In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Are we looking at a military-ready Cybertruck?
- Why is Ford so stingy with their PowerBoost hybrid system?
The first question comes from a Tesla fan who is shocked to see what looks like a Combat Cybertruck that could be ready for production soon.
Q: (ViaTwittwr/X @NathanAdlen): OMG is this actually a ****ing Combat Cybertruck!
Saw your vid with MotoMan where you both discuss your thoughts on the Cybertruck. Honestly can say that you are more informed than you act with your normal gig. I hope thought stays with with other players like Motoman. In a weird way I kind of agree with both of you. I like how you say it was a bet Elon won by building it. Yes I can see that LOL!
As the owner of an older Model-3, I am pretty happy but I miss my old Tacoma. Maybe when they build cheaper ones I can become a Tesla Cybertruck owner? I saw this image and I had to ask you about it. Is this just a rendering, or is it something that will really be built? I am a combat veteran and seeing this kind of makes me smile. I don’t know why!
Keep up the fun storytelling!
– Rock, Staten Island, NY
A: Yes, according to Archimedes Defense and Unplugged Performance, the “Sting” combat Cybertruck will be available for government and civilian use.
Now, when we say “combat Cybertruck,” it’s not as if the STING is equipped with a .50-cal and grenade launchers. It is an up-armored Tesla Cybertruck that is built for more extreme use, and provide safety for its occupants. To me: it almost makes the wedge shape make sense. It reminds me of vehicles built by the Oshkosh Corporation, or General Dynamics.
I’m not sure how this version of the Cybertruck would perform. I mean, it’s well over 6,000-lbs before these enhancements, but what do I know?
“UP.FIT has already set the standard with our police Cybertrucks, but with STING, in collaboration with Archimedes, we’re pushing the limits even further. These military Cybertrucks are designed to be more extreme, with enhanced protection and unmatched capabilities.”
–Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance.
UP.FIT/Archimedes Defense have a variety of variants for their Sting, including upgraded armor and tactical enhancements; however, what interests me is a generator.
Yup!
“(The) STING Baja includes the UP INVINCIBLE® off-road package which incorporates Starlink connectivity and adds the ability to go off-grid via a compact, lightweight frunk-mounted AMP Drive G125TM aviation-derived 800V genset designed to run on jet fuel. This gearbox-less direct drive piston genset is efficient and multi-fuel capable, running on Jet A, JP-8, Diesel, and Biodiesel. It will be capable of supercharging the Cybertruck at up to 125kW and rescue-charging other vehicles via an included NACS charging cable, with adaptors available for non-NACS vehicles”
Now, I know that EV haters are going to laugh at the thought of using a generator (of any kind) to bail the EV pickup out of a sticky situation. This intrigues me as it delves into ways these vehicles might be better put to use. I would imagine the power is enough to top off a STING/Cybertruck at least once from empty. This, in conjunction with upcoming solar tech, could make for an interesting prospect for real overlanding.
As for the concept, and the potential of a production Sting, we’ll see if they have something for us to sink our teeth into soon.
For more information, go to ArchimedesDefense.com and look up the Sting on their main page.
The last question comes from a Ford fan who is upset that they don’t have a PowerBoost option for other trucks.
Q: (Via: AskNathan@TFL.com – paraphrased) You guys find out for sure if Ford is going to build more PowerBoost trucks?
I don’t mean more F-150 versions. I’m talking about Explorer, Expedition, Navigator and the Ranger. Such a no brainer and we know that Ford has the tech to make them a reality. I don’t want a simple hybrid SUV, Toyota makes one just fine. But if you hook up the PowerBoost system to a Expedition or a Ranger, I might take out my wallet and yell “TAKE MY MONEY!”
– Anonymous
A: I’m fairly sure that Ford is working on it.
Right now, Ford is playing catch-up with many of their products. They know demand for their PowerBoost hybrid system is high; however, there are issues. For starters, there’s the issue of cost: Ford can build just about anything, but they know they’ll get slammed if they come out with a base-model Ranger that has a PowerBoost system – for $60,000. I’m not saying it will, but the one in Australia (that’s not in the market yet) is expected to top 70,000-AU$. This is for a mid-size pickup.
The upcharge for the hybrid system in the F-150 is around $6,500+ in the XLT. As awesome as the system is, that’s a huge upcharge for a powertrain. Granted, we tested Andre’s PowerBoost F-150 and it was fabulous. Especially for folks who actually need a generator in the bush.
Weight is the other issue. The PowerBoost system can (in some cases) increase the overall weight of the vehicle by 569-lbs. With all Ford went through to create weight-savings using aluminum sheets on the body, that added weight hurts. Now imagine a large, luxurious SUV like the Expedition or Navigator. Considering Ford’s obsessing with shedding weight, increasing performance and enhancing efficiency, it must be a tough nut to crack.
There are plenty of other things to consider as well. Still, Andre and I were sure that the newest Navigator and Expedition would have a PowerBoost drivetrain. We were wrong.
Maybe in a few years?
– N
