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You’re describing a plug in hybrid or a serial hybrid like the Chevy Volt.
by woofyman 8y ago
You’re describing a plug in hybrid or a serial hybrid like the Chevy Volt.
- pitaj 8y agoExcept the engine isn't always there as taking up extra space and weight.
- saalweachter 8y agoWeight probably isn't a problem - a Chevy Volt weighs a lot less than a Tesla S. You don't even save much by keeping the gas tank mostly empty when you aren't expecting to need it -- the gas weighs ~6 lbs / gallon, so you might save 50 lbs by keeping the tank on 1/4 when you aren't planning to drive past the battery range. Think about it this way: batteries are really heavy, and the Tesla has like 5x more battery capacity than a Volt. Meanwhile, if you're mostly making short trips, you're hauling around 3/4 of those heavy, heavy batteries as a contingency.
- davideous 8y agoYes, that's the effect. But I'd only have to carry the generator portion when needed for a road trip. You could perhaps even rent it only when you need. Even if the generator was in a small trailer, that would provide the range freedom without loosing the storage space (and help with venting/cooling/noise).
- smileysteve 8y ago> Even if the generator was in a small trailer This has been done; but the small trailer also adds significant friction and aerodynamic drag. It also adds complexity in driving and maintenance.
- bluGill 8y agoTrue, except the road trip case is also the case where you want more cargo capacity than is standard. A rental trailer for one week that lets my wife pack the kitchen sink actually makes sense.
- pkaye 8y agoAt that point might as well just rent an gasoline engine car.