From what I've seen similar new gens in the U.S. go for $780 on up.
Kipor KDE5000E Professional Series Generator 5000 Watt 120V 60Hz Single Phase Diesel Single Cylinder Generator Camper Trailer RV
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Originally Posted by codename
Not only the ICE pusher will obviously consume much more fuel when operating vs 200cc generator, it will be a huge dead weight EVERYWHERE you go as well.
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I don't think it would consume more fuel vs genset because of the system efficiencies.
Any range extender you are pondering is going to add weight- I thought the plan was to only strap it on when embarking on long trips?
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Originally Posted by james
I think you could expect quite a bit of efficiency increase. Remember that the engine in a conventional car has to be considerably oversized WRT the power needed for cruising at highway speeds, so much of the time it's operating far from its most efficient point. The generator's engine can be much smaller, because batteries provide for acceleration, and can always be run at max efficiency. Plus you have another efficiency (and performance/handling) gain, because you don't have to haul around a massive battery pack to get acceptable range. Look at the Tesla, which is about 700 lbs heavier than the Lotus Elise it was derived from.
The point, though, is that instead of a pure electric with a hard range limit (so if your batteries are drained miles from the nearest outlet, you're stranded), you have one that's much more efficient than an IC engined car, while still having virtually unlimited range.
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So size the engine in the pusher to operate at that efficiency zone and bypass all the conversion deficiencies in mech/elec.
Re: weight: the purpose of this thing isn't for city driving all day long. I thought it was for a long trip? I presume that is highway. Weight isn't much of a factor for steady state cruising.
Sounds like what the guy needs is a Volt.