Newbie
Joined: 18/07/2013
Location: AustraliaPosts: 18
| Posted: 02:23pm 16 Aug 2013 |
Your figures are particularly interesting when compared with the prices I've been getting in respect of a Prius plug-in / lithium polymer battery conversion. Apparently the plug-in conversion provides the ability to completely over-ride the factory computer which would normally start the petrol motor at speeds over 40k or whatever. I can't recall details of battery capacity however I have been assured by several different supposedly professional conversion businesses that $15000 will pay for installation of both the plug-in bits & sufficient batteries for 200k EV only range at 75 - 80k. Obviously I'll need to go back to them and check how many batteries are involved, but presumably its something less than you have in the Hilux. I'm guessing that the weight of a Prius is probably comparable to the Hilux, aerodynamics are certainly better, and the AC motor should improve efficiency a bit, consequently less battery capacity should return something like the same range as you are getting from the Hilux at same speed. According to Prius cab operators in both Brisbane & Cairns, the original Prius batteries are holding up extremely well, with the early Brisbane Prius cabs getting close to the end of their 6 year service life & still on original battery after 700 - 800,000km. I would have thought the charge / discharge cycles would have killed the batteries well before that. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.