https://www.tesla.com/blog/master-plan-part-deux
So, in short, Master Plan, Part Deux is:
Create stunning solar roofs with seamlessly integrated battery storage
Expand the electric vehicle product line to address all major segments
Develop a self-driving capability that is 10X safer than manual via massive fleet learning
Enable your car to make money for you when you aren't using it
Previously: Elon Musk's "Top Secret Tesla Masterplan, Part 2"
(Score: 2) by Knowledge Troll on Friday July 22 2016, @06:28PM
That is an interesting idea though one of the benefits of pure mechanical PTO is the lack of an electricity to motion conversion step. Being able to weld in the field using power from the truck and actually having it run a decent welding power supply would be very nice but probably not so good for a farmer trying to run equipment off their tractor.
I also wonder if the existing AC power inverters used for propulsion could be reprogrammed to deliver the correct current for an off the shelf welder. Seems possible but perhaps niche. But at least the welder and the electric propulsion system are probably around the same level of power requirements though the welder duty cycle (if it is very good) might exceed the expected duty cycle of the vehicle.
(Score: 2) by richtopia on Saturday July 23 2016, @03:56AM
This did cross my mind, the need for another motor would increase cost and decrease efficiency. However I think using a cord instead of a mechanical linkage would be a huge convience, and assuming this can emulate the mains 240V opens the door to so much COTS equipment.
I suspect the power would be more than sufficient. The Chevy Volt has a ~70HP engine for its generator, which is larger than any contractor generator I can find on Northern Tool (~20HP seems to be as big as contractor generators go).
(Score: 2) by Knowledge Troll on Saturday July 23 2016, @11:48AM
However I think using a cord instead of a mechanical linkage would be a huge convience
Right there with you on that one actually! The vehicles will have much better inverters than I'll get my hands on to install in my truck.
The Chevy Volt has a ~70HP engine for its generator, which is larger than any contractor generator I can find on Northern Tool
And this is really the important part; I think we'll have to rely on hybrid gas/electric powertrains for this kind of utility, at least for now. The alternative (per another part of this thread) is around 200 square feet of solar panels to achieve a nominal 2kw or ~2.5 HP while the Volt is cranking out around about 35kw assuming the inverter is highly efficient (probably is).