Interleaf
Well-known member
smkettner said:I could see a battery pack to carry or tow but a generator? No way.
Now this is an interesting idea.
The new Chinese 18650 Li-ion batteries are about $2.5 each in quantity and produce 3.3 Ah.
100 of these batteries in series will give you 360 volts and 1,200 Wh and will cost $250. It will weigh about 6 kg and take up 2 litres, not including packing material.
So build 20 of these modules and you have 24 KWh - so the Leaf range is doubled to 200 miles.
Cost = $5,000 which is less than a 8 KW genset plus trailer plus gas plus towing hitch plus insurance.
Weight = 120 kg - about 1.7 passengers.
Volume = 40 litres which is about a quarter of the trunk.
And then you carry this only when you are going long distance. The 18650 is already up to 4 Ah, and if it achieves 5 Ah this would be a hoot.