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adding extra 4kw battery for more than double plug in miles

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by jim335, Sep 4, 2012.

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  1. jim335

    jim335 Member

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    I will be buying the first add on 4 kw battery pack from Plug in Supply for my new plug in Prius. It will charge with the same level II charger I am using now. The control system works the same as in earlier conversions for battery management, but no separate charger is now needed. I am excited and can't wait until it can be installed.. When it is in and working, there will be photos to see on the Plug in Supply "NEW DIY" web site. My local driving is now only 55% plug in but this will make all local driving plugin.
     
    #1 jim335, Sep 4, 2012
    mrlebop, JBumps, Robert Holt and 2 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats! can't wait to hear all about it. details: how much? how soon? who will install? all the best! you could be the first in a long line of pis pip customers!
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 4, 2012
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  3. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    calm down bisco

    I'm next........when I win the lottery:D
     
    #3 priuskitty, Sep 4, 2012
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i can't, it's vino time again!:ROFLMAO:
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 4, 2012
  5. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    Hi Jim, I too am interested in the 4 kw battery pack from PIS. Are you doing the install? It's roughly $6K?
     
    #5 chesleyn, Sep 4, 2012
  6. jim335

    jim335 Member

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    Not sure how soon, I have some personal things to finish first. I hope in about a month or so. If it is $6K I am ok with that, but I think it could be less. I will know the cost before I buy and will let you know.
     
    #6 jim335, Sep 5, 2012
  7. MJFrog

    MJFrog Active Member

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    A word of advice from personal experience installing their 4kwh kit in a GEN II...if you're not good with doing a LOT of wire stripping, crimping, and soldering, then spend the extra $$$ to have the battery pack pre-assembled. See my thread: PIS 4kwh PHEV kit assembly and installation odyssey | PriusChat

    [edit]For the most part, I'm pleased with the performance and value received from the kit. YMMV.[/edit]
     
    #7 MJFrog, Sep 5, 2012
  8. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Rather than pay to have another do the install, you can ask here on PC for help. LOTS of folks have gotten a friendly helping hand for various projects, from adding a stiffening plate, to the EBH, to even traction kits. Just a thought.
     
    #8 hill, Sep 5, 2012
  9. Chris Knudsen

    Chris Knudsen Junior Member

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    anyone know if you get any tax credit for the added battery capacity?
     
    #9 Chris Knudsen, Sep 5, 2012
  10. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Not anymore........
     
    #10 mrbigh, Sep 5, 2012
  11. Jimbo69ny

    Jimbo69ny Active Member

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    So you havent ordered it yet?

    I too have been in contact with them. Their price is $6,000. I negotiated and got him down to $5,000 but when I asked for specs, photos and more info on the pack he didnt respond. Maybe he took a long vacation around the holiday. Im not sure.
     
    #11 Jimbo69ny, Sep 5, 2012
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    are you connected with the company in some way? you seem to know more about the system than anyone else. tell us more about their new website please.
     
    #12 bisco, Sep 5, 2012
  13. jim335

    jim335 Member

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    I am not connected with the company, but I have called them a lot to find out all I can before buying. I have not bought yet, but I am sure I will soon. I plan to install it myself as I used to be mechanic a long time ago. I think the cost will be around $5000 with me doing the install.
    By the way, I have solar panels at my home, which provide my electric,still on the grid, but with net metering, so my plug in miles are virtually free, and I save about 8 cents per mile compared to regular prius mile cost at current gas prices. Saving money is great, but I really like driving by gas stations and hardly ever stopping. I still remember back when I had to wait in line to buy gas. I hope that never happens again, but I will be ready if it does.
     
    #13 jim335, Sep 5, 2012
  14. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    The 4KW is $4,840. The price breaks down as $1,500 for controls and wire harness, $1,216 for 76 bms cell boards, $300 for a battery box and $1,824 for 76 x15ah Headway cells. It has a range of 20 to 25 miles per charge. This range is added to the factory range so if you get 11 miles now you could get up to 36 miles per charge with the added 4KW pack. It sits on top of the cargo deck behind the back seat and can be removed in 2 minutes when you need more cargo room.
    We will be posting installation instructions on our DIY site:
     
    #14 priuskitty, Sep 5, 2012
  15. mitch672

    mitch672 Technology Geek

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    #15 mitch672, Sep 5, 2012
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    dang, right where my golf clubs go!
     
    #16 bisco, Sep 5, 2012
  17. jim335

    jim335 Member

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    I know there is no federal credit like for the volt or for the original purchase of the plug in prius, but if you have solar panels at your home it may be possible to consider them solar storage batteries and maybe take some credit for the batteries that way. I am still trying to figure that out.
     
    #17 jim335, Sep 5, 2012
  18. jim335

    jim335 Member

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    Yes, but you can play golf farther away. Put the clubs in the front where your spouse would sit if you are married. Win-win.
     
    #18 jim335, Sep 5, 2012
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that would increase my golf course selection to a radius of 20 miles!:D
     
    #19 bisco, Sep 5, 2012
  20. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    Just bought daily4 lottery ticket, wish me luck:D
     
    #20 priuskitty, Sep 5, 2012
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