InsideEVs has reported on a unique experiment to extend the range of a Ford F-150 Lightning using portable battery banks and a prototype system called EverDrive. Simon Lindley, from the Trucked Up EVs YouTube channel, set out to see if aftermarket battery packs could meaningfully boost real-world range for existing EV owners. The results offer insight into both the technical challenges and potential of such DIY solutions.
How the EverDrive System Works
The EverDrive prototype is designed to integrate portable battery packs with the Ford F-150 Lightning‘s charging system. The system adds an auxiliary J1772 port, which was installed in the truck bed by drilling through the bed liner. Cables run from the port to the front of the vehicle, where they connect to the EverDrive unit and interface with the truck’s onboard chargers.
A microcontroller manufactured by PEAK acts as the system’s ‘brain,’ sending custom CAN messages to the truck. This setup, combined with a series of relays, allows the F-150 Lightning to accept a charge from the portable battery banks while driving.
Real-World Test and Results
For the test, Lindley loaded the truck with 16 kWh (~10 miles) of Bluetti battery packs. The total cost for the battery system was around $7,500 (~AUD 10,790), though Lindley paid about $5,300 (~AUD 7,625) (or $5,298 (~AUD 7,623)). The EverDrive system itself is still a prototype, but its creators are targeting a price of around $2,000 (~AUD 2,877) when it becomes available.
On his road trip, Lindley found that the battery setup provided an estimated 34 miles (~55 km) of additional range. However, the test was not without issues: the battery configuration became imbalanced, leaving about 8% of the Bluetti’s power unused. Despite this, the experiment demonstrated that portable battery banks can add meaningful range to an EV in certain scenarios.
Cost Comparison with Other Range Extenders
The combined cost of the Bluetti battery system and EverDrive prototype is approximately $9,500 (~AUD 13,668). For comparison, the cancelled Tesla Cybertruck range extender was estimated to cost $16,000 (~AUD 23,020) for 47 kWh of additional battery capacity.
While the EverDrive solution is not inexpensive, it offers a modular and potentially more flexible approach for EV owners interested in aftermarket range extension.
Competitor Comparison
Extended range solutions have become a focus for several automakers. BMW, various Chinese brands, and Scout have all explored or prioritized extended-range EVs or hybrids. The EverDrive system stands out by targeting existing EVs with a retrofit approach, rather than requiring a factory-installed solution.
Historical Context
EverDrive’s parent company has specialized in automobile electrical parts since 2011, expanding into the EV market as demand for aftermarket solutions grows. This background has enabled the development of innovative products like the EverDrive prototype.
Regional Availability
The EverDrive system is currently a prototype and not yet available for purchase. Its creators have indicated plans to release it in the U.S. market, with pricing targeted at around $2,000 (~AUD 2,877).
Why this matters
This experiment highlights the growing interest in aftermarket solutions for EV range extension. While the cost per mile of added range is currently high, the EverDrive system demonstrates that it is technically possible to retrofit existing EVs with portable battery packs for emergency or supplemental charging.
As more EV owners seek ways to address range anxiety, products like EverDrive could open new possibilities for customization and off-grid travel.
What this means for buyers
For EV owners considering aftermarket range extenders, the EverDrive prototype shows that meaningful range gains are possible, but at a significant cost. Buyers should weigh the expense against their actual needs and consider waiting for further development and potential price reductions.
Those interested in DIY or emergency solutions may find value in systems like EverDrive, especially as more products become available and the technology matures.
Key Specs
- Test Vehicle: Ford F-150 Lightning
- Battery Pack Capacity: 16 kWh
- Estimated Added Range: 34 miles (~55 km)
- Bluetti Battery System Cost: $7,500 (~AUD 10,790)
- EverDrive Target Price: $2,000 (~AUD 2,877)
- Total System Cost (approx.): $9,500 (~AUD 13,668)
- Microcontroller Manufacturer: PEAK
- Auxiliary Charge Port: J1772, bed-mounted
Source
Images sourced from: carbuzz.com, cars.com, caranddriver.com
