Generator Charging Efficiency

[Revenge]

I was wondering if anyone has done any test to see how much they can charge their truck using a generator. Looking to get some information on how may kWs of charge can be obtained per gallon. My truck should finally be delivered in about 2 months so I was going to do the test myself but why repeat the work if someone has already done it.

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[COrocket]

My 10kw generator runs 5 hours on an 8 gallon tank when fully loaded and the 14-50 mobile cord is pretty close to full load charging the truck at 7kw. So burning an 8 gallon tank would deliver 35kwh to the battery over 5 hours, which is good enough for around 70 miles of range depending on temperature. 70 miles of range / 8 gallons is about 9 miles per gallon of usable range. It's not a cost effective method of regular charging, but appears a doable option if you are going somewhere very remote and need an extra 100 miles of range by bringing several gas jugs and a large portable generator.

 

[Maquis]

VW did a test comparing an EV charged by a diesel genset vs the same basic car with a diesel engine. The EV used slightly less diesel fuel to travel the same distance than the ICE car. The difference was attributed to the fact that the engine powering the genny was able to run at a fixed load and speed, thus operating at a more optimum efficiency state as compared the widely varying power requirements of driving a car. Note that this was a controlled test, and probably can’t be construed to mean you would see similar results.

I think a gasoline-powered generator will fare much worse. Also note that some people have been unable to charge from cheap generators due to the dirty power they produce.

 

[Revenge]

My 10kw generator runs 5 hours on an 8 gallon tank when fully loaded and the 14-50 mobile cord is pretty close to full load charging the truck at 7kw. So burning an 8 gallon tank would deliver 35kwh to the battery over 5 hours, which is good enough for around 70 miles of range depending on temperature. 70 miles of range / 8 gallons is about 9 miles per gallon of usable range. It's not a cost effective method of regular charging, but appears a doable option if you are going somewhere very remote and need an extra 100 miles of range by bringing several gas jugs and a large portable generator.

Thank you for the information. Not as terrible as I thought it would be. My previous calculation on the 5 Years cost to own thread showed a price per mile of gas for and ICE truck of about $.23 and if I calculated right about $.57 using this generator scenario. Good food for thought.

 

[DenverDan]

I am getting 3.5 or so around town in 60-70 weather, so if you need a generator in an emergency situation that would be more useful. My winter was 2 mi/kwh in a very cold colorado winter over 4K miles mostly to the mountains and back.

Get a large solar array and you can charge for free after buying it. Oil well and refinery on your roof.

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