I could spend $5k and get about 400V/8kWh worth of LiFePO4 batteries into the trunk. (Wouldn't actually take all of the trunk) If I went LiPo, it would actually be cheaper for the same energy storage.
This could conceivably extend range by about 30%.
I can see a zillion problems with this
But, is it doable? I imagine there's at least three technical problems:
1) How to charge these? I'd need something separate from the built-in charger.
2) How to tie into the Leaf main power? If I can match the top voltage well enough, could I parallel them? Or are large, expensive, energy converters needed?
3) How would the Leaf power control systems react to having more than expected capacity out of the battery stack?
Then there's practical problems, like cooling, and safety, and robustness, and all the rest. Given that people successfully convert gasoline cars to electrics, those should be solvable, but may also add significant extra cost.
This could conceivably extend range by about 30%.
I can see a zillion problems with this
But, is it doable? I imagine there's at least three technical problems:
1) How to charge these? I'd need something separate from the built-in charger.
2) How to tie into the Leaf main power? If I can match the top voltage well enough, could I parallel them? Or are large, expensive, energy converters needed?
3) How would the Leaf power control systems react to having more than expected capacity out of the battery stack?
Then there's practical problems, like cooling, and safety, and robustness, and all the rest. Given that people successfully convert gasoline cars to electrics, those should be solvable, but may also add significant extra cost.