Maintainability and Accessibility of Range Extender

blmtnc

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Maybe the cargo area will have a panel that can be removed or opened to get to it from the top.
Was thinking same. Would almost have to in order to reach components nearest the bed/trunk floor. If they go with an inline vs a boxer, wonder if they'll flip it on its side like the older BMW K bikes to minimize vertical height of the entire unit. But if the overall dimensions are roughly the same for assembled height and width may not be necessary.
 

Goose

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Having a lift up hatch access would help with convenience, but would put a big damper on those that plan to use these rigs for overlanding. A lot of people like to install storage systems in the bed of trucks or the cargo area. Being required to remove those storage solutions just to change the oil could put these off for many people.
 

blmtnc

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Having a lift up hatch access would help with convenience, but would put a big damper on those that plan to use these rigs for overlanding. A lot of people like to install storage systems in the bed of trucks or the cargo area. Being required to remove those storage solutions just to change the oil could put these off for many people.
Great point, my son overlands his Tacoma, has the shelving/drawer system installed and you're right, removing that to access the panel out in the field is borderline non-feasible. Didn't even consider that. But, maybe the panel is there just for medium/major repair access and not routine maintenance? I don't know. I'd hate the idea of having to drop the engine to do anything but basic routine maintenance.
 

blmtnc

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We expect the 1L TSI 3cyl. Since its very easy and accessible maintenance.

https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/images/detail/1-0-tsi-engine-three-cylinder-22208

This has gone through a few revisions over the years.
Interesting, and not surprising either. Would have preferred a larger displacement NA four cylinder, but I trust the engineers know what they're doing. But, given the relatively low output, there will need to be a LARGE hybrid battery capacity buffer for performance specs to be maintained when the engine is needed. And maintaining those specs won't be possible when the battery is totally depleted.
 

blmtnc

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Also, in looking at the photo of the engine am reminded you won't need the alternator (will be replaced by an accessory power unit fed from the propulsion battery) nor the AC compressor. That'll tidy it up some.
 

Alder25318

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I don’t want it I. The frunk, as I access it far more than I will the motor. Pay someone to change the oil and filter and be done with it. If you like to tinker with motors, this isn’t the vehicle for you.
 

timmyhil

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I don’t want it I. The frunk, as I access it far more than I will the motor. Pay someone to change the oil and filter and be done with it. If you like to tinker with motors, this isn’t the vehicle for you.
What? Its 80% repairable in field by owner
 

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I don’t want it I. The frunk, as I access it far more than I will the motor. Pay someone to change the oil and filter and be done with it. If you like to tinker with motors, this isn’t the vehicle for you.
Based on what they’re saying, this is going to be pretty much the only EV that you can tinker with. I really think they’re going to make dropping the whole motor subframe pretty easy.
 

blmtnc

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Based on what they’re saying, this is going to be pretty much the only EV that you can tinker with. I really think they’re going to make dropping the whole motor subframe pretty easy.
That would be need to be done with an integrated movable mounting system to lower the engine without external lifts, stands or support of any kind. All the lines, harnesses, external connections of any kind would need enough slack built into them to allow the range of motion needed by the mounting system. Sounds like a tall order, but if they pull that off, would be very unique and innovative. An "engine maintenance" button that lowers the engine assembly for access? Any short of that is asking for trouble from a product liability perspective.
 

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That would be need to be done with an integrated movable mounting system to lower the engine without external lifts, stands or support of any kind. All the lines, harnesses, external connections of any kind would need enough slack built into them to allow the range of motion needed by the mounting system. Sounds like a tall order, but if they pull that off, would be very unique and innovative. An "engine maintenance" button that lowers the engine assembly for access? Any short of that is asking for trouble from a product liability perspective.
“pretty easy” is a relative term. I wouldn’t have the knowledge and experience, but a skilled mechanic will probably already have the tools on hand. I doubt there will be an engine drop mode (hydraulics that lower the engine), something like that is another point of chronic failure.

Changing filters and oil could probably be done in the driveway, if not, people will riot. Scout is on record in multiple sources stating 80% of the trucks can be serviced by the end user.
 
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