24 Volt Buggy Charging Generator Question

[mac550]

Hi, Im just wondering if you guys could help me with something.
I am part way through making a electric powered buggy that iv made from old wheel chair motors, controller and batteries on a custom steel frame.
Motors run on a 24 volt system (max of 30 amp,(MCB)) via 2 12 volt 33 amp batteries.
the charger that came with the wheelchair is a 24v 4a transformer which is ok for charging it up at night, i want to build a gen set to have more than 4 mile,i have a honda gx 110 3.5hp engine which i want to power an alternator which i gonna mount onto a custom trailer to charge on the go (same basic thing as a diesel electric train, but with a petrol engine)

just want ask if there was any way i could charge both batteries from a 12 volt car alternator without using a transformer any such thing (wanna keep it simple). reason i ask is that i want it keep things as compact as possible and since 12v alternators are easier and cheaper to get hold of.

thanks for your help
Morgan

 

[ste mac]

Easiest way would be a 24v alternator from a wagon or military Landrover.

You cant use a 12v alternator as the batteries are linked in series hence 24v, they would need to be linked in parallel for a 12v car alternator.

The only other way would be a DC-DC voltage convertor, but these aren't cheap and the alternator would probably push out too much current for the convertor.