Towed Generator for EV

[coalpwr]

Does anyone know how to make it so I can charge my Focus EV while driving?

I know it's sacrilege. I know 6.6 kW will only allow about 20 mph. But, can it be done?

 

[Focused_Driver]

The answer to most "Can it be done?" questions is yes- given enough time, money and effort. I think you need to understand why you would want to? Clearly a 76 mile range BEV is not intended to get you anywhere a 350+ mile range ICE car can take you. I bought mine understanding the 76 range limitation; didn't you?

Don't create a problem that doesn't need to be solved.

 

[jmueller065]

You are in luck: Someone in France has designed just the thing for you:
http://jamiegeek.myevblog.com/2014/02/14/extending-your-range/

http://insideevs.com/video-ep-tender-is-a-hitch-mounted-range-extender/

and finally their website:
http://www.eptender.com/

 

[jeffand]

I think charging the battery with a generator while driving is not the way to go.
Put pulling a trailer that helps push the car along may be the way to go. This would be a simple system.
The engine starts when it is moving at speeds above 15MPH. At the low speeds the cars electric motor is much more efficient than running the engine. When the brake lights come on it stops pushing. So you can actually charge the battery when coasting and not Appling the brakes. This is because of the EV regenerative braking system will regenerate with your foot of the accelerator. The pusher would also need some sort of traction control for stability. You would also have a remote kill circuit that plugged into the cars 12 volt power port. A CVT transmission would best way to put the power down to the pavement. With a 16 Hp motor it may be possible to push the car at 65 mph. You would use the cars electric motor to accelerate the car up to speed, so a larger engine is not required.

 

[Zurc]

I think it makes better sense to tow an extra battery for extra range.

Zurc.