Wondering on how many 8KWh 2010 Prius??

Hi Chan,
I am running 4kwhr with a single 3k converter but I read all the posts and collect lots of data.

You have old cells that do not have overcharge protection. My experience is that they do not work optimally with the new BMS16C. I suggest staying with no balancers. The problem with this is that you will not have the balancer shut off that goes to the new converter. This is OK just don't use the white wire two pin connector. You do need to have the alarms on your CellLogs alert you if you ever get a low cell because the new converter may not shut down. Also the new converter has what looks like a computer cable hanging off of it. Just do not use that cable either.

The new converter should give you 18a but I have not heard of anyone running it consistently above 14a. Also the new converter has thermal safeties in it so this will throttle the current back when it gets hot. My guess from what I have seen,.. The 5k converter is better than the 3k converter but not as good as two 3k converters.

Thanks,
Dan

 

I would be really interested to see some photographs of how your 8Kwh pack fits into your Prius.

I would also be interested to see a picture of your prius from the outside with all of those batteries in the rear. Does it sit funny?

 

Okay.. So yeah, kind of like I thought, they don't sit in there very gracefully, and the car's rear is noticeably low. I had also considered a larger pack, but until they come out with a mounting kit that fits the spare-tire area properly, and can include new springs, etc.. I think I'll pass.

 

I would never have guessed. Driving dynamics might be a different story.

 

The forthcoming 6 kWh kit with the new Real Force batteries has been promised to fit in the existing enclosure. This could be an option.

As far as springs, I'm looking into that. I put coil spacers in mine because hauling around 300 lbs of kids in the back has us bottoming out on speed bumps otherwise. Custom rear springs would be a far better solution. At least on Gen II, installing new rear springs involves taking apart the same floorboards and trim inside the car as installing an Enginer kit, so it would make sense to do it all at the same time.

 

yeah - I saw that over in the enginer forums. But I would imagine the weight would still be a problem.

 

I'll try to post a pic tomorrow. I just used plain old donut rubber coil spacers, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B00029K20W?tag=priuschatcom-20 I did have to cut a couple of inches off to reduce the circumference. I don't like suspension hacks and don't recommend this as a long term solution.

Since you have a 2010, have you thought about Firestone airbag spring helpers? (too bad these won't work for Gen II)

Toyota Prius 2010 Firestone Air Bags - Suspension Air Bag Helper Springs

 

http://smilingdogsranch.com/priusblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/DSC_00111-e1265600455632.jpg​

2009, 10-12KWh (spec vs KillWatt)...80+mpg average, pure electric range close to 50mi. Springs added to accomodate the 300lb load. Some handling loss, but tolerable.​

 

Scottsim,

Love the bumper stickers.

 

Please tell us about your springs? Off the shelf or custom? Who and how much? The airbag solution only works for 2010+ but there's a LOT of people that want stiffer springs for 2004-2009 for a wide variety of reasons. Thanks!

 

That looks nice.. I was stumped at how they actually work because in the picture the airbags don't even meet up at the top of the spring. But after several minutes I realized the car was up on a lift and that is probably why.

So how is the 8Kwh system working for you? Do you have a 3,000 or 5,000 watt converter? Any issues with it overheating after running it for miles and miles with that huge battery pack?

 

Will you be running that 5000W along with another 3000W, or just by itself?

Do you have any kind of ventilation going to the kit? I live in Fort Worth, TX so I have similar (if not worse) heat here in the Summer. So when I get my kit I am going to see how I might be able to reroute some of the airflow through the enginer kit.