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PIP Accessory plug connected to charge battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by kenp11, Jan 27, 2014.

  1. kenp11

    kenp11 Junior Member

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    I have an old trickle charge solar panel used with the 12 volt accessory plug. Does the PIP accesory plug affect botth traction battery and 12 volt battery?
    Any connection between the two?
     
    #1 kenp11, Jan 27, 2014
  2. brewcrew9

    brewcrew9 Member

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    I would like to know this also…..
     
    #2 brewcrew9, Jan 28, 2014
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think it only connects to the 12v, and only when the car is ready or accessory mode.
     
    #3 bisco, Jan 28, 2014
  4. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    The 12 volt accessory socket is disconnected when the PIP is off, so you'd have to wire your solar charger directly to the 12 volt battery in order to charge when the PIP is off.
    Most of the automotive solar chargers put out such meager amounts of current that it probably won't help charge the 12 volt battery anyway. To actually charge the 12 volt battery- you'd need at least a 30-40 watt panel and a charge controller.
     
    #4 ny_rob, Jan 28, 2014
  5. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Sometimes the traction battery connects by way of a dc->dc converter to top up the 12 volt. Otherwise no.
     
    #5 kenmce, Jan 31, 2014
  6. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    The solar charger I have goes through the diagnostics plug to maintain the 12V battery.
     
    #6 El Dobro, Jan 31, 2014
  7. Michael33

    Michael33 Member

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    The connection between the traction battery and 12 volt accessory is one way - from high voltage pack to low voltage accessory battery, as needed, as noted above. If it were possible to get a meaningful charge from a small solar panel, the cars would have them available at least as an option. It isn't possible. Ford is going to offer a carport, with a focusing lens, to direct concentrated sunlight onto the roof of one of their EVs, and even that will only add a couple of miles range, at most.
     
    #7 Michael33, Feb 1, 2014
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