Featured Threads Archive

Well, it isn't a hybrid.
Zero emissions vs. "Hybrid": When is a Nissan Leaf not "green?"

This is basically a Coles' Notes version of "The Prius That Shook The World" (a book that should be read by any Prius enthusiast).

Part 1:
The Story Behind the Birth of the Prius, Part 1 | TOYOTA Global Newsroom

Part 2:
The Story Behind the Birth of the Prius, Part 2 | TOYOTA Global Newsroom



It is not a stretch to say that for many people, the word "Prius" comes to mind when they hear the word "hybrid." The Prius has become so widely known that it is nearly synonymous with hybrid cars.

But what's the story behind the Prius? Just how did this revolution in car-making begin?

We spoke to Satoshi Ogiso, the only person to have worked on the Prius from the project planning stage all the way through to the current fourth generation. He told us about what led to the development of the very first Prius.

G21: It all...

I’d like to share with you my future project, which is a portable battery, that connects in parallel with the hybrid system of a Prius HEV and transforms it in a plug-in hybrid without plug.


Here is a list of the parts I believe are the best appropiate:


Battery: 48v 40Ah / 80 Ah. Since I start cheap. I’ll go with 40Ah:


High voltage EV Relay, activated by a switch in the dashboard: Avoids high voltage exposure when unplugging the battery and when the car is powered off.


Inverter 48vDC to 240VAC 2500W: since there are no DC boost converters on the market with this requirements I believe an inverter will do.


5A 288v Charger


Circuit is as follows:

Battery is charged at home, brought to the car and hooked to the inverter. Inverter connected to the 288v charger and charger connected to the terminals of the Prius battery pack through HV relay and controlled through a switch in the dashboard

This project will be applied in a Toyota Prius Gen3 and the purpose of this thread is...

I’m in in the Inland Empire - Riverside, California. My 2007 Prius touch screen is glitching “Lexus” logo and going black then going back to blue with Prius synergy. Basically it’s going haywire. I can’t use the touch screen buttons, or rather, rarely can. Sometimes it works for like 5 mins before going back to unfuctional.
I talked to the dealer and they just want to replace it, which is no longer in my budget due to other repairs that I finally took care of.
Does anyone know of someone in the Inland Empire or even the Los Angeles area that can possibly offer a cheaper alternative to completely replacing it.

Please let me know.
THANKS.

A deep dive, there are some 'a miracle occurs here': California ARB Annual Review 2018 issue

Bob Wilson

I'd probably be able to pick this one up.
Tesla is working on a ‘Tesla mini-car’, says Elon Musk | Electrek

The Tesla Model 3 Is Displacing The Toyota Prius: It's About Time

Yikes - that's the kind of press that'll REALLY ramp up the Short'ers & nay-sayers.
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Source: The EPA’s fuel economy rollback has a bizarre justification - Vox


Rule changes are...

Looks like there's a new use for an Isetta.
This adorable little electric car is ready to roll at speeds up to 56 mph | Electrek

Bob Wilson

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-toyota-hydrogen/toyota-plans-to-expand-production-shrink-cost-of-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles-idUSKBN1KG

Key figures -

Source: Ford Introduces Two New Fuel-Efficient Taxis; Hybrid and Diesel Versions Give Operators More Choice, Potential Savings | Ford Media Center

2018 Honda Clarity versus 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Head to Head Comparison

Source: Jaguar Delays Some I-Pace Deliveries Due To Prioritization

...

I was looking over an app I downloaded....Chargepoint ...as well as Blinks. I am impressed and see in the Philadelphia area there are a ton of charge points, some are free while some are costly (some are expensive). So numbers of chargers are increasing for both plug-in or all EV models.

I live 50 miles from Philadelphia in South Jersey. But when I start looking at the benefits of having a plug-in compared to an 'all electric EV' I have to think that a plug-in works best. With a plug-in, I have 'range' of 600+ miles with my Prius. I was talking with a guy at my gym who has a Bolt. His range is 200 and then needs to 'sit and wait' for a recharge. He needs to travel from South Jersey to Iowa for a family function and needs to figure out how to get there without renting a car to do it, or, sitting in charging stations and increasing his time to get to Iowa.

Given the price of some of the Charge stations, they equal the price of gas, if not more in some cases. So I question the true...

For our EV enthusiasts outside of the US, here's a short roundup of interesting EV news!

• By the end of 2018, Amazon Logistics will have 100 eVitos in its fleet at its Bochum and Düsseldorf locations.
  
  
• World's largest electric-car rally kicked off in Switzerland
  
  
• The UK wants every new home to come with an EV charger. The "Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill" will also ensure that charging points are installed at freeway service stations and large gas retailers.
  
  
• The French capital has already tested a "day without cars," and has discussed banning internal-combustion cars by 2030. That makes Paris the perfect place to launch an electric car-sharing service.
  

Have any good stories to add?...

Just saw this today and was curious of peoples' thoughts:
2019 Honda Insight - Hybrid of style and efficiency | Honda

• I love the design and that it doesn't scream different just because it can.
• The technology package seems far superior to the current Prii (mind you I love my Prime Advanced technology).
• 151 HP
• MSRP is rather competitive.

Just a few initial thoughts anyways.

I came across these EV vanity plates and thought they were cool.
Do you have one too, or have you spotted any fun EV vanity plates around your town? Share them in the comments!





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Really? I guess the word hasn't gotten out.
Lexus President Says Electric Car Push Is Happening Too Soon

The initial Munro review of the Model 3 was widely quoted as it found problems with 'fit and finish' in their car. But they continued and have this to say:



'expecting 30% profit margin'

Bob Wilson