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metromizer · 12-01-2008, 02:45 PM

I had a chance to attend the SF International Auto Show on Saturday, and spend about 15 minutes watching the CalCars technicians do an on-site live demo, retrofitting a second gen Toyota Prius with their auxilliary plug-in lithium-Ion battery pack. I don't own a Prius, but certainly was impressed.

In a nut shell, the aux system is just that, an addition to Toyota's already very nice computer managed drivetrain. With the addition, you essentially plug in your car, overnight, at work or whatever, and charge the aftermarket LI battery. After you unplug and drive off, you are on electric power only. After 30-40 miles, when the aux battery is depleated, it converts itself over to the OEM system of nickel-hydrid battery and ICE combination drive, as Toyota intended. Kinda cool and it about time <if you ask me>.

Hardware; What a clean installation! Neat package that mounts to the floor under the rear hatch (just rearward of the Toyota battery pack). I didn't catch the weight of the unit, but they were using a cherry picker to instal it and by the way the boom wasn't bouncing much, I'd guess between 200-400lbs. It's got plugs that mate up to the factory harness, I believe an integral charger, high quality mounting brackets, vent tube that mates to the OEM body panel vent making for a professional looking instal.

I also had a chance to talk with a couple of the guys, they were shooting some documentary video so I didn't have a chance to get business cards and names...

key points:
* the claim is 100mpg from your Prius
* Factory instal only, complete turn key operation costs $10k
* Operates as a piggy-back to the OEM system, an "AND" system as opposed to an "OR" system.
* Extends Prius' range 30-40 miles per charge.
* They estimate an owner int he Bay Area would spend $ .70-.85 per charge
* The company says their 3 yr. warranty will cover any damage to the Toyota system that is deemed caused by the aux battery pack system.

On the other side, $10k buys alot of gasoline, add $22k for the cost of a new base Prius and I'd say economics alone would not drive anyone to purchase this unit.

12-01-2008, 02:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
metromizer Master EcoModder Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NorCal Posts: 451 Thanks: 1 Thanked 40 Times in 26 Posts	PHEV Prius retrofit I had a chance to attend the SF International Auto Show on Saturday, and spend about 15 minutes watching the CalCars technicians do an on-site live demo, retrofitting a second gen Toyota Prius with their auxilliary plug-in lithium-Ion battery pack. I don't own a Prius, but certainly was impressed. In a nut shell, the aux system is just that, an addition to Toyota's already very nice computer managed drivetrain. With the addition, you essentially plug in your car, overnight, at work or whatever, and charge the aftermarket LI battery. After you unplug and drive off, you are on electric power only. After 30-40 miles, when the aux battery is depleated, it converts itself over to the OEM system of nickel-hydrid battery and ICE combination drive, as Toyota intended. Kinda cool and it about time <if you ask me>. Hardware; What a clean installation! Neat package that mounts to the floor under the rear hatch (just rearward of the Toyota battery pack). I didn't catch the weight of the unit, but they were using a cherry picker to instal it and by the way the boom wasn't bouncing much, I'd guess between 200-400lbs. It's got plugs that mate up to the factory harness, I believe an integral charger, high quality mounting brackets, vent tube that mates to the OEM body panel vent making for a professional looking instal. I also had a chance to talk with a couple of the guys, they were shooting some documentary video so I didn't have a chance to get business cards and names... key points: * the claim is 100mpg from your Prius * Factory instal only, complete turn key operation costs $10k * Operates as a piggy-back to the OEM system, an "AND" system as opposed to an "OR" system. * Extends Prius' range 30-40 miles per charge. * They estimate an owner int he Bay Area would spend $ .70-.85 per charge * The company says their 3 yr. warranty will cover any damage to the Toyota system that is deemed caused by the aux battery pack system. On the other side, $10k buys alot of gasoline, add $22k for the cost of a new base Prius and I'd say economics alone would not drive anyone to purchase this unit. Last edited by metromizer; 12-01-2008 at 03:01 PM..