If you switch the display to show instant energy consumption/charging then you will see that the regen caps to about 50KW/hour (witch is, conveniently, the maximum charging rate of the battery) in all driving modes. If you have enough speed and you are on a downward slope then releasing the gas pedal results in maximum regen, and it is 50kw/hour. I hope this helps to collect more data points.
Thanks for the information! It would be interesting to see if (not at maximum) the regen measures the same kw/hr rate... that would settle the question.
I haven't tried that, may be an interesting test! I would guess that the 50kw charging limit would limit either the REX or regen at some point, but which I do not know (yet). Thanks for the good question!
Question: As an academic exercise, what are the features of the Rex generator in comparison to for example on one of the Honda power generators ? For clarification, if you were to redesign the i3 with a modular generator that could be lifted in and out of the vehicle, what would that generator look like ? (Again academically).
Well, here are a few thoughts: The REX engine is 34 Hp, or 25kw output Vs a 3kw Honda generator that comes in at 60 lbs. (probably the limit of being able to lift it into the back of the car). This would not be enough to run the car, but could be used to recharge the battery when parked/or in an emergency situation, 3kw*6 hrs =18kwh or near full charge for a 60Ah battery. Having a gas tank inside the passenger compartment may be a safety issue. Honda sells a 10kw unit, but it weighs 400 lbs and is 41"x35"x27". If we look at a freeway speed of 65mph (4mi/kwh) you need ~16kw of power - not trivial. I like the idea of a microturbine generator, 8kw at 20lbs and very small. ( newatlas.com/outdoors/arc-turbine-microgenerator/). Integrating it into the existing system would probably not be worth the effort, if even possible, unfortunately.
I have a new theory that you could test regarding regen: If the maximum regen level is linked to the maximum charging rate of the battery, then if you are on a max regen situation (e.g steep slope) the regen reported on the dashboard (KWH/100Km) will be even more if additional subsystems are in operation, such as air condition. Some brief testing seems to show that the regen level can surpass the usual 54-55 KwH/100km when there are additional systems to suck that power.
If you switch the display to show instant energy consumption/charging then you will see that the regen caps to about 50KW/hour (witch is, conveniently, the maximum charging rate of the battery) in all driving modes. If you have enough speed and you are on a downward slope then releasing the gas pedal results in maximum regen, and it is 50kw/hour. I hope this helps to collect more data points.
Thanks for the information! It would be interesting to see if (not at maximum) the regen measures the same kw/hr rate... that would settle the question.
What is you're running Rex at the same time?
I haven't tried that, may be an interesting test! I would guess that the 50kw charging limit would limit either the REX or regen at some point, but which I do not know (yet). Thanks for the good question!
Question: As an academic exercise, what are the features of the Rex generator in comparison to for example on one of the Honda power generators ? For clarification, if you were to redesign the i3 with a modular generator that could be lifted in and out of the vehicle, what would that generator look like ? (Again academically).
Well, here are a few thoughts: The REX engine is 34 Hp, or 25kw output Vs a 3kw Honda generator that comes in at 60 lbs. (probably the limit of being able to lift it into the back of the car). This would not be enough to run the car, but could be used to recharge the battery when parked/or in an emergency situation, 3kw*6 hrs =18kwh or near full charge for a 60Ah battery. Having a gas tank inside the passenger compartment may be a safety issue. Honda sells a 10kw unit, but it weighs 400 lbs and is 41"x35"x27". If we look at a freeway speed of 65mph (4mi/kwh) you need ~16kw of power - not trivial. I like the idea of a microturbine generator, 8kw at 20lbs and very small. ( newatlas.com/outdoors/arc-turbine-microgenerator/). Integrating it into the existing system would probably not be worth the effort, if even possible, unfortunately.
I have a new theory that you could test regarding regen: If the maximum regen level is linked to the maximum charging rate of the battery, then if you are on a max regen situation (e.g steep slope) the regen reported on the dashboard (KWH/100Km) will be even more if additional subsystems are in operation, such as air condition. Some brief testing seems to show that the regen level can surpass the usual 54-55 KwH/100km when there are additional systems to suck that power.
Good idea! I actually drive down a 1100 ft hill about once a week, I can test this out soon. Thanks for the feedback.