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ALL-Electric Prius

Discussion in 'Prius PHEV Plug-In Modifications' started by nimblemotors, Oct 22, 2010.

  1. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    PM sent.........
     
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  2. scottsim

    scottsim New Member

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  3. jdh2550

    jdh2550 Co-Founder, Current Motor Company

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    Hi All,

    I'm a complete Newbie to the Prius but have some experience in the EV domain. I'm planning to use 60Ah cells, rather than 40Ah, to extend their life by stressing them less (lower C rate).

    I'm thinking of an approach similar to pEEf's. I was thinking of using a CAN bridge to isolate the battery ECU on it's own bus and then forwarding messages between the two and spoofing/altering messages to get the desired behavior. I'm no CAN expert but this approach sounds feasible to me.

    I can't decide if I want to get extended speeds of 70+mph in EV only mode vs. using some gas above 50+mph. With up to 70mph my commute could be done in all EV mode. I'd only use ICE on those occasions I need to take a longer trip.

    If I get that working I was thinking that a relatively straightforward way to go all "EV" would be to do exactly what nimblemotors proposes. The question for me is not "is it the best way" but is it a "good enough way". However, I'll probably not even attempt this myself because once I've solved the problem of making 90% of my miles EV-only it's simply more advantageous to keep the ICE for the occasional long range requirement.

    I used to be much more pro EV-only but I'm starting to think PHEV might actually be more than a "transition technology" (at least until we get an energy storage medium much closer to the BTU's in a gallon of fuel).

    pEEf - thanks for the links to those two CAN parts (earlier in this thread but forum won't let me post links yet).

    imwoody36 - that android smartphone setup looks interesting. How's the development of the "future features" and "premium package" coming along?

    nimblemotors - I say go for it with the third simple (brushed DC?) motor with it's own independent battery pack. It should be an interesting approach and teach us all a bunch of stuff.
     
  4. imwoody36

    imwoody36 the prius parts guy

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    Actually Kiet is planning to fly here next month for a brainstorming session.
    We will tweak the high speed EV features he has developed.
    We will test those features on a 10kw lifepo4 phev prius.

    thanks for asking.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  6. pEEf

    pEEf Engineer - EV nut

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  7. scottsim

    scottsim New Member

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    A complex question to answer...I would need to take some cumulative readings off the X gauge, or the kill-watt meter I look at when plugged in. I have yet to do that for a full tank.

    I do know that my average mpg for my commute is now in the 80-90 range, 37mi and typically use just under 6KWh to recharge.

    As far as cost, another complex equation...Paid lots up front for my solar/wind generation...Have an excellent locked in TOU rate (7) from PG&E...I am making more power than I use.