2e; The ability to charge on the go?

[PatQ562]

Inductive roads? Very ingenious! I've been thinking for decades that the "next wave" of highway improvements will be smart cars that can safely drive bumper to bumper at freeway speeds, by knowing what all the other cars are doing and acting accordingly (including accident avoidance etc). This could TRIPLE the capacity of urban freeways without adding concrete. Combine that with powered roadways (room temperature superconductors would be a REALLY big help) and there's your future system.
Pat Q

[PatQ562]

There being no free lunch, an undersized (2000W) generator running three times as long to replace 6000kWhr will use (at least) the same amount of gas, plus of course the long waiting times to recharge. Still, I assume if there's any life at Aptera, they are looking at a minimum weight genset for the hybrid model. The Caterpillar diesel at the link still needs a radiator and generator. The trick would be a much smaller, high speed genset if an economical small turbine is available. But it's a whole 'nother layer of mechanicals with safety and emission issues to solve.

[gistmarrs]

I think we are talking about two different things. I was referring to a 2e with the ability to charge on the go. It sounds like you are talking about the 2h. The difference would be that the 2h would not need to be charged to drive, it could be driven with the batteries low and the generator would keep up with the demand. That is a much more expensive, heavy vehicle to build.

I would like to run the 2e stock most of the time, but occasionally put the generator in for longer commuting needs. This wouldn't require the whole vehicle to be smog checked, pass CARB standards, etc. I also wouldn't be hauling around 300 punds of extra weight that wasn't needed most of the time.

[SEGsby]

Yes. Think of it like an updated version of the electric trolly, but done using today's technology (wireless, no tracks, user control over access, roaming metering, etc.). Other countries are currently exploring the concept...

http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/...ction-charging

It makes sense to use current battery tech for shorter, "off grid" local trips, and then use a large scale, EV induction system for interstate travel.

Range anxiety for electrics would drop to nearly zero.
The average weight of EVs and battery costs could be greatly reduced, making them more affordable for more people.
The utility of EVs would skyrocket and be able to directly compete and overtake oil based propulsion.

The petroleum industry would absolutely hate it, and lobby to kill it... Which is probably why pacific rim countries will most likely develop and deploy this first.

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/20...ectric-avenue/

Originally Posted by randyd

What are you talking about? A roadbed that provides energy to vehicles through induction?

[KarenRei]

Originally Posted by SEGsby

Yes. Think of it like an updated version of the electric trolly, but done using today's technology (wireless, no tracks, user control over access, roaming metering, etc.). Other countries are currently exploring the concept...

http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/...ction-charging

It makes sense to use current battery tech for shorter, "off grid" local trips, and then use a large scale, EV induction system for interstate travel.

I once wrote a sci-fi novel where that was the case

[overpowered]

Originally Posted by gistmarrs

I think we are talking about two different things. I was referring to a 2e with the ability to charge on the go. It sounds like you are talking about the 2h. The difference would be that the 2h would not need to be charged to drive, it could be driven with the batteries low and the generator would keep up with the demand. That is a much more expensive, heavy vehicle to build.

I would like to run the 2e stock most of the time, but occasionally put the generator in for longer commuting needs. This wouldn't require the whole vehicle to be smog checked, pass CARB standards, etc. I also wouldn't be hauling around 300 punds of extra weight that wasn't needed most of the time.

So essentially, you're still really talking about a 2h except that the generator system (fuel storage+engine) is propane powered instead of gasoline powered and can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled as some sort of module.

I suppose that's theoretically possible, but I'm not sure how many people would want to bother with that; and it's going to increase the cost of the system more than a plain 2h.

[KarenRei]

Given the weight of a genset, the only practical "removable" generator concept I can picture is that of a towable generator.

[overpowered]

Originally Posted by KarenRei

Given the weight of a genset, the only practical "removable" generator concept I can picture is that of a towable generator.

Probably.

The AC Propulsion T-Zero prototype had a gasoline generator trailer available. Too bad they scrapped the T-Zero. I guess that market was finally tapped by the Tesla Roadster; though I'm not aware of Tesla offering a trailer. They ought to if they don't.

I suppose it might be possible to design it so that you'd have some sort of mini-crane in your garage to pull the module from the car and put it back in.

[rayfellow]

There is talk of battery packs that are replaceable. ie. bring in your depleted battery for a fresh one. So.. how about 2 battery sets in the EV. 1) a small one good for say 10 miles, and 2) a replaceable big one, good for 100 miles. for long trips (over 100 miles) a gen set could be put in the place of the big battery space. You then have a 2e and 2h in one vehicle. the gen set could even be a rental from the dealer.

The gen set would have its own fuel tank, exhaust, sound and safety systems.

WTHeck.. we're just dreaming here.. right?

[gistmarrs]

I suppose that's theoretically possible, but I'm not sure how many people would want to bother with that; and it's going to increase the cost of the system more than a plain 2h.

A Honda EU2000 weighs about 50lbs. I think that is more than theoretically possible. You can also run them in series. Put two 50 pound units in the front and now you have 4000 watts.