I already have a power inverter, but it would be nice if the power access could be as easy as plugging into the charging port. Toyota Prius' New Function Supplies Electricity to Home Appliances -- Tech-On!
This would be the cleanest, most fuel-efficient generator on the planet! First, though, you'd need to figure out how to get the engine to charge the battery, even without drawing juice.
Prius owners in Japan were using Prii as generators after the eartquake and tsunami there. That's where Toyota got the idea. The cars usually ran two days on a tank of gas.
there have been quite a few threads here over the years, but no one has been able to pull off a turnkey system that operates directly from the traction battery.
...I just think this is tremendous benefit of HEV if it doubles as emergency generator. Sort of like iPhone is more than a phone.
My apologies for being so dense, but does this mean we can buy then? Couldn't tell if they plan to release it here, or if it is compatible with 120V AC systems (article indicates 100V, but not sure if it is adjustable etc).
It appears that the PHV plug is slated to become available in Japan on November 1. Btw, I just realized: you can buy a 12v to 120V converter and just use that! I actually have one of these things. Your main issue is amperage limitations, but I believe the one I have goes up to 15A. If the car is turned on, it will prevent the aux battery from getting discharged by this.
Plus the 12V outlet is limited (thought I read ~10A). This has a lot of potential, not just for 'home' use, but having a portable generator (tailgating, stargazing, etc.), especially if it can run from battery for a while.
I really hope they release a home generator system someday. At some point I want to build an off grid house using hydro power. In addition to the hydro system and batteries, if I could use the pip as a backup generator and extra storage system that would be awesome.
But then I would have to buy one. If I already own a car that does it then I wouldnt need a generator. Plus a generator wont have batteries built in (unless you buy that option) and its not portable like the pip would be.
the adapter cost's $1189.00 what the cost of a portable generator? the battery capacity is 3kw, right? so.......1500 watts=2 hours run time
Do you want a list of reasons why I want the pip to do this PK? Here are a couple more; The pip is much quieter than a generator. The pip has emissions systems and will be better for the environment. Generators can cost as little as $200 and go to more than $10,000. For the power Id want I think a pip would do nicely.