Overview
If you ever wanted to get more mileage out of your Tesla Model S, a YouTuber called Warped Perception may have found the solution to your “range anxiety”: Equipping your EV with an onboard gasoline-powered generator to self-charge it while on the go.
The science and other stuff to know
Tesla has managed to create a fleet of EVs that appeal to the masses, in terms of functionality, charging network, and overall performance. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, and one thing many people want is more range. Matt Mikka, the host of the Warped Perception YouTube channel, is one of these folks, and he has come up with an extremely unique solution: He has modified his Tesla Model S to become the world’s first cordless Tesla.
As he explains in the YouTube video, he equipped his Model S with an onboard generator. The engine he used as a generator is a small, single-cylinder 400 cc unit that produces roughly 13 horsepower. To put his modification to the test, Matt took his car on a 1,600-mile (2,575-km) road trip that eventually turned into 1,800 miles (2,896 km). Surprisingly, he was able to cover the entire distance without ever actually stopping to plug into a charger.
Equipping the Model S with a gasoline-powered generator negates the purpose of Tesla being eco-friendly. The engine also made a lot of noise, which also defeats the point of owning an EV as they’re meant to be quieter than gasoline-powered cars. Moreover, since the engine was small, it didn’t keep up with the power the car needed. He frequently had to stop and let the car charge by the roadside, usually with only 2 percent of the battery remaining. He would also leave the engine running overnight as the car batteries charge.
So what?
Although the YouTuber expresses dissatisfaction with the power and efficiency of his custom hybrid system, the project is a successful concept. He was able to travel more than the 1,600-mile goal without plugging into a charger. And despite the drawbacks, Matt’s project is an interesting social experiment that encourages people to embark on similar projects to solve some everyday problems. The YouTuber even plans to try something that’ll “perform the task even better.”
What next?
The Warped Perception is known for its unusual Tesla modifications, and this project isn’t the first of its kind. The channel host recently strapped three mini-jet engines to the back of his Model S to improve its acceleration.
