For $15k, Voltify Your EV With A Range-Extending Trailer

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: November 2nd, 2010

for 15k voltify your ev with a range extending trailer

OK, so the EMAV PRU (Electric Motors and Vehicle Company Power Regeneration Unit) isn’t expected to go on sale until sometime next year, but it’s one curious approach to the “range anxiety” problem that caused GM to develop the Volt as a range-extended EV rather than a pure battery-only EV. The PRU takes a simple concept, a trailer that can both store goods and generate 25kWh of electricity from a 750cc diesel engine in order to extend range, and makes it considerably more complicated than it needs to be. For one thing, it’s self-propelled, necessitating on-board lithium-ion batteries, as well as an electric drive unit.

As a result, the projected pricetag comes to a prohibitive $15,000, and the weight reaches an EV range-sapping 1,220 lbs. And for all that, wouldn’t a $15k hatchback make a better “range extender” than this cumbersome trailer? On the other hand, a trailer like this just might work as a rental item, offering a portable generator as well as range extension that its makers say will work with any electric car. But would something like this be more appealing as a simplified, lighter unit (non-self-propelled), or will add-on range extension always struggle to offer more for money than having a gas car as a compliment to an electric car? Given that American families typically have several cars anyway, the answer would appear to be yes… [via GM-volt.com]

#Erev #EV #FuelEconomy #Green #WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot

Edward Niedermeyer

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2 of 35 comments

DenverMike on Nov 03, 2010

I know grown men that can't back up a trailer. It's harder than it looks. Now picture teen drivers and the elderly...

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Turkey100 on Aug 21, 2011

I have a 1963 catalina with a 421s and a 2bbl carb anyone ever seen one??? I can not find one anywhere on the web sany help would be apprecitated I can be reached at turkey100@aol.com

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