Move Harvester generator to frunk

[Geronimo]

I pre-ordered a Terra Harvester, due to the 500 mile range. Later I learned that the harvester option came with a 150 mile battery pack due to the location of the Harvester. I've since been on the fence between full electric or harvester based on the electric range. It made me wonder if it was possible to relocate the harvester to the space used by the frunk, which would allow a full size battery pack augmented by the harvester. The combination of a full size pack and harvester would then theoretically allow for a 700 mile range option. The frunk lid would make access to the generator easier, for maintenance or repairs, and i would think that it would negate the need to build and produce two different sizes battery packs. I don't think I've heard any other manufacturer offer anywhere close to 700 miles range.

 

[J Alynn]

My copilot's Honda CRV Hybrid is set up like this. It's basically a tiny-battery EV plus a generator-engine. Like a Harvester, but with a minute battery. And, yes, the disconnect between what the generator is doing and what the driver is doing can be very disconcerting! You can be driving along calmly and then suddenly you hear the motor redlining. Then it stops. Then it ramps up to medium then back down to low revs. Then stops. Then redlines. Then... I understand with later versions they've worked on the issue, though I don't know how much ultimate success you can have with this arrangement if your battery is tiny. Certainly the larger battery of the Harvester will help a lot, allowing the transitions to be slower, but I think there will still be a disconnect between what you're doing as a driver and the sounds of the generator. For example, if you're battery is very low it might have the generator revving high, even as you coast to a stop at a light.

I notice this occasionally on my Accord hybrid as well. It just has a life of its own sometimes

 

[dleepnw]

While having a frunk is nice, I'd easily give up that space if I was able to get 350 miles of battery only range and another 300-350 miles of EREV range. 650-700 miles of range would be insane, shock the industry, and bring in a ton of customers.

 

[R1TVT]

I think there will still be a disconnect between what you're doing as a driver and the sounds of the generator. For example, if you're battery is very low it might have the generator revving high, even as you coast to a stop at a light.

Unless, of course, the generator just runs like a normal generator would at home - at a steady & efficient state at all times - just churning electricity for the battery directly... Then the only thing that matters is the vehicles SOC.

 

[J Alynn]

While having a frunk is nice, I'd easily give up that space if I was able to get 350 miles of battery only range and another 300-350 miles of EREV range. 650-700 miles of range would be insane, shock the industry, and bring in a ton of customers.

Respectfully I disagree. The frunk is paramount, especially in the Terra. Majority of standard ICE vehicles don’t get more than 400 miles per tank so getting 600 is excessive and takes away the flexibility of the setup as it is. There is no reason for that kind of range which just encourages driving too many hours on the road without a reason to take a break.

 

[Scoutsie]

You’re all wrong and the generator is going to be a microturbine so you can all go home, I fixed the frunk, you’re welcome.

 

[J Alynn]

You’re all wrong and the generator is going to be a microturbine so you can all go home, I fixed the frunk, you’re welcome.

Damn! I was working on a flux capacitor

 

[Scoutsie]

Damn! I was working on a flux capacitor

Make it run on biodiesel and maybe the microturbine accidentally blows up something important.

 

[J Alynn]

Make it run on biodiesel and maybe the microturbine accidentally blows up something important.

My other thought is to fill the bed of the Terra with a secondary battery pack. Minus a hole to allow a fifth wheel trailer connection. That way you could get like 900-1,000 mile range. Then put a ladder rack on top to add a 50 gallon drum for the biodiesel and we are talking 1500 miles easy. And still space for luggage.
Is biodiesel a valid option after VW’s diesel gate issue?
I still like partnering with McDonalds to use their used French fry oil then you can rely on a “station” every 15-20 miles across the country.

Call them McDiesel’s

OK, I jest but it’s fun to imagine all the possibilities.

 

[R1TVT]

Wow, we went full circle back to gas town.

 

[J Alynn]

Wow, we went full circle back to gas town.

View attachment 3990

Talk about a monkey on your back

 

[Evan Bronstein]

I pre-ordered a Terra Harvester, due to the 500 mile range. Later I learned that the harvester option came with a 150 mile battery pack due to the location of the Harvester. I've since been on the fence between full electric or harvester based on the electric range. It made me wonder if it was possible to relocate the harvester to the space used by the frunk, which would allow a full size battery pack augmented by the harvester. The combination of a full size pack and harvester would then theoretically allow for a 700 mile range option. The frunk lid would make access to the generator easier, for maintenance or repairs, and i would think that it would negate the need to build and produce two different sizes battery packs. I don't think I've heard any other manufacturer offer anywhere close to 700 miles range.

I like this idea. It makes a lot of sense to me. I see this vehicle as a long-term investment- not as a “planned for obsolescence, electronic device”, like how other manufacturers seem to be trending. Making the generator more accessible and easier to work on and maintain would be appreciated. I have and own a 2017 jeep wrangler, and I enjoy driving it and working on it as needed. I recognize that vehicles are gaining in complexity, but there is joy in knowing that you can do some things yourself. I, for one, appreciate your post and thinking.