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I'm totally ignorant on this subject, but what if you just had the vehicle engine on and idling the whole time you were driving? That way it could power the cli

I'm totally ignorant on this subject, but what if you just had the vehicle engine on and idling the whole time you were driving? That way it could power the climate control, power steering, etc., but presumably use much, much less fuel than if you were using it to accelerate.

coryrc 3y ago
Sure, then call it hybrid assist. Gasoline engines are most inefficient at small loads though, so you aren't saving as much as you think. The price of a used Leaf in the USA can be $3000: https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/ctd/d/everett-2013-nissan-leaf-4dr/7669915053.html https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/ctd/d/everett-2013-nissan... So if you just want an EV, you can get a whole working car, with more range, for less.
- gnicholas 3y ago
  I actually looked for a used Leaf for just this reason. Ended up getting a CMAX PHEV, which has suited my needs quite nicely for the last 5 years. I'm just hopeful that there is some way to retrofit the millions of existing ICE vehicles out there in a way that's cost-effective.
  - coryrc 3y ago
    The millions of existing ICE vehicles can be retained by the people who own cars but use them rarely, and new EVs can be used by people who need to drive significant distances.
- Turskarama 3y ago
  In the US you might be able to, but this guy is Australian and the cheapest leaf I can find here is just shy of $12k.
hattmall 3y ago
That's always been my thought as well. Why can't I just have some rechargeable component that significantly boosts my gas mileage for the typical 30-40 mile daily drive. The occasional 200-300 mile long distance trip I'm fine with using gas purely.
- coryrc 3y ago
  Because would you really spend $10k+ to do that? No, you'd buy a Prius instead, because it'd work better and be cheaper.
  - hattmall 3y ago
    I would certainly consider it for 10k. Because no I wouldn't buy a Prius because they look goofy and I like my current vehicle. 10k is close to the tipping point, but would probably be worth it. If it was cheaper though definitely.

coryrc 3y ago

Sure, then call it hybrid assist. Gasoline engines are most inefficient at small loads though, so you aren't saving as much as you think. The price of a used Leaf in the USA can be $3000: https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/ctd/d/everett-2013-nissan-leaf-4dr/7669915053.html https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/ctd/d/everett-2013-nissan... So if you just want an EV, you can get a whole working car, with more range, for less.

gnicholas 3y ago
I actually looked for a used Leaf for just this reason. Ended up getting a CMAX PHEV, which has suited my needs quite nicely for the last 5 years. I'm just hopeful that there is some way to retrofit the millions of existing ICE vehicles out there in a way that's cost-effective.
- coryrc 3y ago
  The millions of existing ICE vehicles can be retained by the people who own cars but use them rarely, and new EVs can be used by people who need to drive significant distances.
Turskarama 3y ago
In the US you might be able to, but this guy is Australian and the cheapest leaf I can find here is just shy of $12k.

hattmall 3y ago

That's always been my thought as well. Why can't I just have some rechargeable component that significantly boosts my gas mileage for the typical 30-40 mile daily drive. The occasional 200-300 mile long distance trip I'm fine with using gas purely.

coryrc 3y ago
Because would you really spend $10k+ to do that? No, you'd buy a Prius instead, because it'd work better and be cheaper.
- hattmall 3y ago
  I would certainly consider it for 10k. Because no I wouldn't buy a Prius because they look goofy and I like my current vehicle. 10k is close to the tipping point, but would probably be worth it. If it was cheaper though definitely.