Alternator instead the batteries

insight1 · 07-02-2009, 04:50 PM

Did any one attempted to put alternator instead the batteries? Since the car goes in lean burn mode, I’m thinking for the long trips/ commutes it would be more reasonable to remove all the possible weight and instead to put a alternator so we can charge the 12V battery. Now if you ride in the city things such as Batteries, MIMA are good resource because the gas mileage improves by 30%/40% even more. However if you use only two or three stops and mostly highway miles over 50 ml, I think it would be a good reason to put a alternator and reduce weight much as possible. Any ideas?

**IamIan** · 07-02-2009, 06:47 PM

No need to add the weight of an alternator... the IMA motor already does that function... and there was some guy in Australia that removed his 144V IMA battery pack and ran his Insight as just a Gasoline car that would still have lean burn... but no ... Atuo-Stop... Assist ... Regen braking ...etc..

insight1 · 07-03-2009, 04:45 PM

I'm thinking since i live in the south and it's only flat around me for thousands of miles. Would be more economical if i take out the IMA pack, A/C, heater hoses, passenger seat, inside interior etc. just srip the car down to bare bone. put a alternator wouldn't it be far more MPG than it is? To me is obvious that the primer goal of Honda was waight, second the IMA assistance. Now if i take another 300/400 lb. why not more. MPG on high way would be over 100 mpg with 55/60 and alternator. Did any one try this solution?

**IamIan** · 07-03-2009, 09:11 PM

I don't think anyone has tried this... but you are likely to get a few error codes to deal with.

The closest I know of it the guy mentioned above who just runs without the IMA battery.

You will save weight ... and that is good and will reduce your rolling resistance and help with highway cruising MPG.

Just keep in mind all the things you are giving up...

But yes... for every ~200 pounds you can lighten up the car you will have reduced your rolling resistance by about ~10%.

But even all the IMA stuff together I don't think is ~200 lbs.

**Hybrid-Battery-Repair** · 07-05-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insight1

I'm thinking since i live in the south and it's only flat around me for thousands of miles. Would be more economical if i take out the IMA pack, A/C, heater hoses, passenger seat, inside interior etc. just srip the car down to bare bone. put a alternator wouldn't it be far more MPG than it is? To me is obvious that the primer goal of Honda was waight, second the IMA assistance. Now if i take another 300/400 lb. why not more. MPG on high way would be over 100 mpg with 55/60 and alternator. Did any one try this solution?

Someone in CA wants to do this and sell me her battery. I've tried to advise her not to, but she's insistant.

If your battery is not shot, you are really asking for problems for a savings of only 65lbs. You can make up that much by keeping your gas tank mostly empty.

Let me know how you do and if it works for you. Email me if you want me to send you battery removal instructions.

insight1 · 07-08-2009, 06:05 PM

You never know, IMA 200 pounds, interior dash, panels, seat, carpet, A/C , heat hoses even the back gate replaced by something lighter, mirrors, you can take 8 lug nuts, one window mechanism, spare/ jack / wrench, eat/drink less, no shoes etc. Just pure naked insight that could be way over 300/400 pounds or not, just thinking loud:

**IamIan** · 07-08-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insight1

You never know, IMA 200 pounds, interior dash, panels, seat, carpet, A/C , heat hoses even the back gate replaced by something lighter, mirrors, you can take 8 lug nuts, one window mechanism, spare/ jack / wrench, eat/drink less, no shoes etc. Just pure naked insight that could be way over 300/400 pounds or not, just thinking loud:

Best of luck... but I think you will find it very very difficult to remove ~400 Pounds from a Gen-I Insight.

But still... as long as you understand what you are giving up.... best of luck.

b1shmu63 · 07-19-2009, 01:05 AM

Rolling resistance is low on the Insight already and changing it by 10 percent will have only a small effect on mileage at a constant speed. The added friction of a belt driven alternator with its integrated cooling fan will likely loose you more milleage than the decrease in weight will gain. If the car gets too light at the back you may notice your rear tires loosing grip on corners (like my first car which had a cast iron 400 cubic inch engine). I still remember the back end jumping and weaving around corners like a scared rabbit!

Cobb · 07-19-2009, 10:08 AM

I like what the battery vendor said. Put a few gallons in the tank, reset the tripometer and throw the hybrid system breaker to simulate no assist or regen.

I like to think I am on level surfaces, but I see assist and regen even then. Lets not forget when you brake it kills the engine and recharges the battery, leaves it off at a stop and helps to push you back off.

I do know small eco boxes do handle better lightened, this is where the interiors is all removed but the drivers seat and dash.

Just remember if in an accident those plastic pieces help to soften the rough metal edges you are likely to encounter.

baboracus · 10-14-2009, 04:20 PM

With a DC-DC converter why do we need a 12V battery?
Also, it seems like the 12V starter could probably be removed if you have a solid battery pack.