Here's an interesting prototype serial hybrid, built by Mazda:
Mazda2 EV range extender first drive review
Quote:
Mazda2 (Demio) EV with rotary range extender: specifications
Price: Not on sale
Electric motor: 75kW, 150Nm
Batteries: 200kg of 346V battery pack with 20kWh capacity
Range extender: 0.33L single rotor
Range extender power: 22kW at 4500rpm (potential for 28kW at 6000rpm)
Driving range: 380km; 200km electric, 180km extra with range extender in use
Weight: 1280kg
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A total of ~380km/236 mile range, and the genset probably runs for an hour or less. The genset is capable of charging the 20kWh battery pack in about an hour, and the range on the genset would seem to be running for an hour or less. A 330cc single rotor Wankel running at 4,000RPM can burn a gallon of gas - or maybe two?
Sounds like a pretty good thing to me.
Edit: More info here:
http://gas2.org/2013/11/26/mazda-rot...ange-extender/
2.6 gallon tank, and 45MPG in charging mode. That is after a ~124 mile electric range.