Gas Engine New Sprinter

[mlts22]

I would be happy with a hybrid solution. Perhaps an IC engine that does nothing but keep the battery pack charged, with everything else running electric, similar to how some locomotives work. That way, range anxiety is averted, but the vehicle can be run completely on electric. The closest to this is the Chevy Volt.

[booster]

Originally Posted by mlts22

I would be happy with a hybrid solution. Perhaps an IC engine that does nothing but keep the battery pack charged, with everything else running electric, similar to how some locomotives work. That way, range anxiety is averted, but the vehicle can be run completely on electric. The closest to this is the Chevy Volt.

We have discussed that very topic quite a few times, and just a little while ago in discussion of small generators and fuel cells, and whatever in another thread. Several of us have been pushing this solution for quite a while. 2-300 watt continuously running (silent) if needed small power source to keep the batteries full, and everything else except maybe heat and hot water off DC or inverter.

[mlts22]

Originally Posted by booster

We have discussed that very topic quite a few times, and just a little while ago in discussion of small generators and fuel cells, and whatever in another thread. Several of us have been pushing this solution for quite a while. 2-300 watt continuously running (silent) if needed small power source to keep the batteries full, and everything else except maybe heat and hot water off DC or inverter.

I definitely am a fan of fuel cells. Truma was onto something with the VeGA line, but they needed to sell it outside of Europe where there would be definite demand for it. The EFOY fuel cells are OK, but it means having another, very poisonous fuel type, methanol, to deal with.

I am sorry I missed the discussion, but I agree 100% about a small fuel cell, especially something that can use an existing fuel that is on the vehicle like propane. Something like this would allow solar to be just another input, rather than a must.

Of course, the best thing about a fuel cell like this is that it gets rid of the need of an absorption fridge completely. A fridge is almost always guarenteed the 1-3 amps needed to run with a setup like this.