A Chat with the Fellas at DeBoss Garage

The hosts Chase Barber and Jordan Willie introduce the podcast episode, highlighting their blue-collar theme and mentioning that this episode features guests from DeBoss Garage. They talk briefly about their recent trip to Ontario and set the stage for discussing their guests' projects and expertise.

Rich Ehren and Andy from DeBoss Garage describe their work on custom vehicles, including engine swaps, conversions, and their diverse channels focused on on-road and off-road builds. They share stories about their most notable projects, including the transformation of trucks and tanks—such as a Sherman tank into a recovery vehicle—and their passion for innovative, heavy-duty builds. They discuss the challenges and excitement around building heavy electric and hybrid trucks, and their ongoing projects like converting vintage cars into electric vehicles.

The conversation centers around their recent achievements with electric and hybrid trucks, including the first hybrid series-parallel diesel-electric truck in North America. They talk about the challenges of building heavy-duty electric trucks, the differences between North American and European markets, and the potential of electric power for reducing emissions and improving efficiency. They express enthusiasm for future innovations, including retrofitting old trucks with electric drivetrains and the possibilities of electric racing.

The hosts and guests highlight their efforts in supporting high school programs, such as their collaboration with schools across North America to promote EV technology through kits and competitions. They emphasize the importance of inspiring young people in trades and manufacturing, funding these initiatives through their merch store, and partnering with companies like Ford. They share stories of building interest in trades and supporting youth programs, including mentorship and hands-on projects.

They discuss their ambitions in truck racing, including pulling heavy loads in competitions like the Quebec rodeo with their electric trucks. The hosts show excitement about potential cross-country trips, high-performance testing, and competing with major electric truck manufacturers like Tesla. They also talk about their plans for retrofit kits for trucks, suggesting scalable solutions for industry and emphasizing the importance of durability and reliability in heavy-duty electric powertrains.

The conversation shifts to broader themes of manufacturing, product longevity, and environmental sustainability. The guests critique the throwaway culture of modern appliances and vehicles, advocating for long-lasting, durable products. They argue that making equipment last longer would have a greater positive impact on the environment, even criticizing the emphasis on electric cars without considering product lifespan and repairability. They call for a mindset change towards sustainability and repairability in industry.

The hosts thank their guests and remind listeners to check out DeBoss Garage’s YouTube channels and merch store. They briefly touch on upcoming projects, collaborations, and their own efforts in EV development, emphasizing community support and shared passion for heavy-duty and innovative vehicle projects.