Tesla has a new patent for a tow behind range extender.

Imagine pulling a 5th wheel, & a car or boat behind that!

 

Already been done back in the EV1 era.
Rav Long Ranger
It had a steering system to keep it straight while reversing.

Others have patented tow behind batteries for longer range. Don't know what Tesla can add that is new to these concepts.

 

does that mean they are admitting that bevs aren't ready for long range driving?

 

A patent is an idea, not a product, yet.

Is there a patent number I should lookup? I have a specific profile that includes emergency house power and camping.

Bob Wilson

 

I wouldn't need a trailer generator, I'd just throw my Honda portable generator in the trunk. It wouldn't have to run it very long to get me to a faster charger

 

Some don't mind - gasoline in a generator, in a car's trunk. Others? Not so much.

 

Air cooled generators are relatively inefficient compared to water cooled. I don’t know of any that use Atkinson cams. Worse, recoil starters are unreliable and often fail. Then they also make carbon monoxide and noise.

On a trailer, a well designed engine-generator can reduce traction battery aging, charge-discharge cycles. You can go longer segments avoiding charging stops.

Regardless, if it meets your needs, go for it.

Bob Wilson

 

Perhaps tesla patented it to prevent others from bringing one to market and making long range bevs look bad