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Adding extra battery to 2014 PiP

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by YL Yedi, Aug 27, 2014.

  1. YL Yedi

    YL Yedi New Member

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    I'm sure this is already discussed somewhere but I just bought a 2014 PiP Advanced and the 12 mile EV range just isn't cutting it.
    I know the main battery is in the back where the spare tire was so there's gotta be a way to simply add another set of batteries and stack them somewhere in the trunk. I would think hookup would be easily done with a heavy gauge connector of some sort?
    I do see other threads but those are years old and I would think the brain trust on this forum would have this solved.
    Thanks, jim
    I'
     
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    The best way to extend its EV range is to trade it in for a Volt.

    Or skip the gas element completely, and go with a pure EV such as Leaf, Tesla, and now numerous others.
     
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  3. Bill Collins

    Bill Collins Junior Member

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    I for one don't think thats possible or some one would of already done it. And it sounds dangerous. like a possible fire hazard
     
  4. Bill Collins

    Bill Collins Junior Member

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    ya want range get a Tesla can't afford one get a Leaf
     
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  5. -Rozi-

    -Rozi- Member

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    We, the PiP owners, are getting kinda proud of our 12 mile only EV range, aren't we? :D
     
  6. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    You can't have everything...
    Where would you put it?

    But seriously, I think the Prius does the best job of giving us "everything" compared to any car on the market.
     
  7. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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  8. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Around here, you gotta be careful asking questions like that .....
    :eek:

    ;)

    adding extra 4kw battery for more than double plug in miles | PriusChat

    wait a minute .... I thought it was, "Plugin Solutions" that are the untrustworthy ones, and that Supply are the good guys. No?
    .
    .
     
    #8 hill, Aug 27, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2014
  9. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    It's doable but expensive for today equipment standards and having already other competing vehicles.
     
  10. zhenya

    zhenya Active Member

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    As said, you should have bought a Volt. The difference in price between the PiP and Volt is far less than what it will cost you to add batteries (if it's possible at all). Plus you'd still have all the other limitations of the EV mode in the PiP.
     
  11. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :)I think this is a fair question for a new PIP owner. He's only asking the question , looking for a possible solution. Considering he's already obligated to his new 2014 Prius, comments stating "you should have purchased a Volt, Leaf, Tesla", are too late, without taking a huge financial loss. I agree, plenty of other EV vehicles available, and they're only getting cheaper and better. For most, the EV range of the Prius PIP is small, but it's also one of the cheapest entry level vehicles. I've read where some current Leaf owners, after several years, suffer battery degrade, leaving them with a 55 mile EV only range. I wouldn't consider the Leaf if that's fact. Best to sit tight, enjoy you PIP for what it is, and ponder your next vehicle, EV or not.
     
  12. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    We're all still waiting for the "perfect" hybrid with 60mpg+ fuel economy, spacious interior, excellent reliability, AND extended EV range.

    So far, no sign of it.
     
  13. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I wonder if it would be possible to replace the standard PIP battery with a larger one from another Toyota hybrid vehicle. This might be easier?
     
  14. zhenya

    zhenya Active Member

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    Such as? The PiP battery is larger than any battery Toyota has except the Rav4EV.
     
  15. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I assumed one of their other vehicles might have a larger one, but wasn't sure. I thought a larger vehicle might require a larger more capable battery - just guessing.
     
  16. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    You don't want to mess with the battery. Just forget it. First, they cost many thousands of dollars. Second, the PiP has a zillion hours of engineering behind the electronics, circuitry and ventilation of the battery. Overcharge it and a fire starts. Over heat it and a fire starts. Charge or discharge one section too often, and it wears prematurely. Etc, etc.

    In other words: Don't do it.
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the pile of batteries in my hatch, is giving me mucho miles. the only problem is the blocking of rear view mirror vision.(n)
     
  18. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    If you want a carfull o' batteries, get a Volt.
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    too small.
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hey, did you see that guy 'wawa' in the netherlands who fit 60 miles of batteries under the hatch floor?