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Comment by ChuckMcM | Hacker News Reader

https://archive.ph/k2S9O for those who have read their last free article.

Interesting that Rivian seems to be doing fine in this space.

I was considering getting a Rivian and decided that in fact I would probably not allow the 24 year old dude at my local construction supply co to use a skid steer to drop a load of gravel into the bed of my $75k+ electric vehicle.

So instead I got a used Ford F150 (gas) and when the skid steer guy drops gravel into the bed I feel fine.

There is a lot to be said for that perspective. I wonder if any PMs have considered making the bed of the truck a FRU that you can swap out at home.

The bed of more traditional pickups like the F-150 can be swapped out in a couple of hours by one or two dudes with a lift and an impact wrench. Heck, you can buy blank F-250s without a bed at all.

Hell, a few hours with that impact wrench and you can also lift the cab right off the frame, too.

A modular open spec for attaching beds to trucks might be useful.

What are some possible attachments?

4-6.5' Truck Bed, Trailer, Camper, Mobile Workshop / Trade Rig, Car hauler, Bed with rack and storage and 270° awning

What all needs to be connected?

Mechanical attachment, 4WD/AWD/RWD axle and differential, CAN bus, backup can, lights

Public link: Open Truck Bed Standard Proposal https://gemini.google.com/share/1e70ae398d26 :

"Kinetic-Link" (K-Link) open spec:

> The proposed Active-AWD Trade Platform utilizes a Through-the-Road (TTR) Hybrid architecture to decouple the mechanical drivetrain while maintaining synchronized propulsion via a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). By integrating high-topology Axial Flux or Radial-Axial (RAX) in-wheel motors, the system achieves exceptional torque density within the limited packaging of a trailer wheel well. The control strategy relies on Zero-Force Emulation, utilizing a bi-directional load cell at the hitch to modulate torque output via a PID loop, ensuring the module remains neutrally buoyant to the tow vehicle during steady-state cruising. In low-traction environments, the system transitions to Virtual AWD, employing Torque Vectoring to mitigate sway and Regenerative Braking to prevent jackknifing, effectively acting as an intelligent e-Axle retrofit. This configuration leverages 400V/800V DC architecture for rapid energy discharge and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) site power, solving the unsprung weight damping challenges through advanced suspension geometry while eliminating the parasitic drag of traditional passive towing.

A modular truck bed could have Through-the-road TTR AWD (given a better VCU) and e.g. hub motors or an axle motor.

Anything can be field replaceable if your field has enough tooling. (j/k)

There's always a chance the new Scout will fit that model. I'm not getting my hopes up though. It seems every company that releases an EV truck says they'll sell it for $30-40k and then suddenly it's $80k+.

Pro-tip: Rivians have a class V tow capability. Rent a dump trailer and let it take the damage. Both your wallet and back will thank you.

And I hope they eat Ford's lunch.

Wild time—seeing the country in full retrograde—back to the Middle Ages it seems.

Because the people who buy Rivian aren't people who would buy an F-150 even if electric.

And the current F-150 owners aren't going to switch to an EV version for cultural, ideological or practical reasons related to their particular use (i.e., towing in rural areas).

So, who is the F-150 Lightening target market?

I hope that Rivian does fine, but they still aren't profitable are they?

They turned a gross profit, but they've only been selling vehicles for three years. It'll be several more before they are a profitable company. No company can build out two manufacturing hubs (hundreds of millions each) and turn a profit so quickly.

Looking forward to the R2 and hopefully all goes smoothly.

They are a luxury brand. I don't think that they directly compete with Fords. I do see a lot of them here in SoCal.

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