Thanks Tony! I do think an electric pick up truck would make a lot of sense, as one could easily run corded power tools and other project support directly off the truck without gas generators or other complex after the fact set ups. And for business or other industry applications, run laptops and other electronics in Police SUVs, A/V equipment, etc. Hoping that solar technology advances alongside too, and becomes more efficient in recharging.
The "generator" (actually, inverter) is part of the new Ford hybrid pickup (and as I recall, only on the hybrid). It uses an inverter from the batteries and so runs the engine when the batteries get low.
The Ford "Police Interceptors" are purpose built police cars and when I read up on them they have TONS of extra 12V power taps (some not the traditional plug in but special fused circuits for dedicated things like light bars and radios and all the other electronic widgets including laptops. That said, I don't know if they have a hybrid version of the interceptor although it would be a no brainer.
Is anyone doing factory rooftop solar panels? You're right, that would be another no brainer for that type of vehicle.
As was said, "It's coming". The battery part has become economically feasible and that's when technology takes off.
I'm not a big fan of residential ADD ON solar. It encumbers the property, and it's payback is about the life of the panels, so the add-ons don't make much sense. But... For all the goofy things CA does, some parts now dictate that new construction include solar panels, and the roofing materials guys are stepping up and supplying primary roof with solar "integrated". It's pricier, but easier to amortize than add on panels with traditional roofing underneath.
PS. Every EV I've seen can't be heard. Not like the electric model cars that the bad guy used to try to blow up Dirty Harry. In fact, I don't like it when one of those hybrids sneaks up on you in the parking lot from behind...