New Product Idea: >$400 PiHEV charger kit - feedback wanted

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by jeff652, Dec 30, 2015.

?

Is this something you would be interested in?

  1. Yes

  2. No

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  1. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    I am thinking about releasing a new Plug in "conversion" charger kit and wanted to get some feedback.
    [​IMG]
    My high level design ideas are:
    -Will charge the Prius battery from vehicle empty to vehicle full in just over 6 hours
    -Would enable a full hybrid battery for increased EV function each morning and at the end of a work day (i.e. after 6 hours of charging)
    -Existing hybrid battery only, no add on battery pack
    -Would retail for just under $400
    -Will plug into our existing Car Harness product line (even lower price if you already have a Car Harness)
    -Prius, Camry Hybrid, and Highlander options available
    -Full HV/12V isolation, zero chance of leakage

    Is this something you would be interested in? Why or why not?

    Thanks :)
    Jeff
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 jeff652, Dec 30, 2015
  2. stephane

    stephane Prius v owner

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    Great I would buy it if it have multi function need to be all automatic not go over 80% for regular maintenance but have a balancing function for schedule maintenance even better if it offer an automatic discharge-charge function and make in a way it fix install hide somewhere in the car so we only need to plug it no mess no hassle.
     
    #2 stephane, Dec 30, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    would need performance details on starting each day with a full charge. would this really be helpful in any significant way?
     
    #3 bisco, Dec 30, 2015
  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I can't vote unless I know some specifics:
    1) How would this affect the longevity of the battery pack?
    2) What kind of fuel economy performance gain can I expect?
    3) How do I have to alter my driving style to get the most out of it?

    I'm assuming the idea would be to arrive home with the least amount of charge, the system will allow, on the battery and wake up with a full 80% SOC charge the next day. I'm guessing for the right person, this would make a 10 mpg difference in fuel economy. Do you have any testing on performance?
     
    #4 usnavystgc, Dec 30, 2015
  5. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    It would only charge to vehicle full, or about 78%-80% of actual battery SOC. By keeping the peak charge level within the normal operating range of the battery, it should have no detrimental impact on battery life.

    Agreed. This will be the next step. I have a couple prototypes already running. Having an EV mode button will further increase the benefits as the user can prevent the ICE from coming on until after driving in EV mode for a few miles. Maybe a couple Beta testers other than myself would be a good idea ;-)

    Fair points. You are correct. Arrive at destination with an SOC somewhere between 40%-80%. Leave destination with 80% SOC. The vehicle normally cycles the battery pack from 40% to 80% SOC. This charger would not charge above 80% SOC (vehicle full) so there should not be any detrimental impact to battery life. Fuel economy increase would depend on total distance traveled.

    Great feedback everyone. Thanks for taking the time to respond :)
     
    #5 jeff652, Dec 30, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thank you for pursuing new ideas and unique products for our pri!(y)
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 30, 2015
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  7. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    CE label?
     
    #7 Fred_H, Dec 30, 2015
  8. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    Thanks for putting this together. The pure cost benefit from a fuel savings perspective really depends on what SOC% is when the car is parked (60% in your example) and total miles driven. The lower the SOC% when parked, the greater the benefit. The shorter the overall distance traveled, the greater the benefit.

    There are also several secondary benefits as well, like improved battery health and reduced carbon foot print. To offset any risk of voltage depression, it might be wise to use our regular Prolong Battery Systems to deep cycle (recondition) the battery a couple times per year. This really should be done an all NiMh batteries, whether a PiHEV charger is being used or not. Of course, all of these products will use our existing Car Harnesses, so there would be 100% cross compatibility.

    All active components in our products are already CE certified. We are planning to certify our next generation Prolong Battery Chargers as a system when they are released in a couple months. We would bundle this PiHEV charger into that same certification process.
     
    #8 jeff652, Dec 30, 2015
  9. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    Is there a reason why it takes over 6 hours to charge from 40%soc to 80%soc? cost saving? hybrid system limitation? charger limitation?
    It would be more usable if it can charge in less 1 hour. Also, how do you prevent ICE warm up cycle? It's winter so ICE warmup cycle is inevitable. I like the idea but there are other issues that need to address.
    People interested in this product want EV in extreme short distances such as diving down the street to get mail. Having a full charge only solves part of the equation. You'll need another product to prevent the ICE from starting up.
     
    #9 cproaudio, Dec 30, 2015
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  10. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    To maintain the price point the charge rate has to be such that is would take up to six hours. We could easily build a one hour unit but it would cost more ;-). If the battery is not at vehicle empty (40% SOC) the time will be reduced. The vehicle is always off while charging with our products, so the ICE will not be able to power on.
     
    #10 jeff652, Dec 30, 2015
  11. offib

    offib Member

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    Digging up a dead thread for nothing - I'd say it would be useful, especially in cold climates (and for short journeys) when the computer defaults the car to put its engine in warm up mode. At around 6C and less, I could only really get around 25 to 35 mpg (UK) after a cold start for the first 2 or 3 miles. After days, weeks, it can potentially save a lot of fuel, especially from those who only drive in heavy traffic. Would be nice to see if anyone tried the past year.
     
    #11 offib, Nov 22, 2016
  12. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Sounds like a genesis one charger, on Nimh if it could fully charge beyond normal car parameters and disable the cars spinning air compressor behavior until under way this might work to unbrick cars with failing packs, especially if it can also safely discharge
     
    #12 Rmay635703, Nov 22, 2016
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  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    12 yes votes, that won't make a market. definitely no interest.
     
    #13 bisco, Nov 22, 2016
  14. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    We're making a 3A rapid charger that can be used as a PHEV charger. It is shop/reseller focused so won't be as cheap, but will 'fill' the battery in a couple hours. Should be released in Jan/Feb time frame.
     
    #14 jeff652, Nov 22, 2016
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what is it's purpose?
     
    #15 bisco, Nov 22, 2016
  16. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    It's primary function is to speed up the charging/balancing process. It's universal, one unit for all battery sizes. It will charge the battery at 3A CC to ~90%, then switch to CV down to 350mA, then return to CC at 350mA to top balance the battery. Instead of taking 20-22 hours to charge & balance an empty battery, it will take 4-6 hours. Being a PHEV charger is just a side benefit.

    Resellers/shops/battery rebuilders who need to speed the process up are very excited about it. It will match nicely to the universal 3A discharger we are developing as well :)
     
    #16 jeff652, Nov 22, 2016
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks jeff, all the best!(y)
     
    #17 bisco, Nov 22, 2016
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  18. offib

    offib Member

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    Damn, Jeff. Just more and more good news (only in this context) keeps coming, and right around my b-day too :rolleyes:

    ...

    But are there no concerns of charging it to 80% every day? We're always told to avoid force charging (to 80%) while other members here in hilly areas (often seeing 7 or 8 bars each commute) can attest that their driving style contributed to reduced usable capacity/performance.
     
    #18 offib, Nov 23, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2016
  19. jeff652

    jeff652 Senior Member

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    What a great birthday present idea ;). Just met with the EE and ME today - looks like the goal is 3/1/17 for release at this point. In PHEV mode, it will only charge the battery to vehicle full, or ~78% SOC. It will not charge any higher than that unless it is set to charge & balance mode. If used in PHEV mode only, it will be fine to use on the battery every day.
     
    #19 jeff652, Nov 23, 2016
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  20. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    According to my calculations gas would have to be a lot higher to make this economical. Right now, electrical power is slightly more expensive than gasoline where I live. If it were an even wash, I would have to calculate the value of wear and tear on the ICE.
     
    #20 William Redoubt, Nov 23, 2016
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