Hymotion/Other Phev Mods - Who's taken the plunge?

[SVPriusFan]

Greetings!

I wanted to start a thread for and about those who have taken the plunge to convert their Prius into a PHEV (Those who have put down the deposit for a Hymotion BREM, and especially anyone who has already had this mod done by another company if there are any out there) - Please tell us about your experience!

There's been plenty of threads that have already discussed aftermarket PHEV mod developement, and also the pros and cons of cost/range/payback period. I prefer rather to have this thread be about information on the conversion process and our excitement about having a great car that will be able to get 100+ MPG. Once I have the mod completed I'll definitely talk about my experience and also post some pictures.

My current stats: Just bought a Magnetic Grey '08 #4 on April 30th (my second Prius!). I put down my deposit for the Hymotion BREM at the beginning of May, #97 on the list. I'll be having the mod done in San Francisco, which will allow me to take a vacation to see my family and friends. At present I don't have a firm appointment date but hope to have it done sometime in the July/August timeframe (according to Hymotion's email). Additionally, I'm not planning on any new graphics - I want the car to look totally stock from the outside. I'm also curious to know if the plug can be hidden next to the rear hatch handle rather than the ugly plug in the bumper that I've seen in other threads. Anyone have info?

I certainly don't mind being an early adopter - I obviously think its worth it and am very excited --- WHOHOO!!

[rwyckoff]

I put in my deposit 2 days ago, reservation#318 I think, and they are already out to Nov. installs. People are buying at least.

I am guessing that they are using their power tool cell, m1. I count 88 cells in series for 290V nominal voltage (3.3v/cell). This cell would be great as a hybrid battery, low internal resistance, high power, but only medium energy storage. Not so great for phev's, and not as good as their new flat, square cell they are developing for GM and their Volt. But at least the M1 cell is mature, made in the millions, well tested, and somewhat cheaper.

I have been using and testing these cells since they could be bought. They are good, have only killed one cell, after quite a bit of abuse. The company is experiencing a small amount of infant death of individual cells (three cases that I have run across).

The thing to remember before you buy is that once the battery is run down to 40% of charge it is isolated from the system. That means you can not charge it with the cars hybrid system, unlike edrive's system. That is unfortunate because people in hilly area's could get better mileage with a larger battery backup. The advantage of HYmotions battery pack will be the life of the pack. It will last a long time because the pack will never have to give out more than 22kw for a few seconds, when it could put out as much as 120kw (30c), and the charge system installed with the battery pack is only 6amps which is only about .8amp (.4c) charge per series cell group. This will ensure maximum life for the pack, but the 4.5 hour charge rate won't help people who get home and try to recharge the pack for another errand later in the day.

There will be other problems for people who want to do vehicle to grid hookjups or even direct DC voltage charging with solar installations or home assist arrangements.
But maybe Ive given too much info already in the wrong forum, sorry.

But with a PHEV and a solar power installation, I definately feel like I am finally living my dream. Thanks-

Ron

[boxer93]

Interesting SVPriusFan, My confirmation code is #97 as well. My initial deposit didn't process and I had to do it a second time.(Maybe we both hit the deposit button at the same time ) I was told that I still had a July spot (in Boston). Unlike you I plan to do the graphics and tell/show as many people as I can. PHEV seem to be in a few fleets in the Northeast, but noting that the public can see. I want them to see.
Hope to have some pictures in July.
I'm actually installing the EV costal switch this afternoon in my brother in law's 06. Am considering this for the PHEV.
Chris

[SVPriusFan]

Ron,

Thanks for the information. I'd be curious to know just what cells are in the L5 pack (the M1's you mentioned or something else). Have you experimented with an EV application using the M1 cells?

Also regarding the L5 - are you saying it will be able to accept a charge from the Prius regen system as long as it is above 40%? - that would be a good thing to know. I'm assuming the 40% level means the pack has been completely used up as far as powering the car in PHEV mode...


Chris,

Two #97's -- I can only assume that means you are #97 for Boston while I am the same for San Fran? I'm also curious to know if the EV mode switch you are installing might be redundant once the L5 pack is installed. I had it in my first Prius but am not adding it to my new one since I signed up for Hymotion's package.

Congrats to you both!

[SVPriusFan]

Chris - I just spoke to Erin at A123systems. The #97 is an error code relating to a problem they had processing our deposit (the problem was with their webpage and it affected several people). As you have had to do, she said that we have to resend our card info, I've just done this. But apparently my install date is in October

She also said the Hymotion module will not accept a regen charge from the Prius's normal system - once the L5 is depleted up it can only be recharged from the bumper plug...

[Zythryn]

I also got #97 and was told I needed to resubmit. Currently my module is due to be shipped to my installer (Minneapolis) in August

[ibcs]

I'm #65 scheduled for Washington, but I told Erin I'd go to Boston if necessary. I was told mid October for installation. I put my deposit down on 5/7/08.

[boxer93]

I doubled checked my reply from Erin and I am scheduled for July. I entered my deposit on April 26th. I wonder what position in the queue I really am. I was hoping the response was good enough to have 97 on April 26.
Chris

[iLLa Prius]

How Much Are You Paying For Your Kits? What All Do You Get?

[Zythryn]

You can find the details at Hymotion :: Enabling the new generation of hybrid owners to maximize their fuel efficiency (redirects to something like a123.hymotion.com or such, not sure).
Basically it is a 10k module which includes install. They use A123's lithium batteries and will give you gas mileage between 60mpg to 150mpg depending upon how you drive. (if you would only get 60mpg I certainly wouldn't do it).