Gen II Lithium Plug in Hybrid

The lithium pack charges very quickly compared to OEM... After having one in my Prius for 13 months I've never considered needing to trickle charge the lithium pack because it performs so well without it. As for restoring EV mode, back in early 2010's I bought Coastal's wiring kit to restore it's functionality through windshield wiper controller. They don't sell them anymore so it's been on my list to pull that device out and take it apart and replicate it / source parts so I can build more of them. If you'd like to help with that, let me know if you can find a thread on here that details how this system works?

 

DIY info on EV mode
http://www.calcars.org/prius-evbutton-install.pdf

 

woah that would be useful for quickly moving the car before an oil change if you dont want the engine to kick in and do the warm up cycles and nice in general.

 

I have had the exact same situation as you describe. In asking around so far nobody wants to suggest a charger to use for basically making a short range EV out of the Gen 2 model, esp. with the lithium HV replacement. However Jose on utube did suggest that at the very low 300 milliamp charge rates provided by some HV chargers within the correct voltage range that a lithium battery would readily take the charge with no issues and also charges faster than the NiMH. I have used the EV mode to make 1 mile trips downhill from the store on "full charge" which is about 235 volts and 60% SOC showing at start, but that is with the old original battery which is still fairly healthy at about 70% remaining capacity. Why is this important to me? I do not know. I like going all EV for this 2 mile rountrip if possible with the ICE startup, and it appears this could be done. I was ready to get the lithium, but my ABS suspiciously buzzes a bit too often making me wonder if it is wise to put $2000 into the brakes and another $2500 into lithium battery to essentially make a neighborhood low speed EV for 50% of my driving and yet still have the ICE for the one longer trip I make annually or emergencies. But I would still have a 15 year old Prius with other parts ready to fail too so why not just get a new Bolt for $20k after trade in and no more repairs. I have become attached to the Prius, but is it reasonable? Seems a shame to not get all I can out of a very fine machine for as long as I can, but I am afraid of the ABS job leaving me stranded in the carport with leaks or broken brake lines and more expense ahead?? Decisions, decisions, but it is interesting to find someone who was thinking the exact same thing. And as to Priuscampers post...that made me wonder too. If the lithium stored so much that the ICE only came on once a week on my short runs to store etc then charging not a big deal. By the same token why not use my little Maxx Volts charger since I have it already. I figure if I get 4 miles/kwh I could easily get my 2 miles a day back in battery with the little charger with no changes whatsover...and no risk to an LFP battery either according to Jose.??

 

I am attached to the Prius which I have had for 10 years and modified and personalized for my needs. LOL.. Prius Camper. I call mine the Hotel Prius as I do camp in it when I go visit my son annually. But what else will go wrong if I put $5k in the old machine? Decisions, decisions?? Not sure the Bolt even new would be as well built as the old Prius either??

 

I am willing to help. Let me know. Thanks.

 

Actually it's now been 22 months. Love this pack... Makes it seem like a different car. Anyone who's interested there's a small amount of packs that just arrived after being trapped in a port in China during their Spring lockdown. Once they sell out next shipment won't be till November. And if you use my affiliate link I can offer a discount on install & unlimited tech support: https://projectlithium.com/?ref=9qLPw

 

Many thanks, PC!

"removed center console to maximize interior space for, stretching, hauling & camping" .. Genius! I took out front passenger seat and top of the back seat on that side and built a lightweight platform which is perfect for sleeping and hauling lumber and my camping storage underneath is ample. I have hauled essentially an 18 wheeler full of building materials with this car..and camped too but not enough. Lithium is intriguing and would do what I need as the EV mod works great, BUT the imminent ABS cost or worries on DIY on top of the lithium upgrade cost adds up so have to give some thought to "trade or fix" question in the next year most likely. One gets used to a car and knows it well, but like other relationships things happen and ways are parted...

 

Two issues with the @Solman636 proposed Chevy Bolt solution.
It’s EV only, not really useful camping out in the sticks.
It would cost you $20k, plus your old car.

 

Not proposed, my friend, but the question is there when you own an old car "repair or replace?" Until an answer or breakdown occurs the Prius is still my hotel on wheels. Haha..

 

Hey! I just preordered a lithium pack form Nexpower and was wondering about possible install options and discounts listed on your post. I’m down in Long Beach, CA. They have an install partner in Buena Park, CA I will most likely use. Any information and tips would be great. Thanks!

 

I'll be in Sacramento area the week of the 19th. So if you can drive some hours north and I can drive some hours south we could meet under a big shady tree and can install it in a couple few hours. Beyond that you're welcome to private message me on here or call or text 360-789-07843 with any questions you might have and I'll be happy to help.

 

Hey! Thanks so much, I’m definitely interested but I’m not sure of your number with the five digits at the end. Send again and I will send you a text. Thank you!

 

just do it without the zero...