New PHEV Install: Plug-in Supply Kit

[kiettyyyy]

I had my kit installed Friday and Saturday of last week (Dec 19 and Dec 20) at Electrik Innovations in Long Beach, CA. I was their first PHEV conversion customer! The installers working on my Prius (Arturo and his father) were absolutely fantastic! They even let me help out and take photos of the install!

On my way home, I was able to achieve over 99.9 MPG from Long Beach to my home 26 miles away while driving at freeway speeds (65-70MPH). I haven’t been able to test the PHEV on my daily commute to school 36 miles away. I'll post information regarding the performance and efficiency of the PHEV as soon as I head back to school in January. For Winter break city driving, I haven’t used a drop of gas according to my MFD!

Anyways, here are the photos! (Edit: mmm... odd.. Full screen photos aren't working right. I have them posted up in my gallery: http://kiet.us/gallery2/v/Stuff/2009...PHEVConversion)

[bestmapman]

Hi if you don't mind telling. How much was it and how long do you expect the Lead Acid batteries to last.

[Rokeby]

kiettyyy,

Thanks for your posting. "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

Even though one of the PHEV conversions is a long way off, if ever, for most
of us here, it is good to be able to keep up on the different alternatives.
(Although you did not say it, I take it that you have the Lead Acid batteries.
When they require replacement, do you plan to upgrade?)

It is especially meaningful to have a second conversion, Plug-in Supply
represented, it kind of keeps the record balanced.

I know it will be difficult, but I hope you will post the little problems as well
as the successes so that we get a well rounded picture of this technology.

FWIW, for other readers, here is another thread on the Plug-In Supply
conversion:

New Plug-In Hybrid Install shop in So Cal

[okiebutnotfrommuskogee]

Is that the one with the battery tray that swings up to get to the spare tire below?

[sandman]

Nice install !! I really like the fact that they replaced your rear springs ..

[PeakOilGarage]

It looks good. I know the satisfaction you are feeling now with having the ability to plug-in.
What are the specs on the lead-acid conversion?
Cost, kwh, range, etc.

[kiettyyyy]

Costs:
$6,512 with tax, shipping and installation.

I do plan to upgrade to LiFePo4 lithium based batteries some time when I have to replace the pack.

This battery pack uses 20 x B&B EB20-12 Batteries rated for 20AH. The batteries like to be charged at around 13.5V. The battery chassis does swivel upward for access to the spare tire.

I haven't been able to do much testing with it, as i'm only doing city trips during my winter break at home. During one city trip, I was able to get 20.3 miles before my pure EV dropped out(Which is darn impressive!). The numbers displayed on plug-in supply's site says I should get around 10-15MI on pure EV.

I mostly have flat roads where I live, not too many hills... which is proabbly why I got such a good number out of SLA batteries. I also took a long trip this weekend to San Diego where my MFD showed the motor and the engine running at the same time while my MPG was 99.9+ until about 87 miles out.

One really nice feature about the Plug-in Supply kit is that the regen braking fiunction still exists and charges up the additional battery pack as well!

I'll get more detailed as I get back on my daily commute to school in January.

One thing I have noted is that typical hypermiling techniques MUST be adjusted to get the best mileage out of the PHEV. On the freeway, instead of just seeing the engine running, you'd see the engine and the motor assisting each other for the 99.9+ MPG!

I'll post more info as I have more time with the PHEV.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[Swingshiftworker]

Nice!

I like the way the Plug-in system retains access to the spare tire. Hymotion should do that too. Were the new rear coilovers included in the total price? If not, how much more for them?

Unfortunately, I need more range than is available w/the lead batteries, so I'm going to wait for the lithium upgrade before making a choice between Plug-in or Hymotion, but (all things being otherwise equal) Plug-in gets the nod from me based on the spare tire retention.

[PeakOilGarage]

Originally Posted by Swingshiftworker

Unfortunately, I need more range than is available w/the lead batteries, so I'm going to wait for the lithium upgrade before making a choice between Plug-in or Hymotion, but (all things being otherwise equal) Plug-in gets the nod from me based on the spare tire retention.

My only concern is the warranty and crash testing. As far as I know, the Hymotion system has been back through crashing testing and passed.

Also, if the Plug-In Supply system is doing regen on the new batteries, that is a significant alteration in the Hybrid Synergy system. Was the NiMH battery removed and the new lead-acid batteries replacing that system?
How did they make the regen go into the new batteries without affecting the balance of energy required in the NiMH system?

I admit to being a bit biased in favor of Hymotion's plug-in system because my experience is with that brand.

[sandman]

I was able to get 20.3 miles before my pure EV dropped out(Which is darn impressive!).

Where you P&G during your first 20.3 miles? If not try that it should make it last even father..

Who makes this PHEV?

I have seen this one and Hymotion's and I really like the looks of this one better not to mention the much better price, but I like the fact that Hymotion uses lithium based batteries..