Range extension with extra batteries, gas generators, and future battery upgrades

[RationalEccentric]

There are plenty of things to love about the Slate, but the limiting 205 mile range on the battery is not one of them. It's not a dealbreaker, but it will make road trips much less enjoyable (especially in a vehicle that can be kitted out to become an ideal road tripper). Given Slate's simplicity and openness to customization, what are the chances of being able to drop an extra battery, fuel cell, or a small gas range extender in the frunk? An extra 100 miles would go a long way in combatting range anxiety when crossing the charging deserts of South Dakota and Wyoming.

Likewise, when affordable high-capacity solid-state batteries finally show up, would a battery upgrade be possible, or, would a new battery essentially mean a new vehicle?

 

[KevinRS]

Most of that will be seen sometime after release, when people start making mods.
High capacity solid-state batteries with the numbers people put out there aren't really on the horizon. In theory they may be possible, but potential energy = potential energy, whatever the form. A charged up power source with sufficiently high density is going to have similar levels of dangers if the energy is quickly released, whether it's gasoline, hydrogen, any form of battery, or even things like flywheels or compressed air.
Tried out of curiosity planning a route on abrp from the area of Fargo to Missoula, and it routes a big chunk through Canada. Set avoid borders, and it can't find a valid route with NACS charges only. Hard to determine which segments are the problem.
Add in CCS chargers and it does find a route, so If you plan on those kinds of trips, looks like you do want to get an adapter.

 

[FloppaEnjoyer8067]

Most of that will be seen sometime after release, when people start making mods.
High capacity solid-state batteries with the numbers people put out there aren't really on the horizon. In theory they may be possible, but potential energy = potential energy, whatever the form. A charged up power source with sufficiently high density is going to have similar levels of dangers if the energy is quickly released, whether it's gasoline, hydrogen, any form of battery, or even things like flywheels or compressed air.
Tried out of curiosity planning a route on abrp from the area of Fargo to Missoula, and it routes a big chunk through Canada. Set avoid borders, and it can't find a valid route with NACS charges only. Hard to determine which segments are the problem.
Add in CCS chargers and it does find a route, so If you plan on those kinds of trips, looks like you do want to get an adapter.

I have a similar trip planned. I'm going to attempt charging off my generator's 240V plug, and if that works, I'll throw it in the back.

Some generators don't output a clean sin wave on their 240V leg, which can throw off some chargers.

 

[EV Trek]

Cost Vs Reward needs to be factored in.
Might be necessary in areas where charging infrastructure is limited but those areas are getting fewer all the time.
With the possibility of all Walmarts having DC fast charging in the next 5 years or so then that should solve that,

 

[Trace26]

Found this interesting, will be interesting to see if this is possible on the Slate Truck.

 

[Johnologue]

Given Slate's simplicity and openness to customization, what are the chances of being able to drop an extra battery, fuel cell, or a small gas range extender in the frunk? An extra 100 miles would go a long way in combatting range anxiety when crossing the charging deserts of South Dakota and Wyoming.

Likewise, when affordable high-capacity solid-state batteries finally show up, would a battery upgrade be possible, or, would a new battery essentially mean a new vehicle?

I don't think you could put the range extender in the frunk. Not enough ventilation or wiring, I assume. I'm interested to see if the bed might work (without a cap on).

I don't think we have any info on future batteries for Slates, but I believe our sentiment is optimistic, FWIW. Modular and repairable design philosophy and all.

 

[E90400K]

If you have to road trip in Minnesota in the winter, just get an ICEV.

 

[Trace26]

I don't think you could put the range extender in the frunk. Not enough ventilation or wiring, I assume. I'm interested to see if the bed might work (without a cap on).

I don't think we have any info on future batteries for Slates, but I believe our sentiment is optimistic, FWIW. Modular and repairable design philosophy and all.

You could remove the frunk (the plastics) mount a small generator, run exhaust and maybe a cooling fan. But then you're giving up the entire frunk for something you probably won't use all the time.

Something like this might be able to fit. But the bed would still probably be a better place.
https://a.co/d/02KBVAEX

 

[RedJoker]

Something like this might be able to fit. But the bed would still probably be a better place.
https://a.co/d/02KBVAEX

I assumed you were linking to a generator but i didn't expect you were linking to the exact generator that I bought one year ago!

 

[RationalEccentric]

I was thinking a Liquid Piston powered generator might fit nicely in the frunk, provided the cooling and exhaust is worked out. I'm not really wanting to tow, but there are also camper trailers with extra battery for range extension, but given the extra load, they're likely just covering their own extra weight.