to collect critical data—such as incident locations, times, and descriptions, along with optional photographic evidence—to identify patterns. This information will then inform more effective educational outreach or focused enforcement efforts. The decision to introduce this reporting option follows months of discussions spurred by escalating concerns over unsafe riding practices. Similar community-led reporting programs have been successfully adopted elsewhere, such as in Colorado, where citizens assist authorities in identifying problematic rider behavior. While neighborhood leaders have largely welcomed this additional reporting mechanism, some have expressed reservations about the extent of its enforceability. Incidents like damage to private property, including landscaping and irrigation systems, have been attributed to riders cutting through residential areas. The primary challenge for law enforcement lies in the difficulty of prosecuting offenses that are not directly witnessed by deputies. By compiling these reports over time, the sheriff’s office anticipates gaining a clearer understanding of where issues are most concentrated. Officials also clarified that the online form is specifically for non-emergency situations; immediate threats to public safety should still be reported via 911. This proactive measure by the Washington County Sheriff's Office reflects a broader trend among jurisdictions nationwide. As the adoption of electric mobility devices continues to grow, more communities are likely to implement similar reporting systems to mitigate dangerous behaviors without penalizing the majority of responsible riders.

This initiative underscores the evolving landscape of urban mobility and the challenges associated with integrating new technologies like e-bikes and e-scooters into existing infrastructure. It highlights the importance of community engagement and data-driven approaches in addressing public safety concerns. By empowering citizens to report incidents, authorities can gain valuable insights into patterns of dangerous behavior, leading to more targeted interventions. This model could serve as a blueprint for other cities grappling with similar issues, fostering a more harmonious coexistence between traditional traffic and emerging personal electric vehicles.