One wire alternators are common in large trucks. We use 160 amp Leece Neville. Starting electronic diesel engines is not the problem these days. Running with lights and air conditioner or heater, heated mirrors etc. is what draws the amperage. The transition from generators to alternators was during the early 70's and I never remember seeing anything but a 1 wire alternator used as oem in class 8 trucks and this is a constant high output application.
