Horse reveals drop-in range-extender conversion for EVs
Combustion engine firm Horse has revealed a range-extender powertrain that has been designed to allow easy conversions of battery-electric vehicles.
The new set-up, which will be shown by the Renault, Geely and Aramco joint venture at the Munich motor show, comprises a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an integrated generator and inverter. It produces up to 94bhp and is claimed to be no larger than a briefcase. As such, the unit – named C15 – can be installed in the ‘frunk’ of an EV or at its rear end, either horizontally or vertically.
There will also be a turbocharged version capable of putting out 161bhp that is aimed at D-segment models and commercial vehicles.
The engines have been designed to run on petrol, synthetic fuels and ethanol or methanol flex-fuel. They are said to be compliant with the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.
Neither unit has been engineered to drive a car’s wheels. Instead, they will run in their most efficient rev range for generating electricity for an EV’s drive battery, balanced against noise, vibration and harshness requirements.
The world needs something like this to displace all small generators – built in enough units to cost less than $1000 would mean many many many places can electrify with less noise and pollution. It also enables electric car owners have unit like this they can buy or rent for longer journeys or places where there is less reliable electricity.
All we need is for it to generate more than 10kw and it will be sufficient for most situations (when the car is stationary). Im guess for Evs you probably need at least 30kw constant power to suppliment energy and charge battery.