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About 10 years ago I was trying to make something similar in an old truck where I had dual batteries with an isolator and onboard charger along with a block heater. The way I got "around" the cold problem was I reserved the deep cycle for running and a standard battery for starting. Often you can separate the starter and accessory +12V lines easily. That's actually where I got my idea for the brake pedal mod idea for the Enginer. If you step on the brake (or even use a turn signal) it would make sense to re-connect the alternator on a non-hybrid so the forced spin of the engine while decelerating is at least doing something beneficial. Step on the gas however and the battery should be doing all the 12V work and let the alternator spin free. I never did get the relay hooked up. But 50 amps from the alternator while braking could theoretically recover a bit and I figure I could always lightly ride the brake or use hazards if I needed an emergency 12V boost. This brakelight-switched relay charger wouldn't work if you actually rip out the alternator, which maybe you can't do with a serpentine belt.
By the way, JC Whitney once has a vacuum switch that would cut out the AC compressor during acceleration. It was marketed as a horsepower booster, but it could also save gas. While braking it seems good to grab all the kinetic energy you can even if it's just compressing your freon. Why shouldn't cars of non-hybrid variety by default auto-defrost & defog your windows while the brake lights are on? Heck wash your windshield and play with the power windows too 'cause it's free.
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