I'm posting this in two places because I don't know really where it will get most attention. I've done a bit of looking around and I don't think i found a clear answer. Has anyone done a HV ECU swap or wiring conversion to allow for a lithium battery instead of NiMH ? I've read about Gen1 lithium swap: 2001-2003 EV only mode possible? Replaced stock batt with lithium | PriusChat Has anyone found a lighterweight solution to the oem Gen2 battery?
My car is coming up on 144K miles and I want to be ready if/when the battery fails. As I'd like to autocross and weight is always a concern, a lighter/smaller battery with the same capabilities at minimum would be great. I know lithium is more sensitive to heat but I can always rig up an additional fan. The OEM battery is just super heavy.
a look at the gen4 specs should tell you the weight difference. the problem is toyota hasn't used lithium until the gen 4, except pip, which is much larger. so, you're really reinventing the wheel.
I have been hoping for years that some silicon valley tree huggers would come up with an improved HV battery. whats taking so long?
Unfort we got 2 threads going. Re-Involt was making an Li drop-in replacement before they got bought out by Dorman. OP is checking up with Re-Involt founder (Taylor automotive) to see where that project ended up. Then we have 3prongpaul in Colorado does plug-in conversions due to CO incentives it works there. He may have some ideas.
There probably someone done this! But I guess it wouldn't be cost effective, considering the Prius would be 8-10years old and a customize swap would would cost more that the car is worth! And a short warranty on the swap!
I've reached out to Taylor Automotive and got a response from Tracy - "We do not have any lighter alternatives at this time." I've reached out to David Taylor (Doorman Products) - "I have done several of these in the past, but have been away from it long enough that I would not be much help to you. This company specializes in what you want to do and already produces the interfaces. www.ewertenergy.com " I called ewertenergy and was told they won't sell to an individual and that it would probably cost over $5000 to do what i wanted. what the heck...
Thanks for the report...one wonders what Toyota will $cost for the Li batt replace in Gen4? I guess Prius v in Europe has always had Li batt. Wonder if we know that v cost comparison with NiMH batt in USA for Prius v?
Greetings people, Let's assume that we can make 7.2 volt modules. Each would be made out of 6 18650 Lion battery cells. Two rows in series of each with 3 parallel cells. Total voltage of each module would be 8.2 volts fully charged or 7.2 volts normal as they are rated at 3.6volt. Capacity for each cell is 2.9Ah. So 3 cells would have 8.7Ah and in 2 rows at 7.2volts. Discharge amps for those cells is 15A each so 3 in parallel would give 45amps Max. Let's also assume that we make 28modules and the total voltage (serial connection) would be 201Volt Nominal or almost 230 fully charged. A BMS that can handdle them is also necessairy. Batteries can be purchased in a relatively cheap price way under 1000dollars. I don't know how to find a BMS but if the whole plan can work I guess one can be found or made. Total energy stored would be 1.8Kwh at least and power would be 45amps at 201volts, that is 9kw power. Do you guys there in the states (you are more experienced in EV-vehicles) see anything that can be done here? I am thinking about a battery that can help the OEM HV battery to store more energy. The roads I use are full of mountains and great downhills that can be used to store energy and used for uphills. The original battery is not enough for the task let alone it is already 9years old and a bit degraded. The car is converted to LPG and the running cost is low anyway but still getting back energy is a great thing....
there are lots of options for additional battery. the problem over here is, you can buy a 4 year old low mile pip for $15,000.
