New PHEV Install: Plug-in Supply Kit

Hi if you don't mind telling. How much was it and how long do you expect the Lead Acid batteries to last.

 

kiettyyy,

Thanks for your posting. "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

Even though one of the PHEV conversions is a long way off, if ever, for most
of us here, it is good to be able to keep up on the different alternatives.
(Although you did not say it, I take it that you have the Lead Acid batteries.
When they require replacement, do you plan to upgrade?)

It is especially meaningful to have a second conversion, Plug-in Supply
represented, it kind of keeps the record balanced.

I know it will be difficult, but I hope you will post the little problems as well
as the successes so that we get a well rounded picture of this technology.

FWIW, for other readers, here is another thread on the Plug-In Supply
conversion:

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-p...ew-plug-in-hybrid-install-shop-in-so-cal.html

 

Is that the one with the battery tray that swings up to get to the spare tire below?

 

Nice install !! I really like the fact that they replaced your rear springs ..

 

It looks good. I know the satisfaction you are feeling now with having the ability to plug-in.
What are the specs on the lead-acid conversion?
Cost, kwh, range, etc.

 

Nice!

I like the way the Plug-in system retains access to the spare tire. Hymotion should do that too. Were the new rear coilovers included in the total price? If not, how much more for them?

Unfortunately, I need more range than is available w/the lead batteries, so I'm going to wait for the lithium upgrade before making a choice between Plug-in or Hymotion, but (all things being otherwise equal) Plug-in gets the nod from me based on the spare tire retention.

 

My only concern is the warranty and crash testing. As far as I know, the Hymotion system has been back through crashing testing and passed.

Also, if the Plug-In Supply system is doing regen on the new batteries, that is a significant alteration in the Hybrid Synergy system. Was the NiMH battery removed and the new lead-acid batteries replacing that system?
How did they make the regen go into the new batteries without affecting the balance of energy required in the NiMH system?

I admit to being a bit biased in favor of Hymotion's plug-in system because my experience is with that brand.

 

Where you P&G during your first 20.3 miles? If not try that it should make it last even father..

Who makes this PHEV?

I have seen this one and Hymotion's and I really like the looks of this one better not to mention the much better price, but I like the fact that Hymotion uses lithium based batteries..

 

Plug-In Supply Inc of Petaluma California

Just called Plug-in and was told the lithium battery kits should be available in January 2009.

Here are some related threads I've been watching:

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/46978-plug-in-supply-6-095-plugin-kit-diy-4.html
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-p...ew-plug-in-hybrid-install-shop-in-so-cal.html

 

Thankx Kiet for setting up a Post of the install the car looks GREAT.

Everyone else on PriusChat Hello my name is Arturo and performed the install on kiet's car and i am very happy it came out well for him. If their are any questions anyone would like to ask about an install feel free to pm me.

 

Arturo the install looks great you guys done a great job..Cant wait for the lithium battery..Do you know if the lithium Batteries are still going to be 40Ah delivering 10Kwh?

 

Sandman the last info i have had on the LiFePO4 kit was a 20Ah 5Kwh kit that were Phoenix Silicon International batteries i saw that kit in development as a prodotype but i have also heared that they may have changed the kit to Thunder Sky LiFePO4 Batteries which maybe a 40Ah 10Kwh kit. As soon as the new year comes their will be more info if the kit is released as planned by Jan 09. I will also contact Plug In Supply for further info.

 

I am enjoying my Plug in Supply Conversion immensely. I have posted the photos and have a blog detailing the work done by Steve Woodruff of Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle PHEV My blog is Our New PHEV Prius! I will be looking forward to discussion regardng the Plug in supply kit and any suggestions you all have.

 

I know this is a little subjective but can you please tell us how the car feels now?
Does it handle the same or does having a big block of lead in the boot make it handle differently?
How is the performance? Does i have as much acceleration as before?
Does the rear of the car feel harder or softer with the additional weight?

Conversion looks fantastic and results better than I would have thought. I wonder where I can find this conversion in Adelaide? I wonder where I can park at work near a power point?

 

Do you have the 52 mph switch as well? If so, do you use it?

 

Does the kit require loss of the spare tire compartment?

If not, how does the spare tire get accessed in the event it is needed? Is the battery pack hinged to permit access to the tire?