>>1035046>People always think of trailers for this, which admittedly does seem stupid. I would think that a small generator could be configured to lock in place in the "frunk" of an electric car, or maybe on one side of the trunk, without too much hassle.>frunkIt will always be called an engine bay.
The only lasting contribution of tesla will be using batteries for a floorpan, and decent displays instead of 640x400 stamps.
I foresee a fairly simple winch mechanism that will remove and replace the contents of the engine bay. (cars can park themselves, therefore they can position themselves perfectly for such a mechanism)
If you want a pitiful excuse for a vehicle (or live off-grid), then you can put in a battery assembly for pure electric.
If you want an enclosed golfcart for a large grocery run, then you can put in a hard condom to turn the engine bay into a secondary trunk and run only on an integral overflow bank.
If you want a viable product, then you can have a generator.
If you only care about energy supply and not efficiency, then you can put in a sterling generator.
>without too much hassleAnything light enough to be done by hand would be fairly trash.
>It need only be continuous when used.Exactly.
>starting the generator once the electric-only range is nearly depleted. That is a viable method if you are going a short distance or less than the total range of the bank. Or you have a 'free' method of energy generation.
Otherwise, energy efficiency is maximized if the generator is in constant use, with the rate of power produced being the same or slightly less than the average power draw.
Think in terms of flow rates, kinematics, work, and joules. (there is more min-maxing that can be done, but its impact is negligible in comparison)
Cont...
