NiMH equipped Prius-III by late 08/early 09 with Li-Ion later. [xfloat=left]http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Prius-II_OEM_PHEV_Drivers_Side_Profile.jpg[/xfloat]Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Jan. 16, 2008 Detroit, MI. -- With the advent of GM’s Chevrolet Volt concept at last year's 2007 Detroit Autoshow, the Prius faithful held their collective breath waiting to see what Toyota would offer to counter the uber-capable but paper launched GM PHEV. Toyota did come through -- though with some twists. Just seven short months after the appearance of what is perceived to be direct competition, Toyota has reversed a years long anti-PHEV stance and revealed some of its cards in this high stake automotive poker game. The Prius nation was introduced to an inspiring current generation Prius-II augmented by an additional NiMH pack, charging port and new SW programming yielding modest AER capabilities. Most in the hybrid community now wonder why this OEM PHEV was not released earlier. This is Toyota’s first real world PHEV, and it ushers in a new era of clean transportation from the most successful of hybrid manufacturers. Minor tweaks yield large improvements Toyota has created a game changing vehicle by adding a second NiMH pack (identical in every way to one currently housed in the standard Prius) to the space normally reserved for the spare tire. New SW/HW programming allows EV mode up to 62 mph (21mph faster than the stock Prius!) and a smart charger can be used for plug-in capability. Although the smallish 1.3kWh pack may not seem like a large addition, two packs connected in parallel reduce current draw and inrush by half, allowing a deeper discharge without harming pack longevity. With more current and a slightly deeper discharge available, more power can be applied to the EV power plant commonly known as MG2. What these minor additions provide is not only much improved performance in any number of driving scenarios; it adds the ability to travel 8 + miles on electricity from a household outlet. With more current available to MG2, faster accelerations and higher speeds are achievable in EV mode. While the benefits of a plug-in are numerous, primary among them is the compelling fact that electricity to drive the Prius-II PHEV requires just ¼ the cost of traveling the same 8 + miles using gasoline! Look and Feel Energy Screen--------------------------------------------Consumption Screen-------------------------------------------PHEV Screen 46 mph EV
This is good stuff, Wayne! Some suggestions below: "With the advent of GM’s Chevrolet Volt concept at last year's 2007 Detroit Autoshow, the Prius faithful held their collective breath waiting to see what Toyota would offer to counter the uber-capable but paper launched GM PHEV. Toyota did come through -- though with some twists." "Just seven short months after the appearance of what is perceived to be direct competition, Toyota has reversed a years long anti-PHEV stance and revealed some of its cards in this high stake automotive poker game." "The Prius nation was introduced to an inspiring current generation Prius-II augmented by an additional NiMH pack, charging port and new SW programming yielding modest AER capabilities." "This is Toyota’s first real world PHEV, and it ushers in a new era of clean transportation from the most successful of hybrid manufacturers." "Toyota has created a game changing vehicle by adding a second NiMH pack (identical in every way to one currently housed in the standard Prius) to the space normally reserved for the spare tire. New SW/HW programming allows EV mode up to 62 mph (21mph faster than the stock Prius!) and a smart charger can be used for plug-in capability." "Although the smallish 1.3kWh pack may not seem like a large addition, two packs connected in parallel reduce current draw and inrush by half, allowing a deeper discharge without harming pack longevity." "What these minor additions provide is not only much improved performance in any number of driving scenarios; it adds the ability to travel 8 + miles on electricity from a household outlet. With more current available to MG2, faster accelerations and higher speeds are achievable in EV mode." "While the benefits of a plug-in are numerous, primary among them is the compelling fact that electricity to drive the Prius-II PHEV requires just ¼ the cost of traveling the same 8 + miles using gasoline!"
Hi Sean: ___Thank you! Jerad and Justin are here and I will nto have time to finish this until we get back from LA ___See you tomorrow night! ___Good Luck ___Wayne
