Using Gasoline Engines to Power Electric Cars

Abstract

Governments around the world have enacted bans on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars, some starting in just a few years. But those bans may be counterproductive. Gasoline stores energy better than any battery ever will. Using internal combustion engines (within limits) to power electric cars will make those cars more useful to more people. Putting our small, light, powerful gasoline engines in a trailer with a battery and some smart power electronics will let people use gasoline engines only when needed—to cure electric car drivers of range anxiety and to untether their electric cars (at least occasionally) from grid power for long road trips. All while helping to increase the number of all-electric miles driven as electric cars take over the roads.