Hoovie's Garage: Bought a Prius with a dead battery

[kevm14]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSwUEVx5G3U

[Adam]

I was surprised how inexpensive the battery "refurb" kit is, then again it is just a bunch of used Prius cells that test good. It looks like they have you send your old cells back, so that all checks out.

[frankbreau]

I get why people don't want to drive a prius... but if you can by a $5K car, perform an easy repair, then get 150-200K (relatively) trouble free miles- why aren't more people doing this? You could have an affordable commuter car and actually get something you want. I kind of want to try this.

[bill25]

This is the best answer I can think of:

https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 00134.html
https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 79822.html
https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 50157.html

I would think there is less to break on the Corolla, and they get decent mileage.


Granted, pricewise they seem similar, and the Corolla isn't exactly way nicer looking.
https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 62481.html

[kevm14]

In defense of the Prius (I just threw up in my mouth a little but it's ok)...

Looking at 2005 Prius and Corolla, the combined MPG of the Corolla auto is 29 mpg and the Prius is 46. However, Fueleconomy.gov says the Prius will save only about $500/yr over the Corolla given 15k/yr and current fuel prices. But, given equivalent prices or even a premium for the Prius of, say, $1000 after battery replacement, I think you could definitely make the case. You could recoup the savings in gas in only 1-2 years (or less). The Prius is a significantly larger car inside than the Corolla, especially in back seat legroom. It also tends to be far better equipped, which I care about. You're actually buying a lot more car for similar money.

I would definitely choose a Prius over a Corolla in this price range. Though at some price range, a used Volt becomes part of the conversation which I find more interesting than either of these.

[Adam]

I would definitely choose a Prius over a Corolla in this price range. Though at some price range, a used Volt becomes part of the conversation which I find more interesting than either of these.

Is this part of the conversation too? Same price range. Better equipment.

https://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/d/2 ... 37345.html

[kevm14]

I don't think so but it will do some pretty mean FWD burnouts.

New transmission is good to see with that mileage. If the lifters don't crap out that is a decent buy. Maybe for the other thread?

[bill25]

I am trying to think of other applications for these "cheap" batteries. Maybe electric motorcycle or go-Kart? Have to look into the battery specs.

Problem is you still need a motor. Maybe get something used and convert?

From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius#Batteries

Gen 1: The traction battery is a sealed 38-module nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack providing 273.6 volts, 6.5 A·h capacity and weighing 53.3 kg (118 lb)
Gen 2: 1.310 kWh battery, composed of 28 modules. Each battery module is made of 6 individual 1.2 V 6.5 Ah Prismatic NiMH cells in series forming a 7.2 V 6.5 Ah module with 46 Wh/kg energy density and 1.3 kW/kg output power density.

Sounds like the controller would also be required:

The computer controlled charge controller and battery management computer systems keep this battery between 38% and 82% state of charge, with a tendency to keep the average state of charge around 60%. By shallow cycling the battery only a small portion of its net available energy storage capacity is available for use (approximately 400 Wh) by the hybrid drive system, but the shallow computer controlled cycling dramatically improves the cycle life, thermal management control, and net long term calendar life of the battery.

[Adam]

Problem is you still need a motor. Maybe get something used and convert?

Sounds like the controller would also be required:

http://www.metricmind.com/products/brusa-ssm1-6-17-12/
http://www.metricmind.com/products/brus ... ion-drive/
http://www.manzanitamicro.com/products? ... gory_id=33

[bill25]

According to this: http://www.metricmind.com/price-list/

That motor is 30K...