How to buy used HVB modules?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Higgins909, Dec 21, 2022.

  1. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    Seen some for $30 that read 7.9v and then some for $22 that are 7.4-8v. The 7.9 says it was charged and discharged 5 times despite being the same seller. No mention of mah or any kind of capacity, just voltage. According to Dr Prius my modules can be over 8v.

    I need to pass an inspection by next month and I'm just looking to get the car to next summer and decide if I need a real truck. 2010 with 191k, did egr and such.

    Thanks,
    Higgins909
     
  2. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    The question is what is the difference between a real truck and a fake truck?
     
  3. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    I've pretty much been using my Prius as a work truck this last year. I call it a F two fiddy Pweeus. I've been living with the poor AC and dangerous limpbox of a powertrain but now that I'm planning to tow more, it might be time for a real truck... I just like the "good mpg" I get... I get about 30mpg ever since I pretty much turned it into a rav4. Oversized tires and the 1.5" lift and rear air bags. I also put a lot of time into it as well as money.

    That I won't get back. I also don't want to pay for a new, used vehicle. One with expensive maintenance and gets 18mpg at best and less when towing. I get 19mpg with my F2Fiddy when I tow my boat.
     
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    The challenge is to match existing modules in age & health. So I just go with a college professor who has spent $15k several times in lab-grade testing gear the past 15 years to rebuild hybrid packs. His modules are always the best ones in my rebuilt packs: https://2ndlifebattery.com/contact-us/

    As for others you can buy online from they're usually disappointing. As in I have a few hundred modules that I've never tried to sell because you need really good equipment to weed out the bad ones.

    As for towing, for best mpg consider a Toyota hybrid pack that's a 340v system (prius is only 240v) and then upgrade that pack to one of these, which will give you 3x the strength in pack drain resilience compared to OEM Toyota: https://projectlithium.com/?ref=9qLPw

    If you use affiliate link above for your purchase I'll give you unlimited tech support, as well as discount on install if you live nearby.
     
  5. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    I've concluded don't buy by voltage. It's all about the capacity "on discharge". My 2010 has some modules from 2006 that are better than most of my 2010 modules. Buying from the same seller that listed them 7.9v tested, meant nothing. I bought 2 times because it turned out I needed a couple more modules that I thought and then I might as well replace a couple others to get a better HVB.

    However I've also found out that if you buy by MAH, the modules are so expensive that you might as well buy Project Lithium, if you've got a lot to replace. You're then getting new modules, with a warranty, and more performance.
     
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Challenge is you need lab-grade quality electronics equipment to accurately measure capacity which is affordable for one module but not for 28 modules... The hobby charger/discharger and lightbulbs most of us use will give you inaccurate data way too often!