[camosoul]

Originally Posted by P-hack

1 Series hybrid (especially DIY) is probably going to be lossy, good chance that you will be farther ahead in terms of fuel consumption driving what you have.

I know this is true. I love what I have. But, it's got 360k miles on it... I need to start thinking about something else.

Originally Posted by P-hack

2 You need a large motor, i.e. the transwarp should suffice, but you also need a large generator and engine if you wish to mostly eliminate the batteries and have a recognizable amount of power.

I also think a Warp 9 is plenty.

Originally Posted by P-hack

To try to get a handle on how much generator you need, I looked at an existing 150 converted to electric:

Not really an apple to apples comparison, but pretty close.

Originally Posted by P-hack

It uses 350 Wh/Mile (I guess)
144 volt system
500 amp controller
~40 mile range.

Lets save these numbers for later in the reply, shall we?

Originally Posted by P-hack

Since you are looking at the warp9, I took a look at that, it appears to handle ~500 amps for about 5 minutes, 300 continuous. Saw someone mention a 100kw run on a trans9, so that is 134 horsepower for best reliable performance expectation, ~3000 rpm (~150V) and 667A for short duration.

134HP? I think your math is broken. If it took 134HP to push an F-150 down the road at 45 to 55 mph, they would all explode right now. It's getting to that speed that needs the extra, and I have absolutely no intentions of making the generator do that. I want to buffer it with a small battery pack. The batteries will get me there. The generators will hold me there. I don't care if it's zero to sixty on 3 minutes or so...

As a second point, just because the Warp 9 can do a thing, doesn't mean I have to make it do that thing. Performance is NOT my middle name. I'm slow and fine with that. The first thing this truck is getting is a bumper sticker that says "Go around, @$$hole!"

Originally Posted by P-hack

So for best sustained performance from the warp9 then, you would need a diesel generator that is at least 134 horsepower after the losses of mechanical to electrical, and the controller (and rectification?).

I think I covered this above. I'm not trying to find an equivalent. I just want something that rolls and is electric, even if it is a fraction of the capabilities of the original. The generators only have to provide the power needed to maintain speed, they don't have to get me there. And, the speed being maintained is about 45 to 55 mph. This thing will never know what an interstate on ramp looks like.

Originally Posted by P-hack

So now we have a couple real numbers to work with at least, to get in the ballpark, or at least have an upper limit on your power requirements.

I think you're overstating what you think my expectations are...

Originally Posted by P-hack

I will go out on a limb here and say I hate your idea, sorry bro. Spend the money on batteries if you are bent. Also consider scaling down to something more personal transport sized if possible.

I have something personal transport sized already. I need something that I can carry stuff with. A Honda Rebel Bobber and a VW Passat TDI make terrible farm trucks... Ever try putting a sheet of plywood in a Passat? Or, strap it to your back on a motorcycle that doesn't even have fenders? That idea, I hate....

If I needed 134HP, I'd hate my idea too, bro. But, I don't need 134HP. My Passat does 155MPH on a whole lot less than that. That number is nowhere near reality.