This is basically what a "series hybrid" does. Best known example would be the Chevy Volt.
On paper, it's a great idea. You can run short trips on jut the battery, and if you have to go more than 30 miles the generator kicks in. Since the generator motor only runs an electrical generator (no mechanical connection to the wheels) it can be tailored to be as efficient as possible. The average commute in the US is 16 miles (each way), but I can't find the median.
For folks who had a short commute, this was a really great vehicle. I know folks who went months without adding gas, but then if they took a road-trip it was just like any other sedan.
At a battery range of only 30 miles, it was a bit niche, if they could have got the battery only range up to around 50 or 60 miles I think it would have been a lot better.
The only other issue was it was a crappy little Chevy.
On paper, it's a great idea. You can run short trips on jut the battery, and if you have to go more than 30 miles the generator kicks in. Since the generator motor only runs an electrical generator (no mechanical connection to the wheels) it can be tailored to be as efficient as possible. The average commute in the US is 16 miles (each way), but I can't find the median.
For folks who had a short commute, this was a really great vehicle. I know folks who went months without adding gas, but then if they took a road-trip it was just like any other sedan.
At a battery range of only 30 miles, it was a bit niche, if they could have got the battery only range up to around 50 or 60 miles I think it would have been a lot better.
The only other issue was it was a crappy little Chevy.
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