Grant,
Yes Doug, thank you!
I'm all in with you on the idea of powering generators for sustained EV re-gen. Diesel is, in my mind the way to go if this is the rout we decide to take. Much more low end torque to weight ratio. I'd like to see a usable, "value" added car come from this...not one that takes fifty buttons and switches to adjust to get it to perform economically.
The Station wagon ideas is one that I hadn't thought of, there are allot of say...older Audi's, Volvo's, etc out there that could provide a good build platform for a 4 wheeled EV w/optional re-gen build in the back end etc. A larger roof space would allow for solar panels to cover the roof and hood deck to assist with re-gen too.
What trikes are you talking about?
Wayne
SC
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant-53
There are several ways to go depending ong what you are trying to accomplish. My Three Vehicle Solution currently is a Gran Caravan for long trips with the whole family, 4dr Geo Prizm, and a streamlined city bike. GE locomotive engines use diesel engines to power generators for the traction motors. The book 'Solo' chronicles the cross country trip of an electric conversion of a Ford Escort station wagon. The newer small station wagons are space efficient, inexpensive, and can tow a small trailer carrying a diesel generator for longer trips. A combination of lithium batteries, regen braking, and ultracapacitors would be lighter and more suited to stop/go traffic than lead acid batteries. A diesel generator could set up to run on Biodiesel or natural gas depending on availability of fuel. A portable generator is always handy in an emergency.
There are good plans available for trikes that can be adapted to diesel/electric power. The hard part may be defining what the vehicle is meant to accomplish. Consider how we want to use our transportation options in a 21st setting of value management.
Thank you Doug for your offer.
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