Abstract
Poor or absent infrastructure for supplying energy for electric vehicles (EVs) and a short driving range prevent the widespread use of EVs in Japan. In this study, an inexpensive series hybrid system, consisting of an EV and a trailer-type engine generator (TEG), was developed to extend the driving range. A trailer and a gasoline operating engine generator, which can be supplied at common gas stations, were designed and manufactured. Several driving experiments to evaluate the performance of this new system were carried out. Considering the total weight of 1,900 kg and the small engine, the average fuel economy over 11 km/liter obtained in the experiment was notable. This series hybrid system achieved a better performance than the plug-in hybrid system which has been developed recently. The Japanese government agreed to register this TEG as a special-purpose vehicle for emergency power supply in July 2007.
Highlights
Since its invention at the end of the nineteenth century, the automobile has provided useful transportation
This paper presents first, the development process of the trailer-type series hybrid system which includes the special generator and, second, its performance and practicality which are examined through several driving experiments
The type engine generator (TEG) was developed to meet the current challenges for Electric vehicles (EVs) discussed in the introduction
Summary
Since its invention at the end of the nineteenth century, the automobile has provided useful transportation. AC energy supply stations for EVs are scarce and this presents a major obstacle to be overcome. Another challenge for EVs is long re-charging time [1]. (2) The total weight of the trailer-type series hybrid system including the trailer should be less than that of a general-purpose generator of the same output power;. This paper presents first, the development process of the trailer-type series hybrid system which includes the special generator and, second, its performance and practicality which are examined through several driving experiments. As an intermediate solution until the abovementioned challenges are met, development of a trailer-type series hybrid system is considered in Japan.
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