My install and review of the AIMS Prius 2kW Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Backup Power Generator

I connected mine to a refrigerator that I have in the garage and lowered the thermostat until the compressor motor started. The voltage dipped significantly but the inverter continued to run with no problem.

 

recent reply to inquiry on (reference 1) --​

Dear Mr. Johnson,​

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Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.​

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We appreciate your continued interest in the Toyota Prius.​

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We apologize; Toyota has not announced intentions offer the Prius with this option in the United States at this time, and we do not have information on any future plans to do so.Toyota is aware of public interest in using Prius as an emergency generator in a power outage situation, and we will continue to monitor market conditions to identify potential opportunities to offer our customers vehicles equipped with the features that they seek.Your email will be made available for review by the appropriate departments, and will aid us in planning future products to better serve your driving needs.​

​

Please bookmark http://pressroom.toyota.com and check back periodically to receive additional information on this topic.​

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters.If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.​

Sincerely,​

Darren Ree​

Toyota Customer Experience​

~~ wonder if anyone has contacts with Japanese owners that might have info they could share on this option?​

​

 

I've read this discussion with great interest. I am planning to hook a Xantrex Prowatt SW1000 True Sinewave inverter to the 12v battery. But when I looked at the 2010 Prius cables to the 12v battery, they look very thin, and don't look like they could carry much current. According to the Xantrex manual, the inverter should deliver 900w continuous, and 2000w peak. They suggest using 0 AWG cables from the battery to the inverter. And I'm thinking a 150A ANL fuse on the positive cable from the battery to the inverter should protect the Prius 12v battery OK. But I'm concerned that drawing 900w continuous may deplete the 12v battery, if the Prius dc/dc inverter that powers the 12v battery is not strong enough to keep up with the current draw. And my concern comes from seeing those tiny (?) wires of the Prius to the 12v battery (what size are they, actually?)

So, what can I realistically draw continuously by connecting my inverter to the 12v battery in the 2010 Prius?

 

There have been many threads on here that address connecting an inverter to the 12V battery. Search on here for details and I think you will find all of your answers.

 

I have spent hours reading the many threads here, but am concerned that:
- the cables to the 12v battery on my 2010 Prius seem very thin. Are the cables on the older cars heavier?
- many of the posts say, "I suppose..." That doesn't give me confidence.
- I wonder how much I can draw continuously (not just for hours, but days)?

 

The fuse in the car's DC-DC connection to the 12V battery is 100A, so your inverter fuse should be a lower value than this.

There's a current capacity table at Genuinedealz which rates 6AWG wire at 120A. For short runs you shouldn't need anything heavier.

Here's one of the more comprehensive threads on using an inverter with the Prius.

 

Thanks. It's actually 125A, and I looked at the battery, and it has a 140A fuse in the positive side terminal connector. So I will definitely not use a 150A fuse as I had planned.

 

OK, thanks, there are so many threads here I figured this thread was fine, but I can start a new one.

 

Is the eBay inverter for $595 Aims Prius 2KW Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Backup Power Generator | eBay

different from this Aims power 2000W for $449?
Aims 2000 Watt Pure Sine Power Inverter PWRI200012S

 

The eBay unit is a specialty item that runs directly from the high voltage traction battery. The other unit runs from the 12V bus, which can't supply 2000W.

 

So does the eBay unit come with cables or is modified?

They both list the same model number and specs unless I am missing something.

Edit- they are different model #'s PWRI200012S vs PWRI2000S240VDC

 

The one for the Prius comes with two #10 wires with ring terminals that fit the inverter DC input on one end and the HV battery output connection on the other. The inverter DC input range is 180-240 VDC to match the Prius HV battery.

You will need to add the correct inline fuse holders and semiconductor fuses as described in AHetaFan's write up to properly protect the wiring between the HV battery and inverter unit from a short circuit fault.

As for the model numbers I think you are missing something. The PWRI200012S indicates a 2000W, 12oVAC output and 12VDC input as noted by fuzzy1 above. The AIMS Prius unit is custom made to match the HV battery voltage.

 

At $5.90 each:

Semiconductor Fuses | Ferraz Shawmut or Mersen | A60Q25-2 | Allfuses.com

And $13.63 each

Cooper Bussmann Heb AA in Line Fuse Holder 30A 600 V | eBay

Are these the best sources for a pair of fuses and inline holders for the 240DC connection at the battery bank?

 

Thanks for the heads-up!

When one looks at the huge price differences for the same devices on AllFuses vs Zoro Tools, plus the shipping cost, if one buys three fuses (always nice to have a spare) and two holders from Zoro for $52.43 the shipping is free -- that looks like the best deal.

I am presuming that one fuses both sides of the line, though that's debated in the world of mobile Amateur Radio, I don't see a down-side to extra protection.

Thanks, David

 

Good point - I'll get a pair of spares.

David

 

New info for those reading through this thread later. I've been told of additional brands/models of UPS, that are compatible with the Prius traction battery. I added the info to the end of the thread linked in my signature. I'm still using the APC SURT line.