Rainbow Prius Hybrid Powered by Lithium!

I'm missing something here. Half a day later, and the video still doesn't load for me.

 

You can download it, then watch it but it is just a quick panning shot that won't give you much more than what you already see.

 

I have been able to see the video since it was posted. It is just a quick pan of what is shown in the still shot.

What I see is 2P5S LiFePO4 cells replacing a two module NiMH block. The stock Prius voltage sensing harness with the positive and negative leads should be able to bolt right on these replacement blocks. Maybe, and I mean maybe, the stock NiMH block voltage monitoring might be enough to keep these LiFePO4 cells safe. It also looks like there are open vent slots between the blocks to allow for cooling air flow.

Something similar has been done before with a Gen 0 Prius. You can read about it here.

Antiscab's NWH10 Prius plugin Lithium conversion - AEVA Forums

If the price and right and safety can be established these could be an interesting option.

 

HOPEFULLY, that video is not a preview about the worth of the battery......
A "video" of a "still" is NOT a real video. Just post the photo.

 

That question has been answered multiple times, it has significantly less weight and more capacity than the other options on the market.

 

I'm not sure what the battery weights, but I only see about 1, possibly 2mpg difference
between when I'm alone and no extra weight in my Prius or when I have an extra 200-325 pound in it.
So it would have to be a LOT less weight, and about 50% more capacity, so you could drive a whole
lot further and the battery would have to last, again, about 50% longer than the original OEM battery
to justify to cost?
I am not doubting the justification of using this type of battery over the original, it's the cost.
"IF" it's the same price, plus or minus maybe 10% of the $1600 replacement, it might be worth it.
But according to a post here, to get the "extra" you need to "purchase" extra parts and reprogramming of
the computer to benefit from it.

To ME, and it's just me, it would be that same as saying this tire will last 5000 miles longer and decrease
your fuel usage by 5% and only cost 10% more. Is the extra cost worth the minor increases???
But if you said it would last 15,000 miles longer, and decrease fuel usage by 25% for the same 10%,
that would be more reasonable.

And NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo.....
I have no scientific evidence nor did I spend decades experimenting to come to this conclusion.
Just my pen and math.

I personally would like to see this battery weight 50% less, have the same life and cost $1200.
That's a great deal! Getting the cost down, is the main factor for myself, and most people.
The one company that says they have a "lifetime" warranty, sounds like a great deal....
But the risk of that battery failing at ANYTIME, and 95% of the time for 90% of the people will be
at the WORST time! When is the best time though?

Cost is why a lot people buy non Toyota parts, they ARE cheaper. But it doesn't mean it's better.
Some are a LOT cheaper, but for the parts I've bought, brakes, egr system gaskets, coolants...
the difference in extremely minimum.

 

Having owned my Prius for 13 years/Over 160K miles and considering buying the RAV4 Prime - until discovering they're selling for up to $10K above an already hefty sticker price - watching this thread is making me want to double-down on keeping Sea-Czar's Ghost (my Gen II). Eagerly awaiting your findings.

If you could keep us posted to not on - not only the progress - but the challenges, as well, I think some of the more impatient fellas might appreciate what you're on to (especially in these `rona times).

Stay safe, Hyper-milers

 

i think we understand the challenges

 

I think you misunderstand me: more like documenting the moment to moment challenges and accomplishments

 

thanks for the clarification. i agree, that would be fascinating

 

Amazing work Jack!

 

That looks great. Keep up the good work.

 

All cooler states... need a Florida tester, Texas, Arizona.... HEAT...
Still waiting on a price...

 

California is NOT Florida. A lot of humidity here. It can be 90 degrees here and low humidity
and you can be fine. But this year is another humidity year, in the high 80's and low 90's.
You step outside and half your energy gets sucked out of you.
Don't blame the government for your pricing. It's a cop out.
But you're saying it's going to be high.
If you've done all the research you have, then you should know the selling price.
What kind of business spends all the time and money "testing" if they don't know what they
are going to sell a product for?

 

A little harsh IMO. I expect that he has a range but doesn't want to specify. Like all businesses he will have to balance profit motive and market competition. I don't get that he is saying that the price will be high. Why do all of that work if he is going to price himself out of the market? Patience, my friend.

What I would like is a rough estimate of when he hopes these batteries will be available.

 

Just stumbled upon this thread and am very excited. Not going to ask the stupid questions or try to bash the developer. Just posting this to follow the thread and express support for Jack's work. People criticizing before all the information is available are very annoying and there is a good Russian saying to this effect. It goes something like this. You never show uncompleted work to a fool.

Best of luck to you, @jacktheripper and you have my support. I have a 2007 Prius with 229K miles and original battery that still shows good results on your app. I hope you can make your project pay off for yourself and us sooner than I need a replacement. Given this car's track record, you probably have another 10 years