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An India-based company called Electric Motors and Vehicles has developed what they believe is a great intermediate solution to EV range anxiety before a real network of EV charging stations is built. The concept is called the Pru and it's a self-propelled trailer containing an electric generator and batteries that attaches to an EV and keeps it charged on longer trips.
The creators of the Pru think that EV charging infrastructure won't grow as quickly as its needed with the introduction of new EVs on the road. The Pru trailer, with its lithium ion batteries and 750 cc diesel generator, could allow an EV driver to go 700 miles on six gallons of fuel -- a fuel economy of about 116 mpg.
The trailer would propel itself with a 240V DC motor, always matching the car's speed so there is no stress on the car's motor. It would connect via a "Smart Hitch" that would send signals to the speed controller based on the tugging or tension on the hitch. A GPS unit would analyze the route's topography to maximize battery efficiency.
To top it off, the batteries and generator only take up a fourth of the storage space in the trailer. The rest is left for whatever stuff you need to carry on your trip.
The Pru is still just a concept with no prototype produced yet, but the company thinks that units will be ready by early 2011 and at a cost of about $15,000.
via Wired Autopia
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written by Doc Rings, November 01, 2010
Shees.
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written by Justin, November 02, 2010
As well, this is Indian. Indian manufacturing is not known for high standards of design and materials, in fact the reverse.
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written by samcrut, November 02, 2010
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written by CW, November 02, 2010
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written by abasile, November 02, 2010
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written by srormyweathersailorman, November 12, 2010
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written by Drafty-01, November 12, 2010
If it had a universal type connection - mechanical & electrical - it could be used for any car - even a standard petrol powered one. The possibilities are endless. The trailer could use some of the signals from the car - particularly the throttle position sensor & speed - to gauge whether it needs to push & pull. Could something like this be made? The technology exists already – the only new aspect of this is the coming together of the technologies.
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written by Karkus, November 12, 2010
Oh wait, a trailer pushing would really screw up handling. And did anyone consider the aerodynamic drag (and tire drag) of adding a trailer? Obviously not, or they would have scratched the concept.
Seems like a lot of added complexity (and cost) just to add a little range. And the safety folks would never allow a high power/voltage cable between a car and a trailer. They're already freaked out about the nicely protected cables on the underside of hybrids.
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written by Ashley W., November 13, 2010
If we can think of a way to charge electric cars while driving in a way that takes up less space and is less expensive, I'd be sold. But for now, it's a start.
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written by frisbee, November 15, 2010
Because of the trailer it's bigger and thus would contribute to the forming of traffic jams if more people would use it.
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I don't think the self-propelled part of the trailer is prudent. Why have a complete drivetrain in the trailer and a complex controller to reduce stress on the hitch. In the off chance that one is hauling the trailer, they should be able to accept the slower accelerations and cautious driving conditions that come with conventional trailers.
Using GPS to manage fuel economy is a key feature I have been looking for in cars. It would be nice if cars learned the road conditions and shifted or did not shift according to what was coming up on the road.