Towable Generators

malcolm · 07-19-2008, 01:40 PM

Range Anxiety is more of an issue in the US than in Europe.

So while we wait for better batteries, what products are available right now for EV range extension?

I found this one: Baldor TS60 - 49 kW Industrial Standby Towable Generator

Anyone got anything cheaper, lighter and more streamlined?

Chris H. · 07-19-2008, 02:17 PM

How about this one:

Honda Power Equipment - EB11000

You would need to build a small trailer around it, but it shouldn't be too difficult, or expensive.

All the best,

Chris H.

malcolm · 07-19-2008, 02:37 PM

Nice one. 46 kWh over 4.4 hours for about $5,500. The thing I'm not sure about is how much of the energy delivered at, say 40 amps ends up in the battery and how much has to be consumed by the battery cooling system.

I know it's about 16 or 17 kWh extra if you recharge at 70 amps. I guess all we can do is assume a linear relationship - so 40 amps will divert about 9.5 kWh to cooling leaving about 36 kWh to go to the battery. That would get you about 150 miles (EPA Highway) in the Roadster (ignoring the extra drag)

Anyone know if you can you fire these things up anywhere? I notice it is rated at 80 dB.

Chris H. · 07-19-2008, 02:51 PM

I would imagine that out on the highway the noise wouldn't be too much of an issue, but in a downtown area, it might be a different matter...

WarpedOne · 07-19-2008, 02:56 PM

Dry Weight: 403 lbs
AC Output: 120/240V 10,500W max. (87.5/43.8A 9500W rated (79.2/39.6A)

A little on the high side of weight and on the lower side of power.

Half the weight, twice the power at similar dimensions then it will start getting interesting.