FAQ &
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FAQ

KDRIVE is a hybrid retrofit that can be added to Class 8 Long Haul and Day Cabs not more than 10 years old.

A Vision Born From Racing

KDRIVE’s origin story is deeply rooted in one of Arnaud’s most ambitious challenges: the development of an 11-ton electric race truck for the grueling DAKAR rally. This ambitious project required his team to innovate at an unparalleled level, designing cutting-edge technology that could withstand extreme conditions.

Electric Augmentation

Through intelligent kinetic energy management, KDRIVE dramatically improves the efficiency, lifespan, and reliability of these trucks. What makes KDRIVE particularly unique is its retrofit capability, allowing both new and existing trucks to benefit from its plug-and-play intelligent drives.

Quick affordable deployment with instant gains.

In an industry where many are still developing fully electric or hydrogen-powered trucks, KDRIVE stands out by offering a diesel/electric retrofit solution that can be deployed quickly. This gives KDRIVE a first-mover advantage in providing fleet operators with a cost-effective way to upgrade their existing vehicles.

The key features that make KDRIVE revolutionary include its unlimited range, thanks to a combination of battery-powered electric powertrains and range extenders, and the ease of maintenance through swappable modules. The 1200-horsepower powertrain ensures the trucks retain the strength needed for heavy-duty work, while integrated AI capabilities boost efficiency and make trucks easier to drive.

The ability to apply KDRIVE’s solution to millions of trucks already on the road gives fleet operators an edge in reducing their carbon footprint while improving performance — all without the high costs associated with purchasing entirely new electric trucks. As a result, KDRIVE isn’t just an option; it’s the most viable and timely solution for those in the trucking industry looking to adapt quickly to new environmental regulations.

"Fleet operators are struggling with the need to reduce emissions while maintaining profitability," Arnaud explains. "With infrastructure limitations and high costs hindering the adoption of new electric or hydrogen trucks, our retrofit solution offers an immediate, scalable way to modernize the industry."

Intelligent Kinetics

Before launching KDRIVE, Arnaud’s team took great care to validate their concept by engaging directly with the people who know the trucking industry best: truckers and fleet operators. Extensive discussions and field research with these stakeholders allowed the team to better understand the real-world challenges faced by those on the road. Their feedback confirmed that KDRIVE’s retrofit technology — with its intelligent kinetic energy management — was a perfect solution for enhancing truck efficiency, longevity, and reliability.

"Our conversations with truckers and fleet managers helped us fine-tune the product, ensuring it wasn’t just an innovation for innovation’s sake, but a practical solution," says Arnaud.

Unlimited Range

KDRIVE uses range extender technology so a delivery is not hampered by limited range.

Saving Valuable Trucks and Infrastructure

KDRIVE comes at a critical moment in the trucking industry as fleets face mounting pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining profitability. KDRIVE saves existing and valuable trucks from the bone-yard by giving then a DIESEL+ treatment thorugh plug and play electric augmentation. It is a practical solution, a "no brainer" for fleets and owner operators trying to survive and sustain themselves in the human ecosystem while reducing emissions.

KDRIVE Software

KDRIVE's proprietary software uses predictive fuel consumption (STT) which aids but does not replace the experience of drivers.

Costs

In comparison to other competitor options KDRIVE is low cost,. efficient, works with the existing diesel transport grid, and qualifies for $50,000 to $100,000 Federal grants per truck.

InfoGraphic

The U.S. Class 8 truck market, which encompasses semi-trucks and is crucial for national logistics, moves 72.2% of freight by weight, generating $875.5 billion in annual revenue (80.8% of the nation's freight bill). The industry employed 7.99 million people, including 3.49 million truck drivers, in 2021. Internationally 66.1% and 82.7% of the U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico surface trade was transported by trucks, respectively.

The long-haul trucking market is vital for transporting goods across long distances, including consumer goods, raw materials, and industrial products. Its increasing demand offers numerous opportunities for innovation and improvement.

The Class 8 electric truck market, including new Hydrogen truck technologies, is gaining momentum due to environmental concerns, stricter emission standards, and advancements in battery technology. This has made electric trucks viable for certain select market sectors, but the long-haul needs have thus far not been met.

Electric Only trucks are appealing on paper, but they fall short as a solution for the foreseeable future due to the lack of heavy-duty chargers on major highways and the absence of hydrogen fuel stations. Moreover, the intricate powertrain and system complexities of these new technologies demand highly trained mechanics not just in traditional trucking components, but in new, sometimes untested, technologies. 

Many companies and fleets are setting sustainability goals that require the adoption of electric trucks to attain them.  Given its newness, this industry is dynamic, with ongoing developments in technology, regulation, and infrastructure, all of which will play a significant role in determining electric trucks' feasibility and adoption rates in the heavy-duty segment.