So, I've been thinking about how we could gain some extra miles when only 120 volts are available. For a couple grand, one could take two Tesla Model S battery modules in series, a 1,000 watt lithium ion charger like this one (http://www.batteryspace.com/smart-charger-1500w-for-sla-li-ion-limnni-lifepo4-rechargeable-battery-pack---ce-listed.aspx), and a 48 volt pure sine wave inverter like this one (http://invertersrus.com/product/aims-picoglf80w48v240vs/) and add 10 kWh of extra on-board energy.
How this works is that the charger plugs into the 120 volt outlet to provide 1,000-1,200 watts to the Tesla modules. The inverter pulls from the modules and feeds the car 240 volts, so it charges at 3 kW. The Tesla modules discharge at about 2,000 watts and would last about 5 hours, just about the right amount of time to fully recharge the I-MiEV. If the Tesla modules deplete, the inverter goes into low voltage shutdown and the car stops charging, but the 120 volt charger continues and starts recharging the Tesla modules automatically. If the car finishes before the modules deplete, then the modules also continue charging until unplugged or full. If two separate, but close, 120 volt circuits are available, then the car and modules could be simultaneously but separately charged at level 1 speeds each.
It would take 10 hours to fully recharge the modules on their own.
Pretty similar to the idea in the video, but with the benefit of making use of a 110 outlet while charging the car with stored energy. It's not an efficient setup for everyday use, but for someone like me that makes occasional trips to job sites where only 110 is available, it could be handy as a range extender. Plus, all that heat from the inverter and charger would keep the interior warm while parked in the winter.
(Theoretical setup. I do not claim that this will work as I haven't tested it, but do so at your own risk if you follow through)
