by Tesla Model Y with Gasoline Generator: An Unusual Upgrade for Travel
In China, a Tesla Model Y owner has found an original way to combat “range anxiety.” He installed a gasoline generator on the rear of his electric vehicle to have a backup option during trips to remote regions, including the plateau near Mount Everest.
The generator, costing around $390, is not a full-fledged “range extender” since it cannot charge the batteries while driving. However, it is capable of generating 3 kW of power even at altitudes over 5,000 meters, allowing for approximately 19 km of additional range per hour.
This is not a true range extender, as it cannot charge the Model Y while driving
Although using the generator turned out to be more expensive than regular charging from the grid (around $0.22 per mile), for trips to uninhabited areas, such an option seems like a reasonable compromise. Similar modifications are not the first among electric vehicle owners—previously, one Tesla Model S driver also experimented with installing a generator in the trunk.
Electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla, do not yet plan to officially introduce such solutions. However, the story from China shows how owners find creative ways to adapt technologies to their needs, especially when it comes to extreme operating conditions. Such cases may serve as an impetus for developers to create more universal charging solutions in the future.
