Date:    Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:11:15 -0800
From:    Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: VW diesel engine available on Craigs List for $300 98K miles
Like this?  http://www.mrsharkey.com/pusher.htm
On Dec 13, 2007 10:55 AM, VW Doka <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:
> Why not just make that diesel generator into a trailer with a complete
> drivetrain?  If your primary engine fails, you fire up the trailer and use
> it get home.  Your own little diesel pusher.

Why not take this one stage further - a hybrid vanagon as follows;
1. convert your vanagon to electric drivetrain and fill the engine compartment & other locations with batteries
(I saw a video of this conversion referenced on the list a while ago)

2. tow a generator behind you to provide power when you exceed the battery's range
(I would think you probably would need about a 30kW generator - any idea how big that would be?)

Perhaps this is a way around the CARB restrictions on putting a large HP engine into a vanagon?
- I think you can get pretty large HP electric motors
- And I don't think there are any restrictions on how filthy the generator exhaust has to be in CA???)
Not the most environmentally friendly approach....

Mike,
'87 Westy (with 2.1 stock engine)

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