Crazy Generator Thought

Some good points....seems like a great idea until you figure out the cost of the plug out kit. Makes no sense not to just buy a generator. Even if the Prius saved money as far as energy cost it would still take hundreds of hours of use to break even vs the cost of a nice generator.

Let's see...
$15995 for a 2010 Prius (one of two within 25 miles, according to Auto Trader)
http://www.converdant.biz/
Then, a little over $2700 for the plug-out kit...

I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon! The generator in my coach works just fine.

A couple years ago someone was modding their Prius to use as a generator. They were posting the project on the PUX forum. I don't remember many details or if they even finished.

It would seem a Chevy Volt would be especially suitable for this. Nearly all of the engine power directly generates electricity. It would seem like a natural to have an electric take off outlet.

I'd buy a generator also. It would save me the embarrassment of being seen with a Prius.

B.O.

At $5000 for 5KW, I would buy a Pair of Honda 2000s.

i think you just start it or set it to auto
a small load will pull directly from the batteries
the engine will start when the batteries charge level reaches a certain point
and run as needed

i wouldn't worry about engine heat, odds are most 'power outages' occur in bad/cold/wet weather when over heating "Is Not The Problem"

Here's a link showing the various wattage sizes available for the Prius inverter power kits:

http://www.converdant.biz/plug-out/

I wonder how high you have to rev and hold the Prius engine to power those multi-kilowatt kits .... and how good it is for Prius engines to sit there running at higher RPMs with only their radiator fan to draw in engine cooling air?

http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/these-kits-turn-your-prius-into-an-emergency-generator/


I'll be damned

the std RV can run off 4kw even a 50amp RV only uses a 6kw~12kw
6000w/749w = 12.2HP
4000w = 5.3 HP

as far as rewiring, i don't think it will be easy
the Prius and other hybrid cars are running at 'High Voltage' DC battery configuration and the generator section is High Frequency and high voltage

Its not a horse power problem, it IS a conversion problem