PriUPS Site

I've tried to arrange this site in a more-or-less narrative fashion.  As of initial activation, May 2005, it's incomplete, but the critical portion - feasibility - has been established.  The rest (95%?) is details.  I'll add them as the project progresses.

Part 1:  The idea:  Can one safely and practically turn the Prius into a source of electricity?

• Introduction
• Physics Today letter:  My exploration of the idea with the pros. 

Part 2:  The investigation:  A description of the science project I undertook to find out.

Before exploring determining if Prius power is usable, one I had to find out if it was available, i.e, could one tap the Prius battery without adverse consequences such as software problems or vehicle damage. 

• The battery pack "Prius Simulator":  To avoid damage to my new Prius, I started out with a "simulator."
• The test equipment:  I'm an electronic test equipment (and eBay) junkie, so of course I had this stuff lying around.
• The French waiter:  After putting all the bits together, I had to get it to the test subject.
• Digging in:  You don't think the Prius battery terminals "conveniently located," do you?
• What we're gonna do:  Nonetheless, we have to get to them.
• Success:  A Prius with an outlet strip.
• The test plan:  We've gotten to the electricity, can we use it?  Here's how I tried to find out.
• Test data: Here's the raw data obtained in the test.
• Conclusion:  And what it all means. 

Part 3:  We've got 220V DC.  That's great for lamps and toasters.  But what about the 'fridge?

• Summary of connection and operation issues:  The rest of the project

Supplementary Material

• Since I got my Prius, people have asked a lot of questions!
• Official Prius specifications from Toyota, now updated with 2010 specs as well
• A small primer on all the Ohm's Law you need right now
• Web Links to other Prius, electric vehicle, generator, and similar resources
• Miles or kilometres
• Electrical safety
• Home power requirements
• NEW:  eBay "Guides" to buying a UPS, and to buying a BIG UPS
• Contact

What's new? 

• Update #1: 14 June 2005,  Update #2: 26 September 2005,
• Update #3: 30 October 2005, Update #4 08 January 2006
• April 2006 - "Driving Around" power - from 1 to 3kW
• August 2006 More 12V power from the Prius
• BLOG - not necessarily PriUPS-related, often updated daily!
• Others who have a PriUPS
• For more What's New, see the introduction page

Site © 2005/9

  ^{Updated 27 March 2009}