The “range–extended” EV (BEVx) considered

[91040]

Phil, since you have access to the CHAdeMO protocols, will you consider making a portable DC charger that could be powered from 240V at up to, say, 60Amps? Ideally it could also be powered by a L2 J-1772.

Just asking because I know you are not busy.

[N952JL]

Yes, it has 2 modes; Range Extension and Mobile CHAdeMO QC. They are independent functions. The function I currently am closest to finishing, and might even have working this week, is the range extension function. Surprisingly, The QC function requires much more engineering and testing.

When it's in Range Extension mode, it basically tracks the cars utilization so there is essentially no battery usage, though it can be set to also recharge the pack if it's low. The point is to take a long highway drive, running the turbine, then shut down once you get off the highway at your destination and run on battery. The turbine is most efficient at higher power levels, so it is happiest at about 70mph or better. =)

The mobile CHAdeMO QC function allows charging any CHAdeMO equipped car at a 30kW rate. Most current stationary CHAdeMO chargers are capable of 50kW, even though the LEAF doesn't pull the full 50kW for long if at all. (I've only ever seen it peak at about 48kW) This means a full QC could take about an hour, but it should be able to do 80% in a half-hour is you aren't totally flat.

-Phil

This is just what the car needs. Is it possible for this to be attached to a tow hitch receiver vice a pull behind trailer?

I sure wish you were in Atlanta where I might be able to visit. But even with your range extender Warner Robins GA to SF CA is just too far for a little Leaf.

[Ingineer]

This is just what the car needs. Is it possible for this to be attached to a tow hitch receiver vice a pull behind trailer?

This is exactly how it's configured:



-Phil

[DaveinOlyWA]

ok, how much is this QC option?

[Herm]

if you have to ask ...

Phil, what hitch setup did you use, something custom made or standard?

[Ingineer]

Phil, what hitch setup did you use, something custom made or standard?

I could not locate a standard option, so I was forced to fabricate my own:



I've towed a lot of strange stuff with my 2008 Prius, but I must say the Leaf tows exceptionally well, despite it's "zero" rating.

-Phil

[Ingineer]

ok, how much is this QC option?

It's not for sale, but if there is enough interest and I can figure out how to make it feasible, then I'd love to see more of them! =)

-Phil

[JohnOver]

ok, how much is this QC option?

It's not for sale, but if there is enough interest and I can figure out how to make it feasible, then I'd love to see more of them! =)

-Phil

Is the receiver for sale? Does it attach to existing mounting points or did you need to bore holes in the frame?

[edmorin]

ok, how much is this QC option?

It's not for sale, but if there is enough interest and I can figure out how to make it feasible, then I'd love to see more of them! =)

-Phil

Is the receiver for sale? Does it attach to existing mounting points or did you need to bore holes in the frame?

I too would like one of those hitches... Got a price on that yet Phil?

[mitch672]

Phil,

You probably don't want to be in the "hitch fabrication" business, if you have or could produce a set of drawings, I'm fairly certain one of the major companies in that business would buy the design from you, as you've saved them the "engineering & design" work. someone such as "Reese", produces hitches for their business... Just a suggestion.

http://www.reese-hitches.com/hitchsearch" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;