Is it possible to mode a Lexus 400h into plug-in hybrid?

[ElRoi]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I own a 2008 Lexus 400h and I was wondering if it is possible to modify this vehicle into a plug-in hybrid? I apologize if this question has already been broached and if so, could someone please direct me to the thread in which it was discussed.

[ljbad4life]

Originally Posted by ElRoi

Hello, I am new to the forum. I own a 2008 Lexus 400h and I was wondering if it is possible to modify this vehicle into a plug-in hybrid? I apologize if this question has already been broached and if so, could someone please direct me to the thread in which it was discussed.

I guess the battery packs that work with the prius like the high motion should work with the 400h.

[TheForce]

Originally Posted by ljbad4life

I guess the battery packs that work with the prius like the high motion should work with the 400h.

They could yes but as far as I know there are no plans for it.

Your best bet is the Enginer kit. It is designed to work with any hybrid. The only issue is the battery box which you have to make your self or have the company build one and the output voltage which can be programmed to just about anything. At least thats what I know about the system.

Enginer has a battery in a gen 1, 2, and 3 Prius, and a gen 1 Insight. Dont know of any others yet.

[ljbad4life]

Originally Posted by TheForce

They could yes but as far as I know there are no plans for it.

Your best bet is the Enginer kit. It is designed to work with any hybrid. The only issue is the battery box which you have to make your self or have the company build one and the output voltage which can be programmed to just about anything. At least thats what I know about the system.

Enginer has a battery in a gen 1, 2, and 3 Prius, and a gen 1 Insight. Dont know of any others yet.

I understand that, but in my mind the HSD in the RX 400h operates in the same manner as the Prius. The only thing that would prevent you from using the Hymotion is securing it to the floor I guess. send them an email to make sure. I know of one TCH that has a hymotion battery in it. they run about 10k.

[TheForce]

Does the RX400h have an EV button? If it does not you would not get much benefit from the Hymotion battery because the programming uses the EV mode. Plus I'm sure all the CAN bus commands for spoofing the SOC are changed so the Hymotion battery would have to be reprogrammed.

If you want a simple solution that will work the only one available would be the Enginer kit since it is a simple design and does not rely on spoofing the SOC. Its almost plug and play with any hybrid.

[ljbad4life]

Originally Posted by TheForce

Does the RX400h have an EV button? If it does not you would not get much benefit from the Hymotion battery because the programming uses the EV mode. Plus I'm sure all the CAN bus commands for spoofing the SOC are changed so the Hymotion battery would have to be reprogrammed.

If you want a simple solution that will work the only one available would be the Enginer kit since it is a simple design and does not rely on spoofing the SOC. Its almost plug and play with any hybrid.

I don't think the RX 400h (2008) do, but the new RX 450h does have a ev button. Well the best bet is to look into both avenues before going through with it. Best of luck and keep us posted on how the "upgrade" goes.

[hill]

Our 400h has a knockout plug (similar to our '04 Prius) where one CAN install the EV mode button. BTW, from one of our correspondences with Jack regarding the enginer kit:

"... Yes, RS400H needs 4KWH system ..." Just in case you're wondering about the size of the pack.

Regarding the comment above about, "... securing it (the pack) to the floor ..." ?? You can put the components in the storage compartment under the rear deck, just like in the Prius. We haven't decided whether to convert our 400h to a PHEV, or wait & see what's available 2010.

.

[ElRoi]

Thanks so much everyone for all the information. You all have given a good start.