They use a DC Boost circuit and can go as high as 650 VDC during heavy acceleration or regen. This boost voltage goes to the MG1 and 2 inverters to boost AC voltage to these motors.
Thanks to your info, I found some interesting reading here: http://wenku.baidu.com/view/a992e22c0066f5335a812148.html Although...not fully wrapping my head around it yet... Wonder how feasible the extra 50v might be attained or why they stopped at only 50v...
How different are the setups for the MG2 on the G2 vs G3? I've read that the G3 is boosted up to 650v!
Yes, the Gen 3 DC Boost circuit takes it to 500V under normal conditions and up to 650V under heavy acceleration and regen braking requirements. I do not have all of the details of the Gen II MG2 but do know that in the Gen III the max speed of MG2 was increased and another planetary gear set called a Speed Reduction Unit (SRU) was installed between MG2 and the wheels to increase torque output and increase speed. The Gen II is limited to about 41 mph in EV mode due to the limitations of MG2 speed limit. For the Gen III it increases to 47 mph due to the higher max speed of MG2 and the addition of the SRU.
From what i've read: Wonder how upping the voltage by 50v the Prius at Bonneville Salt Flats was able to obtain 130.794 mph then? I know the transmission final drive gear ratio for the gas engine was modified from the stock 4.23:1 to 3.2 and 26" diameter tires were added to help with the top speed. Wonder if the smaller G3 MG2 would 'fit' in the G2??
