Has anyone installed the enginer PHEV?

[Flying White Dutchman]

the kit uses a DC-DC converted
not sure what amps but looking at the size not more then 10 amps at 200+ volts DC.

its converts 48 volts and 40ah? to 200+ volts DC

o you can not drive on this kit alone it wil only ofset some of the energy used from petrol

maybe someone can get some more info

[alevinemi]

I asked a few questions. Thought I would share the responses.

Hi, Adam,

Thank you for your inquiry.

- Can you provide full install instructions so I can get an estimate from a local mechanic on how much it would cost to install?
Jack:Attached is the installation instructions. It is very straight-forward once you get access to the battery module. Only two high voltage wires and three low voltage wires (ignition, ground and EV mode) need to be connected. If your mechanic works on Prius, it would take 2-3 hours to install.

- How does the low-speed EV mode work? Most use the integrated prius functionality, which frequently locks you out and automatically exits when needed. The plug-in power PHEV uses a different system that forces EV and goes up to 52MPH.
Jack:Although we do connect the EV mode switch, our kit doesn't go after maximizing pure EV drive. Our control strategy is releasing the energy in a control manner to prolong battery life / safety and minimizing impact to the existing system. The final gas mileage over longer range (20 miles) is the same as other methods. The result is significant reduction in conversion kit cost.

- How many amps does the charger pull (my garage has a small breaker)
Jack:About 7 Amp @120VAC

- How many successful installs do you have out there? Any testimonials?
Jack:We have five installed and still under pilot field testing. We will compile and publish the data later.

- How does the modified hybrid mode work? Does the lithium pack power the motor directly, or does it charge the traction battery?
Jack:Yes and Yes. It supplements electric drive power when electric motor is used and charge the battery when it is not.

- Are the electronics in the Prius 'fooled' into thinking that the battery is more charged than it is (resulting in more electric power being used)?
Jack:No. We don't lie. The stock battery does have more power because our kit charges them.

- If I bring a Prius to Troy, MI, can you install or recommend an installer?
Jack: Yes. It can be arranged. We charge $150 for installation.

- Do I keep my spare tire? If so, how accessible is it after the install?
Jack: Yes. If you release four mounting screws with handle, you can lift it up and stand it on the side, opening up the access to the spare tire. Don't worry, it is only 75 lbs.

Looking forward to working with your to save the earth.

[Flying White Dutchman]

what about cooling of the pack? i dont see any fans

[alevinemi]

I have to revise my IRR analysis. I forgot:
- The cost of electricity (about $0.10/kwh).
- A 10% tax credit

When I factor in 6kwh/day to fill the 2kwh twice (estimating some charging loss), the IRR doesn't pan out.

At $3.00/gal, the ROI is roughly -23%
At $4.00/gal, the ROI is -4%
Break even is about $4.25/gal.
At $5.00/gal, ROI is about 10%

And, if you think gas is going to average $5.00 over the next 5 years, unleaded fuel futures are probably a better investment. Also, for me, PHEV isn't that green. Indianapolis electricity is one of the 'dirtiest' power locations in the country. Almost all coal.

-->Adam

Originally Posted by alevinemi

That was true for previous PHEV's I have analyzed, this one gets very close to positive IRR (assuming the numbers are close to right)

For this PHEV, the math:

Initial Cost: $2000 (2KWH version)
MPG without mod: 50 MPG
MPG with mod: 75 MPG
Miles Driven: 17k/year or 48/day, 2 charges/day
Fuel Savings per day (at $3/gal): $0.96
Battery Life: 2000 days
Total Fuel Savings: $1,920

Thus, near zero IRR. You could do better with a savings account at 2%, but the IRR is close to zero. If you factor in the fact:
- I strongly belive that gas is going to go up in price a lot more than $3.00. I think a $4-5 average over the next 5 years is realistic.
- The cost of batteries will be lower when you repurchase.
- You have higher residual value in the vehicle.
- You have the value of the non-battery PHEV parts.

IRR could very well be positive.

-->Adam

[kiettyyyy]

Originally Posted by mrbigh

You will need more than one of those "enginer" gizmos in order to provide and equal "voltage power" to the HSD.

What do you mean? The battery pack isn't supposed to provide any power to the actual AC/DC inverter directly... The "enginer" gizmo powers the HSD HV battery directly.

We'll all see how this thing works out...

[mrbigh]

Originally Posted by kiettyyyy

What do you mean? The battery pack isn't supposed to provide any power to the actual AC/DC inverter directly... The "enginer" gizmo powers the HSD HV battery directly.

We'll all see how this thing works out...

I would like to correct my original post, I was commenting about the single battery packs that the ebay dealer has on auctions but never knew about the hidden "KIT" he is offering until alevinemi pointed it out.
I'm awaiting your comments about the"kit" that you will purchase and try as a pioneer.

PS:
As a mater of fact, on 2006 my first PHEV conversion was based in the same concept this company is utilizing today, a power source powering a DC/DC converter straight to the HSD batteries.
I used PbA batteries, they are providing newer (at low cost) LiFePO4with a higher Ah rating and my DC/DC converter was/is a hefty full 40 Amp, theirs maybe a marginal 12 or 15 Amp.
I will comment that I upgraded to a different PHEV concept and configuration because I couldn't get as much Electric range and versatility of use back then.

[Anthonyata]

Is it worth paying an extra $1000.00 for a 4 kwh system?
According to Jack the system weighs 60 lbs vs. 75 lbs for 2 kwh system.
Any comments?
Seriously considering purchasing this system from enginer.us
Has anyone installed it yet?

[alevinemi]

Originally Posted by Anthonyata

Is it worth paying an extra $1000.00 for a 4 kwh system?
According to Jack the system weighs 60 lbs vs. 75 lbs for 2 kwh system.
Any comments?
Seriously considering purchasing this system from enginer.us
Has anyone installed it yet?

The 4kwh system would probably be worthwhile if you drove more than 30-40 hours per charge. If you drive under 30, the 2kwh system should probably be it.

Keep in mind this system's EV mode is very limited, so from what Jack says, you get about 10 miles/kwh in enhanced hybrid mode (burning gas). Other systems that go full-EV (no gas) would need more power, because you only get about 4mi/kwh in pure EV mode.

So, a huge (say 10kwh pack) would be worthwhile only on a pure-EV mod, as it would get you 40 miles of pure-EV driving. In contrast, with this mod, it would get you 100 miles of enhanced hybrid driving, and almost noone does that in an average day unless they drive professionally.

-->Adam

[mrbigh]

Originally Posted by Anthonyata

Is it worth paying an extra $1000.00 for a 4 kwh system?
According to Jack the system weighs 60 lbs vs. 75 lbs for 2 kwh system.
Any comments?
Seriously considering purchasing this system from enginer.us
Has anyone installed it yet?

A word of good advice will be to hold on until some body (this maybe you) install this type of equipment and wait until listening the owners feedback on his daily use.

[mymimi]

hey kiettyyyy, did you install enginer PHEV yet?