Can I use a GENERATOR to power an Electric car directly? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Nerys · 08-13-2008, 03:01 PM

I was wondering. HOW many "direct" amps do I need to run an electric car?

120 or 220v ? I am thinking a 7.5kw Diesel Generator. IS that enough?

I simple can not afford to build a battery electric car and the range I need is too great (65 miles minimum one way)

SO what do I do? I WANT to build an electric car. SO I am thinking I cam build one minus the batteries. Use a generator and Diesel. Would be no where near as efficient as an electric car but far far more efficient than a Gas or Diesel car.

Once 2015 comes around and the battery patent expires or something new comes along I can replace the generator with batteries.

SO what kind of power do I need? I know it will work for cruising but will it be enough for "acceleration" ? I do not need no speedy acceleration just enough to keep me out of trouble. :-)

Thanks!

ATaylorRacing · 08-13-2008, 07:51 PM

Those diesel trains you see all around the country are actually electromotve diesels. They have a huge diesel motor or motors that power generators to drive powerful electric motors. Nearly all surface mines use electric shovels...they get their power from substations!

iHero · 08-13-2008, 10:30 PM

Where do you get said generator ? I'd like to make a Hybrid Adapter out of one.

So you are looking at 10 Hp. That is plenty to keep you cruising -- but without doing any math -- your acceleration will be a bit slow.

However -- If your were to get two 10 Hp DC motors, one powered by the generator and the the other motor is powered only for acceleration by a capacitor bank. -- charge the capacitor bank at startup and during cruise -- you may be able to pull it off -- but you'll have the extra expense of the extra motor & caps-- but it wouldn't need any fancy control -- just dump the caps into the spare motor to get the car off the start.

Nerys · 08-13-2008, 11:56 PM

actually the diesel loco's are what made me think of it. BUT I need to know how much power.

10hp will get me 7500watt surge 5500watt continuous

IS that enough? I have no idea. Thats my problem. IF it needs more power than that this idea very rapidly moves out of my ability to afford. I can not afford nothing right now but I am thinking what can I do 6 months or a year from now.

I have seen 230v motors on ebay for around $400. If I can find a diesel genset for under a grand I could have the major parts for just a wee bit more than a grand. I could even TEST It using my GAS generator that I already have. 10hp 7500surge 5500 continuous.

MechEngVT · 08-14-2008, 10:12 AM

Why don't you make do with the smaller generator but improve its abilities with some batteries as well? You won't have to add enough batteries for all-electric range to cover your full commute, only maybe 1/4-1/3 of your commute. This will keep your generator running near peak load to top off your batteries but minimize the reduction in acceleration and possibly top speed that a 10hp limit would give you. This is a serial hybrid configuration that folks have taken to calling a "range-extended electric vehicle."

tjts1 · 08-14-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerys

Can I use a GENERATOR to power an Electric car directly?

Yes. Watch the ending.

YouTube - Fifth Gear: Smart ED vs Smart FourTwo

jamesqf · 08-14-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechEngVT

Why don't you make do with the smaller generator but improve its abilities with some batteries as well?

Yeah, this is what GM calls the Volt. If you wanted to be even more efficient, put enough batteries in the car to cover your local driving, then put the generator on a (streamlined) trailer for long trips.

jamesqf · 08-14-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechEngVT

Why don't you make do with the smaller generator but improve its abilities with some batteries as well?

7.5 kW is about 10 HP, so it wouldn't be enough unless your car's really light. Even then, acceleration & hill climbing would be horrible. But if you have some batteries to power your main drive, then you can run the generator to add charge, and extend range. This is basically what GM is doing with the Volt.

If you wanted to be even more efficient, put enough batteries in the car to cover your local driving, then put the generator on a (streamlined) trailer that you hook up for longer trips.

Nerys · 08-14-2008, 07:47 PM

I would love too but a 230v battery pack is prohibitively expensive and HEAVY.

thats 20 lead acid batteries! (ouch) even if I could find 24v batteries thats still 10 of them.

Unless there is a way to CHEAPLY and EASILY use a lot less than 20 batteries to get 230v ??

TomEV · 08-14-2008, 08:11 PM

Not sure where you can buy them, but US Battery has a 24v floodie...

U.S. Battery Military - Ordinance