Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle (EV) Using a Gas-Powered Car?

Yes, theoretically, you can charge an electric vehicle (EV) using a gas-powered car. However, it's important to understand the limitations and complexities involved in this process. This article will explore the feasibility, the necessary components, and the potential drawbacks.

Understanding the Process

To charge an EV using a gas-powered car, you would need a sufficiently powerful 120VAC inverter, with a capacity of at least 1500W, to convert the car's engine-generated power into usable electricity. You would then connect this inverter to the battery plug of a Level 1 charger on the EV and connect to the car's engine to generate the necessary power.

Challenges and Limitations

Electrical Output Limitations

One of the primary challenges is the electrical output of the typical gas-powered car's alternator. Most cars have an alternator that cannot provide the necessary power for even Level 1 charging. For Level 1 charging, the alternator would need to output over 1500W, which translates to over 100A of current. Unfortunately, not all cars are equipped with an alternator capable of supporting this level of output. This means that many gas-powered cars may not be able to charge an EV without significantly draining the battery or potentially damaging components, such as fusible links.

Charging Speed and Distance

Even with modifications, the best you could hope for with a gas-powered car is Level 1 charging, which provides an output of approximately 1.5kWh per hour. This translates to roughly 4.5 to 6 miles of range per hour of charging. Therefore, using a gas-powered car to charge an EV is not an efficient or practical solution for regular use, but it can be a viable emergency option.

Alternatives and Considerations

Some have suggested using regenerative braking to charge an EV. If you have a vehicle capable of towing, such as a gas-powered hybrid F-150 with a 240V output, you can use a 1500W inverter to charge the EV. Additionally, if you have a 1500W inverter that can connect to a 12V battery, it can plug into a 120V EV charger up to 12 amps capacity. In these scenarios, it may be advisable to leave the gas engine running, as it can easily discharge a typical 12V battery with a 1500W load.

Charging an EV: Practical Solutions

It's essential to understand that EVs require a proper source of electricity, typically with the correct voltage, frequency, and current ratings. No EV or charger is designed to accept electricity directly from a gas-powered car's cigarette lighter or a 12V battery for charging purposes.

Conclusion

While it is possible to charge an EV using a gas-powered car, it is not a practical or efficient solution for regular use. It is recommended to consider alternative charging methods, such as public charging stations or home charging solutions, to ensure reliable and efficient EV charging.