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PHEV modification

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by mrbigh, May 9, 2008.

?

PHEV conversion options

Poll closed Aug 7, 2008.

  1. In the small rear seat, loosing full access of it

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  2. Behind the fold down bench,full access to hidden cargo area &spare tire,full use above fold-up floor

    4 vote(s)
    40.0%

  3. Inside of hidden cargo area, loosing access to spare tire and tools. Full use of rear cargo space.

    7 vote(s)
    70.0%

  4. Plug-in connection in rear of the vehicle (bumper), left side.

    3 vote(s)
    30.0%

  5. Plug-in connection in rear of the vehicle (bumper), right side

    4 vote(s)
    40.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2005
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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    PHEV conversion modifications

    I would like to know the general opinion of Prius owners/users about a necessary modification if your car were to be converted to PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) use.
    In order to extend the drive range in electric mode is necessary the addition of extra batteries inside the car. Being that these batteries require a permanent installation of an enclosure or box to be contained in, my question is :
    Witch part of the car are you willing to sacrifice in order to have the container installed?

    A ) In the Small rear seat, loosing complete use of it.

    B ) Behind the fold down rear back rest, the container will be placed right above the floor. Full access to hidden cargo area with emergency tools and access to Spare Tire. Partial use of total cargo area.

    C ) In the hidden cargo area under the fold-up floor, loosing access to Spare Tire. Full access and use of cargo area.

    Right side means = passenger side

    Please, your comments are always welcome while on topic of this thread, thank you.
     
    #1 mrbigh, May 9, 2008
  2. ilusnforc

    ilusnforc Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2006
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    Location:
    San Antonio, TX
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a dog, so taking up the back seat isn't an option for me... I occasionally needs to load large objects into the car so behind the folding rear seat wouldn't work so well unless the pack is easily removed from the car when it is not needed (long drives where extra batteries are just dead weight because they only last 20 or so miles, and when large objects need to be hauled). So, under the floor compartment would be best option for me. I don't like losing access to spare tire though, it might be possibe to cut out the spare tire well from the bottom of the car and weld up a flat plate under the battery box under the floor and hang the spare tire from underneath like a pickup. Maybe make some paneling or have BT (they made the replacement panel for under the front bumper right?) make one to keep up the aerodynamics under the car (of course it would be easily removable to have access to the spare tire). I personally don't know that I would want the charging plug to be on the rear bumper... I like the way those guys in Colorado with Plug-in Hybrids where they mold the plug into the license plate light next to the hatch handle. I REALLY like how they dis-assemble your stock battery pack and reinstall with A123 batteries and it fits back in stock location with little modification at all along with the little LED's that mount in the blank next to the EV button.
     
    #2 ilusnforc, May 10, 2008
  3. Roly

    Roly New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
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    I like the idea of having the cargo area free. Also would like to have the batteries container in a removable form, some times may be necessary not to have that extra dead weight.
    How about not having a plug on the outside?
    Nice poll
     
    #3 Roly, May 16, 2008
  4. kaval

    kaval New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2004
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    Re: PHEV conversion modifications

    Do you have any pics of the plug being molded to the license plate light area?
     
    #4 kaval, Dec 30, 2010
  5. JeffreyDV

    JeffreyDV New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2009
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    Location:
    New Milford, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I prefer under the cargo floor above the spare tire. Ideally, the kit would be mounted so it could be raised to access the spare. Currently I have mine in this location but removed the spare and replaced it with a 12 Volt air compressor and plug kit in the cargo area. Btw, I have three car seats in the rear seat.
     
    #5 JeffreyDV, Dec 30, 2010
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    why can't the batteries go where the spare is and put the spare on top of them? then, they can reconfigure the platform of the hatch area to accomodate the whole mess so it looks flat.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 30, 2010
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