Everything Wrong with Topsy - Lessons Learned Building our Hybrid Electric Truck

We show you everything wrong with Topsy, our Hybrid Electric Logging Truck Prototype! After over a year of programming, testing, driving and troubleshooting, we’re revealing all the lessons we’ve learned building this one-of-a-kind Hybrid Electric Truck.

DeBoss Garage and Chace Barber discuss everything from axle design issues to programming nightmares, we’re sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of electric vehicle prototyping. Learn what went wrong, how we’re fixing it, and what’s next for Edison Motors as we gear up for our next generation of hybrid trucks. If you’re into EVs, trucking innovations, or electrical design, this video is for you!

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00:00-01:20 Intro: Revisiting Topsy After a Year
01:20-05:14 Axle Design Challenges
05:14-06:01 Compressor Faults and Cold Weather Problems
06:01-07:48 Battery Stability: Why We Chose LMFAO Batteries
07:48–11:06 Headache Rack and Improving Layout in Future Builds
11:06- 11:56 Rough Rides with Rubber Block Suspension
11:56-12:34 Weight Reduction and Battery Optimization
12:34-13:12 Thank You for the Support
13:12-17:22 Generator Issues and Manufacturer Miscommunication
17:22-19:06 Inside the Cab: New Wiring Setup for Future Trucks
19:06- 21:33 Customer Feedback and Cab Design Updates
21:33-26:51 Power Electronics Cabinet Upgrade
26:51-27:48 Generator Tuning and Programming
27:48-28:17 Hood Stack… But it looks cool
28:17-32:08 What’s Next: Plans for New Trucks
32:08-32:39 Thank You to Supporters

[AceJimbo]

Transparency of this company is truly admirable. Great job integrating the DeBoss Garage "Everything Wrong With.." formula.

[Consumedfever]

"Its had some problems"
My man, Topsy is a prototype, ive had brand new Cat excavators fall apart the first week on the job, you're crushing it

[Bondodon]

As a retired mechanical engineer who paid for college by working in a heavy truck repair shop, I'm blown away by what you guys have accomplished. Everything that you're doing makes so much sense! Says a lot about you that you're willing to share the issues you've had and the solutions you intend to implement. Always enjoy your channel!!!!

[Omonarc]

Suggestion for the in-cab maintenance panel/cabinets- put it all directly behind the driver, but allow the seat to unlock and swivel 180 to face the cabinets. I'd lay them out where they wrap around the driver when the driver faces them which should make doing a lot of work on the panels more comfortable for the driver/technician. Also, include some sort of built-in battery backup LED lighting system that's separate from the truck's batteries so a driver can see everything if power goes out. Last bit, and it might be a bit obvious, include wiring diagrams (written in plain English) on the interior of the cabinet doors.

[darkally]

One word of advice - consider the next "Topsy" you build to be another prototype. You're making major changes to multiple major systems. There will likely be things you discover you did wrong (or could do better) with this iteration as well. Hopefully these changes will be much less significant and you will be able to retrofit them to Topsy2 before deciding it's ready for production.

[wild_lee_coyote]

Edison is doing what all startups should do, be transparent. Most of your failed startups hide the problems they have till they are too big to overcome. Like Nikola who tried to hide the fact that their prototype didn’t work and had to roll it down hill. I’m always weary of a company that says their prototype is working as planned and has no problems. Edison is doing all the right things for the right reasons and learning how to be one of those great companies everyone respects.

[ztaylor]

When you guys went through your cab wiring box it reminded me of a conversation with my fleet mechanics about troubleshooting. I come from an IT background. All network equipment has led lights that indicate the status state of the circuit. This would be an amazing upgrade to OTR vehicles to reduce troubleshooting times and identifying faults. Go look at your Wi-Fi router and you will see what I am talking about.

[kboak]

Thanks for giving us an inside look at the iteritave process. Can't wait for version 2.0.

[dirtdevil]

So glad to aee you listened to potential customers when it came to things like the cab design, steps, exhaust, etc

[freeride]

I’m not one for government subsidies (Bombardier) but I hope the BC and Canadian governments do what they can to work through any regulatory matters that Edison may run into while also promoting innovation. We need more companies like this in Canada.

I’m not a tree hugger but innovative companies like this help reduce emissions not paper straws.

[michelwayne]

Favorite company by far! Ordered some hard hat stickers from yall to show my support when im dropping off equipment on the jobs 👍🏼

[TheGibby]

Legends, never wanted a company to succeed more than yours, keep it up guys

[ltpinecone]

You guys are absolute legends. I wish all companies were as open and transparent and engaging as you guys are. You guys are the Framework Computers of trucks and it's hecking awesome!

[visalanandk]

I’m not even a truck driver and I want one haha!! Love the way you’re transparently sharing your journey and we’re all rooting for you!! 🤓🙌🏾

[Daleejr]

As a heavy duty mechanic I’m excited to see these in the field. Thinking about service down the road is such an amazing change of pace! Hoping to see these enter the tandem snowplow space so I can see them! My employer is a HUGE buyer of new more fuel efficient technologies.

[christopherlenahan]

The first "everything wrong with" that is not only with the manufacturer, but he is the one bringing up the problem's and already has the solutions on the next model. That is INSANE if you think about it compared to major OEM'S.

[GaretWright]

Been following for a couple years now, and I love everything y'all are doing. This takes the cake though. It's impossible to not have problems when you're building complex systems. Being transparent, and willing to teach and explain the mechanics, design decisions, and pitfalls basically doesn't exist outside of your company.

Thank you for showing us all the awesome footage of the build from concept-to-completion, including the troubleshooting, lessons learned, headaches, and injuries. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and one day I hope to see some healthy competition to your endeavors.

[Michael_CS]

Aiming for perfection (100%) and it will take far too long and likely never actually get there. Aim for 90% knowing that there MIGHT be 10% that need a fix (though you don't know those 10% until they happen) and you have something to deliver. Lessons learned from experience!

[juiceofsapho]

Resistive load banks still sound like a good backup to have. If you are going downhil and batteries are full (or too warm to accept charge), you could still use the motors in regenerative mode and disipate that potential energy through resistors, instead of using the brakes. I have seen too many trucks in my country that are going 10 mph downhil and blocking everyone for a lifetime 😁

[jimcetnar]

Excited to see the next version come to fruition. Also, extremely looking forward to the pickup kits - I definitely see myself investing in a pickup kit in the next 3-5 years.