michael
Well-known member
Tesla's Powerwall may give some insight into what could be done with a new EV design. For $3000, they offer 7 kWh daily-cycle units, weight 220 lbs and capable of 2 kW continuous. Taking a wild guess at $1K or even $2K for some interface circuitry, I could envision a DC slow charger that would transfer this energy into the primary battery pack when needed. Or, with an inverter might simply provide 220 VAC to a portable EVSE for occasional use.
This approach takes advantage of the fact that a battery can be optimized for energy or for power. This design seems to emphasize energy over power and limits the output to the 3.5 or even 5 hour rate. While this doesn't help much for a freeway dash, it would allow continuous slow charging over a period of hours, whether parked or in traffic.
I'd seriously consider paying an extra $5K for an extra 7 or 10 kWh. It would make the FFE a 120 mile class car. Nothing short of Tesla or the no-longer-produced RAV4 gives this flexibility.
This approach takes advantage of the fact that a battery can be optimized for energy or for power. This design seems to emphasize energy over power and limits the output to the 3.5 or even 5 hour rate. While this doesn't help much for a freeway dash, it would allow continuous slow charging over a period of hours, whether parked or in traffic.
I'd seriously consider paying an extra $5K for an extra 7 or 10 kWh. It would make the FFE a 120 mile class car. Nothing short of Tesla or the no-longer-produced RAV4 gives this flexibility.