Electric Car with a Generator on a Trailer?

by Dan
(Portales, NM, USA)



I'm considering getting a 98 Saturn SL1 (I can get the basic car for about $1000.) My idea is to put a small electric generator on a trailer along with a start button on the dash. Is this feasable? Advised? Economical?



Hi, Dan!
Sure, all of the above.
Check out Mike Chancey's pusher trailer in the EV Photo Album. His contact information is on the page at that link so you can talk to him further if you like.

I got a chance to interview another "EV with Generator" builder named Alain St Yves; to read it, click on the third article link to the left - "Build your own Plug-in Hybrid".

Regards,
Lynne



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starstarstarstarstar 		Stupid trailer name "pusher"
by: Anonymous

Charging trailer
Range extender trailer
Trailer plus
Long trip trailer
vacation trailer

The list of better names could be very long with little thought. My idea for electric car trailer from last millenium, was a sleek generator trailer that was expandable to carry luggage inside or more stuff outside. Like a luggage pod with a roof rack for 1000 pounds.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		"pusher" does not refer to actual motive force
by: Anonymous

That is exactly what is meant by "pusher", I agree it is a bit confusing, but a "pusher" is basically just a generator on a trailer that turns a standard electric car into what is essentially a plug-in hybrid.You are correct in stating that the trailer has no drivetrain of its own. That would be dangerous to say the least.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not a pusher, a generator
by: Anonymous

I think you missed the point of Dan's question. He is not asking about a "pusher". He's asking about the feasibility of an engine/generator pack that could supplement the electric power of the towing vehicle. All of the motive force would come from the motor in the towing vehicle, but the electricity would come from the towed generator.

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