Diesel heater / range extender

[mudhorn_trail]

A small diesel generator (5 gallon) can provide all the heat needed without consuming charge, and a byproduct of the heater would be adding a bit more range. Great for winter travel and back country cold weather camping. Could have an additional port to a roof top tent, ground tent, or camper. It may not be popular, but could be an add on option. Diesel stores well when not in use and is available in remote areas. Helps calm range anxiety a bit, provides all your heat without draining battery, and can keep batteries warm during extreme cold. Thoughts?

 

[Rustic_father]

BMW tried that with the I3 but it wasn't really pratical, it added a lot of weight. It adds a ton of weight, complexity, and it takes up a lot of space.

I have seen people bring a generator with them if they are going off roading or going camping. this can charge a vehicle.

I would assume that a much better option is to simply have a larger battery pack that targets roughly 450 miles as a real life range.

I know range anxiety is real but take it from someone who has owned an EV for the last 2 years. it isn't nearly as bad as you think.

Edit: in addition i think VW group wants to stay away from anything "diesel" for a while.

 

[mudhorn_trail]

Yep, you're right. I hope that battery technology will continue to improve over the coming years with improved energy density. Just hope it is affordable!

 

[enyhey]

The idea of a generator heater is a good idea especially in the colder climates. However the complexity and weight may not be worth it. Although personally I would love a series electric hybrid design like that. It would lend itself to future development of hydrogen cell designs and would allow flexibility in more remote areas where scout lovers will certainly aspire to visit. Overall it would be a fascinating and rewarding idea to explore and potentially develop if the time and resources allow.

 

[bwdavis7]

This may be a dead subject, but what about a provision for self installed diesel parking heater. I am not sure if this is the same as the "generator heater" suggested above. The Chinese parking heaters are becoming more popular and are inexpensive, compact and lightweight (less than 15 pounds). The most difficult part of the DIY'er is porting the combustion air intake and exhaust. These ports are pretty standard and mounting plates currently being sold as "diesel heater turret plate" online. If this plate design was already built-in (penetrating the body of the Scout to the underside), it would make it extremely easy for the owner to add his on aux heat with very little cost in the Scout design/fabrication. A 12 or 24 volt supply to run the heater would just about complete the installation. The diesel heater would certainly cut down battery drain when it is bitter cold. Anyway, I think providing only a "turret" plate preinstalled would be a simple cheap addition that would definitely attract those wanting auxiliary heat without sacrificing battery usage. Without these ports available means cutting your own holes into your Scout...eeek!

UPDATE: I made this update in a different thread but it applies here as well. So for the limited number of people that might explore this option, I thought of a better (cheaper) option. If SM supplied a ~ 6 inch diameter sealed "plate" near the back of the interior which provided a penetration from inside the vehicle to the outside, this would allow DIYers or third party to develop accessories that would replace the seal with whatever... sealed wiring bulkhead, floor drain, diesel heater. I just don't like the idea of cutting into the body myself if ever needing something to go inside to outside or outside to inside. A factory opening would leave it up to the imagination of others.