Can a BEV tow an ICE generator to extend its range?
Yes, AC Propulsion prototyped this, as have others. Up to 20 kW is needed to sustain freeway speeds. These generators can have very high emissions, be very noisy, and very heavy. And this would require a similarly rated battery charger, which can be expensive. The GM Volt PHEV plans to have an on-board generator to charge its batteries. 36. Can I put a pusher trailer on my BEV to extend my range? It has been experimented with, but it could be dangerous and illegal. 37. Can generators be added to the wheels of a BEV to extend its range? Yes, but only when replacing braking energy in traffic or going downhills. This is how HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs with regenerative braking systems work to increase their range 10-20%, although they typically use a single centralized propulsion motor that doubles as a generator. Capturing energy during steady speed flat driving would violate the 1st law of thermodynamics. The added system would have heat losses, hence it would take more energy to turn them tha
