How a Toyota Prius (& other hybrids) can be used as a GENERATOR!
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Here is a video explaining how a hybrid car, such as a Toyota Prius, can be used as a gas generator to power any electronic you want, for as long as you want. There are many people who use a Prius for this purpose, which is why a Prius is often referred to as a "generator on wheels." Basically, you hook up a power inverter to the 12-volt battery and the hybrid battery charges the 12-volt battery.... and when the hybrid battery gets low, the gas engine will kick on to recharge the hybrid battery, and then shut back off.
There are not any actual videos explaining how it works so I decided to make one. It's truly an incredible feature for people who camp, travel, or live in their cars.... and with the popularity of hybrid cars increasing, this is an excellent feature to know about, especially in times of economic downfall or famine.
As with any electrical system, things can fail so make sure you are safe with everything and double check all the connections, wires, inverter, etc when you are using it to make sure it is all working properly.
LINK TO MY INVERTER: My power inverter used in this video is not available on Amazon anymore. My suggestion for the best all-around inverter is this 2000-watt Renogy inverter: amzn.to/2RyhOr0 (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
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Contact me via email: mountainspringsadventures@gmail.com
#Vanlife #Overland #Toyota #Camping #Priuscamping #offgrid #hybrid #emergency #solar #green #honda #effecient #efficiency #travel #RV #trailer #RVlife #wind
I just love that NO ONE would ever look suspiciously at a Prius parked on any street in the US. Never be considiered as a tight but comfortable habitat.
I don’t even want to look at another Prius set up. This is so good, neat and clean. Wow.
Thanks a lot, so glad you enjoyed it!
FYI, you need a fuse between the battery and the inverter. The factory fuse on the battery is protecting the power from the DC to DC charger to the 12V accessory battery. If the cable connected to your inverter shorts out it could start a fire. I have this set up in my Prius and I used a heavy duty, inline fuse. All the best
Yeah I might get a fuse for my positive cable at some point. My inverter is internally fused though so I haven't felt the need to get one. I know the kind of fuse you're talking about though
@@MountainSpringsAdventures brother as a car audio installer and licensed aircraft mechanic please install a high quality car audio fuse(walmart schose fuses melt wires and dont pop trust me) on your inverter positive lead as close to the battery as possible. An 80 amp fuse should do you but you may need a 100, 120, or 150 amp if the 80 amp keeps blowing. Trust me bro last thing you wanna do is wake up to being trapped in a burning car.
Just because the inverter has internal protection it won't stop the positive wire from burning down due to an accident short circuit from your exposed hot lead just chilling in your car.
@@FlipSRT4 +1 This!
Can you hook up a Jupiter 5,000w power inverter to a car.If so what's the proper way to do it using up to 5,000w ?
@@drrobotnikmeanbeanma No. The Prius DC-DC converter system only has about 2,000 watts available. Other systems still need power, so you need to keep your inverter down to about 1,000 watts. With a 1,500 watt inverter, limit power usage to 80 % or 1,200 Watts. A larger inverter will just waste energy, there are some inefficiencies.
You can easily add another larger deep cycle 12v battery, run it in parallel with the little Prius one in the rear. That's an inexpensive way to add more power and stored capacity
That is exactly what I have done. 150Ah. It works great.
@@ockiedavel7318suggestions for extra batteries for this purpose sir ?
@ockiedavel7318 did you parallel a 12v camping battery to the car 12v battery on a hybrid car?didi it work?
I do the same thing with my Prius -with the inverter. The difference is, and I think it's an important one (not so much with a Prius but it does make me feel better. However if you have any other kind of vehicle you DEFINITELY want to USE ANOTHER 12 VOLT BATTERY AS A BUFFER BETWEEN YOUR INVERTER AND THE OEM 12 VOLT, preferably a DEEP CYCLE. (By the way you don't NEED a Pure Sine Wave Inverter for most applications, but it is far safer as well as usually a lot more quiet and efficient. Modified sine wave inverters basically Approximate the level of actual electrical current that you get from a real sine wave current -as in your home, for which your appliances are built. Because a pure sine wave is curved and so ...it's complicated and there are manyany videos that cover the math of why modified sine wave inverters are usually sufficient and when they are not and why it all is this way BUT I DIGRESS So, In my case I had a great deep cycle 12 volt -and a deep cycle is what you want really, as they are specifically built to draw down and recharge many many times all the way up and down which destroys of course a regular car 12 volt battery, which is functionally almost more like a capacitor in the sense that a regular 12 volt car battery is made to charge relatively slowly but build up a huge amount of potential current which it holds, running with alternator going at around 14 volts, and then it let's out a huge amount of stored amp hours all at once when you start the car, instantly pumping out between maybe 350 amps or so on the low end for a small 4 cylinder commuter car and up to 2500 amps on a big diesel V8. So like a capacitor a lot of amps real fast, but instead of draining down 100% a car battery can only be drained to the point that you can still measure 12 volts across it. At that point it probably will not start your car and that is the point below which you ought never drain a regular car battery because a little bit like those old nicad rechargeable batteries from way back in the 20th century the battery sort of "remembers" the lower level and will tend to settle towards it and you'll not be able to start your car with that battery after between half a dozen to maybe a couple dozen drains below that mark. A deep cycle will not, pound for pound, out out the same amount of AMPS, and to use one to start your car you'll need one at least one and a half times the size of your current battery, but that are specifically built to charge and drain down all the way if becessary, and to do this many many many times, also a reg 12v will only give you a few minutes of power at or above 12 volts whereas a deep cycle will give you 12 volts for many hours and stay at or near it's high voltage capacity for almost the entirety of the use cycle.
So, the benefit for using one in a non-hybrid vehicle is obvious: you can charge it as you drive around as you charge your regular 12 volt and then when you stop the motor you can still draw the voltage necessary to run all your appliances and things for several hours depending on your deep cycle batteries rating before you have to start the engine to charge it again, which is basically how a hybrid runs anyway so that's why I say it's much more important for a regular gas or diesel engine vehicle. However I still keep mine hooked up in the Prius because it gives me extra time before the motor has to start thereby saving gas. And I can run a lot of my appliances for hours without the motor needing to kick on charge anything because it's not pulling it all from either the Prius 12 volt or the main Prius battery. So it's another way to make things more efficient and save you money.
And all you have to do is run just as you were run running from your 12 volt to the inverter, red to red and black to Black, just replace the inverter with the deep cycle, Red to red and black to Black, and then run the inverter to the deep cycle the same way. I initially thought that it would still drain from the main battery because it's essentially just adding another battery to the line but without breaking the line at all. But this does not seem to happen it will drain the first battery in the line first even though it's got a direct line to this cars batteries.
PS I apologize for the terrible grammar and any autocorrect mistakes but I've just been dictating this while I drive I realize it's intimidably long as well so I apologize on that count also. Thank you for the video! Keep traveling!
Would love to see your set up!
Bro make a video on this lol. Thanks for the tips
I think I followed it all and I like it. Now I wonder where I will stash this second battery.
I unfortunately have a 2012 plug-in...hardly worth the few miles it gets on a charge, but how would this affect putting in a deep cycle and inverter?
Awesome thank you. Makes perfect sense. Car batteries aren’t meant to use appliances. I bought a renogy lithium battery and will do what you said. All my research says you’re correct
You should do a video on you cooking a few meals, like a day in the life of Prius kitchen. Love the video and channel. Keep up the great content. Prius fooo life!! Lol. Thanks for all you do and will do.
That would be cool, thanks for the suggestion. I might do something like that
Yes want to see you using the Instapot. I have the small one also for my van. Thanks for the video.
@@glamperjan I'm actually filming a cooking video today to stay tuned
Yes, I’m a lentil lover so I would love to see it.
Quick question, can a plug in hybrid be set up the same way?
Be aware, AFAIK, the gen2 Prius has a 100 amp fuse for the DC-DC converter between the HV and 12v batteries. As watts = volts x amps, therefore, you wouldn't want to run more than 1200 watts (1000 or less, to be on the safe side) off of the 12v battery continuously, as the DC-DC converter will not be able to replenish the 12V battery as quickly as it is being drained. For higher wattages, an alternator would need to be connected directly to the HV battery.
TL;DR ---> inverters of 1000w or less are recommended for attaching to the 12v battery
+1 for this comment. Also, if the DC-DC internal fuse is 100A, then use an inline 75A breaker or fuse. That will still allow 14v x 75a = 1050 W continuous power.
Wow! A really great and helpful video!!! I enjoy how you explain things to where even a kid could understand it! Thanks again for posting valuable content such as this!!
You're welcome, thanks for the compliment, so glad it was helpful.
I used to use an Epson ET-2550 ruclips.net/user/postUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 , an early model of the ink tank style. It worked well, but had one nuisance that drove me up the wall; if you didn't put it in high quality print mode you'd get a streak across the page. I'm happy to say I have yet to see this with this printer. The print quality has been fantastic so far, the set up was super easy. All in all I'm very happy with this printer.
Bo, good stuff , just subbed. By the way, I just read an article that said : on a volt-to-volt comparison, the Prius actually burns less gas than a Honda 2k generator.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Can you post a link to that article? That's really interesting, and that says something because Honda makes the best generators on the market
@Imix Muan yeah but the Prius has a battery/engine combination. The Prius is referred to as a "generator on wheels" by a lot of people, the whole design of a Prius is for efficiency
@@MountainSpringsAdventures There are other RUclips videos showing comparison and measurement. A Prius uses about 1/2 gallon of gas for 8 hours while in Ready mode. To determine this, the user will require an OBD2 (on-board display) car diagnostic scanner unit (appropriate to the Prius...not all are!) which is then attached up front under the gear handle. Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/yrjuLXGLZJY/видео.html
I did this, too. It's nice. I tied it down to a board under a rubber mat, and made it modular so that I can easily remove it and put it back in. 12V × 120 amps = 1440 Watts. Some have 150 amp fuses, so 1800 Watts. Just FYI.
Great tip! thanks
Instablaster...
Are these fuses come with the inverter or you had to install them separately after?
Hey Kim I am trying to do the same can you post your setup ?
Excellent and very helpful information. I see why you said the Prius is called "a generator on wheels".
Yes haha, glad you like the vids
thanks for sharing, man. you live a cool free life and I admire you. definately going to get that invertor for my Camry Hybrid and I bet it'll work just as well...the battery is in the same place.
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it. Let me know how it works with the Camry, I'm curious if it will work
I added an extra 12 volt deep cycle battery that I got from Toyota and wired it in parallel to my first battery. I then wired in a 2000 watt Pure Sinewave inverter onto the 2nd battery which runs my 700 watt microwave. This configuration seems to work very well for me. 👍 One more thing, I only run the inverter when I use the Microwave and then I turn it off to save power.
That sounds like a good idea, I might get a second 12 volt battery with a split charge relay oh, I would prefer to use my microwave and my power inverter when the Prius is completely off
Great idea @Reddit Man! Where did you mount the extra 12 volt battery and the inverter in your car? I'm curious to see/know how you went about it to be efficient with space, etc. :)
@@dancook188 This video will explain it all:
ruclips.net/video/yvq6ObcdFtY/видео.html
@@MountainSpringsAdventures Why would you prefer to use your inverter only when the motor is off?
Because it doesn't put any strain on the hybrid battery or the Prius inverter/converter system
Nice setup! I have a RAV4 Prime and am thinking about installing an inverter for some camping trips coming up.
I do have a concern with the size of the inverter you chose with no fuse for protection. The largest recommended inverter I've seen installed in a Prius is 1200w due to the 120 amp fuse for the DC-DC converter. You want to keep the 12V load below 120A x 12V = 1440W. Running the 1500W inverter at full load plus the power needed for the rest of the 12V electronics in the car, runs the risk of blowing the DC-DC converter fuse. I would recommend installing a 100 amp fuse between the inverter and the 12V battery to limit your power use to 1200W. It doesn't matter if there is a fuse inside the inverter if that fuse is 125A (125A x 12V = 1500W), which is larger than the DC-DC converter fuse.
well my inverter is internally fused and also, I only use it for like 3-10 minutes at a time usually. and when I do use it, I watch it closely to make sure it's working properly. I might still get one of those 100 amp fuses though, thanks
Remember when calculating total wattage load that the '12v' battery is usually actually a 14.x battery - that's the operating voltage of the prius (and most cars when running). So keep your in line fuse below the DC - DC (internal to car). I'd do below 100a or even 75a for fuse/breaker sizing.
I keep watching your vids bro and am constantly amazed by your genius and creativity
thanks man, so glad you are enjoying them! planning on putting out more videos soon
I really want to set this up in my prius. I don't have much understanding of a lot of what you're saying here though. It would be really nice to get like a step by step guide showing exactly how to set this up. All the materials and a detailed description of how to put this together from beginning to end would be incredibly useful for me because I'm still fairly lost on how I would do this myself. I have no clue what a ground is or anything like that
I didnt know how to do it myself either. If you really want to learn more, I suggest go on Priuschat.com and start doing some research and posting questions if you need to
What a wonderful, thorough and well-done review! Great information! Thanks sooo much!!!
You can plug in direct to the battery if you are using DC devices. You only need an inverter if the devices require AC. When using an inverter you are wasting electricity as you are getting power as DC into the small battery, however if you are using AC, you have to convert DC through the inverter losing part of it due to the inverter and then sending it to the AC device. When I went camping, for a laptop, I would get a DC in cable to the laptop. Most computers run in DC so it's a DC direct to the DC device. No loss from an inverter.
thanks for the tips
Mr Wade thats a wonderful and simple solution. Just get everything 12v dc to begin with and avoid the natural and inevitable energy loss from the inverter to begin with!! At that point your only limit would be the amount of current your "alternator" can put out at idle. I put that in quotations because our Toyota hybrids don't have a tradition alternator....blows my fucking mind I have been a mechanic for 20 years im FAA licensed for aircraft electrical(including alternators on aircraft reciprocating engines) and when I popped my hood for the first time I was FLOORED
You should really install a fuse between the battery and your AC inverter because blowing that 120 amp fuse is a real pain to fix because you have to take a bunch of stuff out to replace it, the car will not drive if it blows, and it's likely to also blow your inverter pump at the same time. I went with an 80 amp circuit breaker when I installed mine.
can you link the 80 amp circuit breaker please?
My inverter is already internally fused though, I might still get one of them thanks
@@MountainSpringsAdventuresIf you do get a DC circuit breaker, make sure you check if it’s polarized. Many of them have to be hooked up in the correct direction. If they are hooked up in reverse and there is a short circuit, they may not disconnect power properly. It’s complicated but has to do with how there can be arcs when you disconnect a large load.
That inverter u have hooked to your 12v battery allows use of electricity from a DC car battery to AC household appliances. It converts DC (direct current)to AC (alternate current).
Bro u Totally have me sold on getting one of these. With the way this World is headed I can become homeless at ANY time. Just isn't something I'm comfortable with. Think having this car will help settle my fears. As well as being able to travel and camp affordably. Nice job guy
Cool, glad it was helpful for you!
Thanks so much for explaining how the engine and battery work. So many of these videos are just a show and tell of items without explaining how any of it works. This is what I need!!! A+!!!!
Can you hook up a Jupiter 5,000w power inverter to a car.If so what's the proper way to do it using up to 5,000w ?
Can you do more cooking videos? Its so much fun to watch... I've noticed you like beans alot, if you go to Indian stores, they have all kind of beans, lentils, spices you can buy for good price.
Thanks for the idea, yes indian stores are great for that
To explain the need for an inverter: It's because a 12v battery is "direct current" and low voltage, so there is a constant flow of electrons from the positive terminal. It is harder for a low voltage electrical source to overcome resistance, so all of our homes are on a much higher, generally more efficient to generate current called "alternating current." Instead of a constant flow of electrons, it is off 50% of the time and on 50% of the time.
If you hook a DC light bulb to an AC source, it will shine for half a second and then burn out because the circuitry was designed for DC. If you hook up an AC appliance (microwave) to a DC source, it will just melt the wiring because it was all designed for AC (Lower volts = higher amps = you need very thick cables or you will have very melted cables)
You are one smart dude.
It seems to good to be true.
I'm a single female and can't figure out solar, too difficult for me.
This is better than the most expensive rvs.
The vehicle generates power, amazing.
Thank you for sharing this....
I have a solar generator which is amazing. A Bluetti. Charges with solar, car socket, wall, or propane (I think). It’s a small, lightweight box that has saved me in several situations. You can charge while you drive to your next destination, or set up the panels when you arrive. No noise except for fans, no fumes! If you leave it plugged into your Prius, it will charge while you sleep. Jackery makes some good generators too, as do many other companies.
Agreed you want thick small gauge wire, but it can be very rigid and hard to bend. Might want to get welding wire as it’s much more flexible.
you should probably mount that inverter somewhere to limit movement to limit the chance of the wires coming loose
Yeah I usually keep it in the storage trunk above the spare tire, I'm still trying to find a good place to permanently keep the inverter
You just perfectly explained what a power converter is, much needed information. Thank you 😊
Inverter takes from DC direct current battery power to AC alternating current used by your appliances.
Thank you! Best short explanation ever.
Thank you for the video. I just want to let you know that your positive inverter cable is not fused the way you have it hooked up. That is a good way to attach it to the terminal but you should add a fuse if you want the protection. Happy travels.
Jeremy, how do you add a fuse? I'm planning to get a prius (camper) and will be running a fridge 24/7, and want to make sure I have adequate protection as you suggested.
@@j.j.6942 Hi J.J. If you are only running a 12 volt fridge and not an inverter you can get a blade fuse holder and wire that in as close to the battery as you can. I would use 12 awg wire to eliminate voltage drop. You may need to install a secondary battery if you are going to run a fridge 24/7. I believe the prius battery is only 45 AH and only half of that is usable.
my inverter is internally fused, it actually has four fuses inside of it. I opened it and checked myself.
@@MountainSpringsAdventures You are correct that the inverter is fused but the wire is not and if it shorts out by rubbing on the metal of the car then the wire will melt and that is a big wire to let the factory smoke out of.
@@jeremyshima2888 Yes, like if the positive wire touched that nice shiny D ring for tie-downs in the back of the car...
Pure sinewave is for more Sensitive electronics like phone laptop. And modified sine wave is for Electric motors and tools It won't be affected as much is compared to a microwave which might do a humming noise.
Great video, brother! This inspires me to start saving up for a Prius, a battery, and inverter (and perhaps some panels).
Right on!
Thanks for this helpful advice! I had been thinking about getting a Toyota Sienna for camping but you’ve convinced me a Prius is a better choice! Better MPG and more stealth ☮️
Actually the Prius has a power DC to DC inverter that handles power to and from the traction battery, along with maintaining the 12 volt starter battery. When the inverter senses the charge status of the 12 volt is low, it will draw power from the traction battery to recharge the 12 volt. When the traction battery level drops below a preset level, the engine kicks on and charges the traction battery. As long as there gas the engine will maintain the traction battery, which will in turn maintain the 12 volt battery via the DC to DC inverter.
You can use the prius not only as a generator, but also as an ac unit and heating unit for a cabin. Run an insulated pipe from the the vents in the car, into your cabin, and you are good to go. So you have a car, a generator, and ac unit, and a heating unit all for the price of about 3k.
I got your setup and i use the George Forman grill and it makes great hamburgers and chicken breast.
Google inverters 🤪
Converts Direct Current to Alternating Current...
12 volt is DC...
Your extension cord supplies AC ... The Pure Sine Wave converts DC to AC 50 to 60 hertz that runs your appliances correctly...
That's it...
NICE SETUP 💖 Thanks !!!
glad you enjoyed it
Smart idea and great video. Simple, direct and it works.
Thank you!
I rock a Tacoma now, and also have a Corolla. Maybe I should invest in a Prius?!?! Saw your other video showing all the quirks of your "Primus camper". It was pretty cool!
Maybe so, it depends on your needs. The Tacoma and Corolla are both great cars, they just don't have the climate control and generator feature of a Prius, or get as good of gas mileage. Glad you liked the camper video
Get one... they are incredible. I paid 5 grand for my 08...it's been the best car I have ever owned.
you should check out the Rav4 AWD Hybrid
Good info. Thank you. Blessings in your days.
Your welcome, same to you!
GREAT VIDEO!!!!! Looking forward to more. Keep them coming.
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the visuals!!!This is the only video that has made sense.
Love to see one with a heater or ac working on one. I just wish this setup would work without the car running
If you are traveling with a microwave you may as well travel with a convection oven/ microwave combination. Then you get quick dry baking for roasting, baking bread, etc. (All travelers should learn to make bread products from scratch. So easy and fun) They might not make them small enough.
Yeah, I can bake things in my instant pot if I wrap it in aluminum foil and put it on a little rack that goes in it with a little bit of water in the pot. That sounds cool though
I am captivated by what you have created with your Prius!
I have a 2005 Prius, with the battery is under the hood directly in front of my steering wheel. 🤔 *see EDIT below
Can a cable be run to inside the cabin where there's room for an inverter?
I don't have the skills to install an inverter.
I would want a professional to do the wiring.
What kind of professional should I seek out?
One of the other commenters said his brother installs stereos in cars. Is that the skill set I need to find?
I sure won't go to my local Toyota dealer! The mechanics union successfully ended their strike with sizeable pay increase. I believe the dealership is now charging $170/hour for their labor! I know the mechanics aren't receiving that much, but they sure have mad skills.
But I digress.... 🙄
* EDIT: I just learned that the thing under the hood is a terminal, and the battery itself is somewhere in the back. 😳
I learned that from The Car Care Nut: ruclips.net/video/y5oaQ0LW3A4/видео.html
Best heater is my large heating pad.Its the most efficient way to power your temperature
for a small pod and small microwave is ok. That 12v auxi battery is too small. Well, it's still working fine. I would put and DC-DC charge controler and a new LiFePo4 in between that small 12v battery and the inverter. little more money but that prius auxi-battery is alot of $.
Toyota is now producing several hybrid minivans, including all Siennas from 2020 onwards. I wonder if that will become the go-to camping/living minivan since it probably has the benefits you've described here while also giving the added space of a minivan.
Awd option too. However, one thing about the prius is they are road tested.
I recently was given a rental while my car was at the shop waiting for a backlogged part to come in. They gave me the new Toyota highlander hybrid. Would be an amazing vehicle to stay in. I had ample room in the back to sleep. The hybrid battery kept me comfortable temp wise. It was awd.
I had 2000 watt inverter and we had ice storm and I ran all my house off of this 2000 watt inverter it ran my gas furnace two refrigerators and all my LED lights in my house and I burned only one gallon of fuel in 24 hours
That's awesome
That is incredible
What kind of inverter...inverter plugged into a prius? Thanks!
@@bcamper5301 I hooked up to a 12 volt battery
@@bcamper5301 I used Harbor Freight inverter 2000 4000 pick they are pretty cheap. around $160 and I tested on my job site for temporary lights for 3 weeks and everything was fine.
I'm listening to all your videos. Wow you are chock full of information. I'm ready to switch out vehicles. Well not quite. I love my 1995 Toyota Tacoma too much. Ha.
Glad you enjoyed the vids! The Tacoma is a great truck
@Imix Muan yea that would be cool. Or a hybrid 4runner
Thanks a lot. I like your videos and I am planning on full time RV setup with my Nissan NV 3500 van. You gave me an idea I can tow a smallest hybrid car like Smart Hybrid behind to run around when I setup my camp anywhere. So I don't have to drive my gas guzzling Nissan and in the same time use my hybrid for all electric needs.
My neighbor has a camper and takes his scooter with him too so he can just go to the store and back quickly.
That is a great idea!
I like your videos. One channel you should check out is PSC Camper Conversions. He converts a Prius, too by adding a second 12v battery. One idea: instead of a space heater, why not use a 12v electric blanket? Anyway, you are doing what I would like to do but think a Prius might be too small for me. I was looking at the hybrid Toyota Sienna because a minivan has a lot more space. Are you able to go way off road in the Prius? That is one thing I would want to do since I am not a fan of humans.
Being 6'1" i have to sleep on the passenger side ive done 2600 round trip spending 2 hours at a rest stop in 106 degree heat took a nap with the A/C going and woke up well rested, and still got 38 mpg.
Bro. I have a Prius also and would love to pay u to help me setup my Prius. I wanna travel the states with my Prius and it would be really cool to have a guy like you to travel with. Should start a Prius community rv camper to let people know where to camp with the Prius. I would join your Prius community right away. U seem pretty chill and humble. Ima pretty simple guy myself and I like it that way. What state do you live in? If you ever wanna visit Seattle I’ll show u around and I’ll pay u to help setup mr Prius. I enjoy all your videos. Keep it up!
Hey man, yea we might be able to working someting out. I appreciate the support, Ive been thinking about starting an online Prius nomad/travel/camping group online like on facebook or something
At 1000 Watts with 13 volts at the battery that's a 77 amp draw... that's an awful lot of amperage to be pulling steady on that battery... even if the traction battery is charging it...
Very informative! Thank you.wonder if my Ford Fusion Hybrid can do that???
I dont know, it might. I wouldnt trust any car but a Prius though with high-wattage appliances
Thanks for the amazing information -- amazing because you explained it so that even I could understand it. And that's sayign something!
I wonder if you could take this technology out of a Prius and put it in other types of vehicles, too. It seems like it could be universal.
They do- most hybrid cars have this technology
It could be universal to even non hybrid cars, but there are caveats: Except for the shortest of uses (like you need a power tool for 5 min), the engine's got to be on. The car's alternator needs to be able to supply enough amperage - and check out the charts on the web of how high an engine RPM that alternator has to be running at (for many cars it's 2000 rpm or higher. It begins to get a bit silly: you've got to have the right alternator, the car's got to be on, you've got to have a brick on the accelerator reving the engine all the time. In addition to those things, you've got to get the basics right: thick, short 12v cables, in-line fusing, careful temporary or permanent mounting. A synergy/hybrid drive car is much better set up for this. There are good (and not so good) videos on RUclips showing this with other Toyo products (like the prime Rav4) and probably other makers' vehicles too.
thanks for sharing !
This is so great! I thought I would need solar or a jackery but this sounds like a better option for me.
Yea, it works to replace solar, but i think it would be best to have a jackery AND use this,
@@MountainSpringsAdventures A Jackery can replace the set up described herein. The Jackery can stay plugged into the 12V outlet in the Hybrid to effectively 'plug and play' with 120V AC and 12VDC concurrently output from Jackery while the Hybrid is used as a gas generator to charge the Jackery. No wiring modifications needed with this approach except the charging rate with the Jackery may limit the amount of power available.
A trucking company I worked for allowed drivers to buy an inverter for their truck and they would install it. They limited the inverters to 1500 because higher watt inverters invite using higher-powered items. Higher power means more current and heat in the wires. Fires resulted, so the company said no more than 1500w and they would install it to ensure it was done properly.
That sounds like a smart idea, that's pretty much how I feel about it, that's why I don't suggest over 1500 watts. 2,000 w maximum
I am a Prius lover and there is a fact that our 12 volt batteries need replaced more often. So, if the big battery is charging the 12 volt battery, that could never be the case? I have to believe you because you have tested this out for a long time, but I am going to do some research now, because that is not what I have been told. Thanks for this video. You have a great set up. I was also wondering why not just use the car heater. I leave my car running with the air conditioner a lot as I live in mostly hot weather.
I have a Prius and always thought of her as delicate. Your videos are making me appreciate her more. Thanks! Maybe I don't see the vids on this, but how do people manage using the bathroom while living in a car?
I would only be concerned about the Hybrid battery being taxed... The cost of a hybrid out of warranty is a lot...
This will not tax the hybrid battery. Hybrid battery is taxed by two things: Heat (people who live in the desert) and crazy charge/discharge rates (people who live in the mountains).
I *would* be concerned about the converter (200+ volts to 12 volts) running at max capacity as it is not cooled.
Computer will take care of the rest and not allow engine/motor/HV battery/12 V battery to be abused.
Mrs Dona you are 10000% correct with your concerns! The person who commented below has it right though, toyota engineered this stuff to be as safe as possible and to last as long as possible...make it idiot proof LOL.
Now once my 10 year warranty has elapsed and I find out its $7,000 for new hybrid batteries on this now 10 year old suv, im turning my 2020 rav4 hybrid xse into a work/mud truck and will just let the gas engine run constantly , I won't be worried about squeezing out 41 mpg from it anymore ill just let it get 15-25 mpg with the bad hybrid battery and call it a work truck
Remember that the Prius was designed to reduce engine use and to use the large battery for as much power as possible. The company has made improvements on the entire car over the past 20+ years it has been in service and it is well known to have a much longer life than most other passenger cars, assuming proper regular maintenance. There are Priuses out there with nearly 1 million miles on them; that is an unheard-of number for a car!
@@FlipSRT4 $7000 is a ripoff for a new battery. Should be less than $2k and a couple hours to swap out.
ruclips.net/video/Q3RCdrh666w/видео.html
Very informative video 👍🏾
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it
THANK YOU for being so detailed!!
Pure sine wave inverters will not "truly give you 1500 watts," there are two measurements that sometimes trick consumers: Peak wattage and continuous wattage. When it says 1500 watts and you're actually getting 750, that's not because it's a modified sine wave inverter, it's because the measurement they're using is the peak wattage rather than the continuous wattage. For almost all applications, the measurement you care about is the continuous wattage. That marketing nonsense affects both pure and modified sine wave inverters.
I'll check out your other videos too. Act as an alternator to produce AC (for the Prius the engine CVT produces AC) that is rectified & regulated to DC (inverter changes CVT AC to DC and converter changes ~600V max VDC to ~220VDC to charge the battery I think and another converter converts 220VDC to ~12VDC) that charges the 12V battery. The 12VDC battery input to the inverter is processed to ~120VAC 60Hz most likely not 1500VA (Volt Amps) which equals basically 1500W. The 1500W is usually a surge rating for some duty cycle before trips a breaker or fuse. If I understand correctly, as long as all your VAC appliances are under ~700W, you're good to go. I've read some say under ~1000W most likely will be fine as long as there is no surges. If you have something that surges you might want to consider a hard or soft start capacitor for the device. I've seen this with Air Conditioner units that are like the wall mount design modified for tents, campers and as indoor units. Seems like with power tools are the same. Cool you're on the ball with the limits. I read about on this site that is very inspirational regarding a range of topics: www.aprs.org/FD-Prius-Power.html (reads like this latest article regarding notes 800W continuous for hours).
Would be nice if there was an aftermarket or maybe homebrew easy NiMH 120VAC charger for the 220VDC battery. Guessing won't help much... though maybe 15miles or so isn't that bad and would add up over time. I forgot to ask, are you using the stock Toyota battery too?
@@jafinch78 holy shit can you please teach me everything you know about the toyota hybrid system? I have a 2020 rav4 hybrid with the same tech but most recent implementations. I was wanting to tap into the orange high voltage wired to harness the power at its source instead of simply a 1500 watt inverter to the 12v battery. I wanna tap into the orange wires and harness as much as possible, safely, so that maybe I could run 4kw+???
@@FlipSRT4 I'd have to read into since I'm not sure about the 2020 Rav4 hybrid system. You'd be reading everything I'd be reading into like where I learned from like Weber State RUclips channel, PriusChat.com, Toyota service and other various sites. The link above has great info too and like they note, that the 200V DC system can be used to power universal motors and maybe some other devices directly though you want to make sure you understand in detail residential household and equipment wiring really well since this stuff can kill us. Dangerous high voltage isn't something toy with. You want to make sure you have all the tools and PPE when working on and handling to. I'll keep in mind if I ever do get to hacking in a direct battery charger which I doubt I will any time soon before I get a new one. What are you wanting to power electrical?
I'm gonna do this to my Sienna Hybrid!!
Great video! I'm just getting started on my Prius hotel journey and was wondering if you (or anyone in the thread) might be able to advise who I should inquire about getting the inverter connected to the 12V battery done for me. Would it be a regular mechanic? I know absolutely nothing about the mechanics and although your video was very descriptive, I don't trust myself setting up everything properly (with the additional 120 amp fuse). I appreciate any advice, thanks in advance!
Same here, being a female, I’d love to do this but know nothing about the car tech mumbo jumbo. Would a good auto mechanic be able to set this up?
the inverter changes DC voltage to AC voltage which appliances and most everything else uses.
1:20 “with the Prius, I don’t hav to use any of those” phone: low battery warning
What type of continuous power supply do you have, or plan to get, that'll keep the fridge running when the car is turned off?
Unless you keep the car running 24/7, you may need to integrate a reserve power source so that when you turn the car off for work, shopping or a hike etc. the fridge will continue to run without draining the hybrid or 12v battery.
The 12 volt fridge is extremely insulated so it maintains the internal temperature pretty well for the 8ish hours that I sleep at night. One trick I do is I will turn the temperature of the fridge down really low about an hour before I go to bed, then it gets really cold inside and maintains the internal temperature even better. The food doesn't spoil, I've done this many times. On average, the fridge is usually about 5-10 degrees warmer inside of it in the morning then when I went to bed which isn't enough to cause food to spoil. So basically, I don't need to power my fridge at night
@@MountainSpringsAdventures Grocery stores mostly just have to have their refrigerated items to be held at 40 or below.
@@MountainSpringsAdventures
Interesting!
I'd still look into a backup power supply for extended absences beyond your 8 hrs resting period, but that's just my bird-brain thinking.
@@Bronzebk you don't have a bird brain my friend I am also seeking the same answer and then more as far as toyota hybrid off the grid living goes lmao. His solution of getting the fridge hella cold 1hr right before killing all power is a perfect simple solution to cover you during a solid night of sleep. But I also wanna be able to plug into 120v somehow and keep it all going without involving my own engine
@@FlipSRT4
Agree.
I think a portable or compact backup battery pack that's alternator/solar charged (portable/roof-rail mounted panels) should take care of that inadequacy.
The hybrid battery does NOT charge the 12v. The alternator charges the 12v. RTFM. You'll see the method for jump starting a Prius (not fun). After you jump it, you have to drive around for 30 minutes before shutting off because of the intermittent running of the engine because... The hybrid battery does not charge the 12v. Hope that helps because jumping a Prius sucks! Sucks sucks!
DC power from a battery is constant, AC power in your home is alternating current-on/off/on/off…
Can you put a link for your heater. It seems very solid for a low watt heater as it has a thermostat.
I put a link in the description
I know you're limited on space. But if you get an auxiliary 100ah lithium battery and a DC TO DC charger for lifepo4 batteries.. You'd have more capacity, run little bigger inverter and it would be less taxing on your car battery.. They're not designed for that kind of cycling plus you could use battery&inverter with car off.. And charge aux battery only when you need to
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Don’t move the camera around like that ad thumbnails or something instead, camera movement causes motion sickness.
Thanks for the feedback
I’m sure you must get asked this a lot but...with regards to your refrigerator, what happens once you exit the vehicle and the power turns off? Do you just hook it up to some alternative power source...or, does it not matter because you run it cold enough to last until you get back?
Yes I have a method that I use for my fridge, I explain it in this video:
ruclips.net/video/0-SVSnIVMso/видео.html
Great video!! Thank you!
Super helpful
Genius!
wow...that is very cool. Thanks for the video. Why not use cigarette lighter versus plugging inverter to the battery? Sorry if dumb question.
You're welcome. You can use the cigarette lighter outlet also. But, if you're going to get an inverter for the cigarette outlet, they typically don't go over like 400 watts. The more powerful inverters need to be connected directly to the 12v battery
Where does it say Max 120 watts? If it's on the cap, mine broke off. 400 watts was just a guess, I'm simply saying that you can't pull as much power from the cigarette outlet as from an inverter on the 12-volt battery
@@TerrellWSmith buddy the point is that you can't run a 1500 watt inverter from the cig lighter, that you need a direct connection to the 12v battery using heavy gauge wire. 400w is just the industry standard for maximum draw from a standard cig lighter. Believe it or not, those old school windproof push in cig lighters that automatically pop out after the heating element gets glowing red hot most likely draw somehwere near 400w or possibly more, and those have been in cars for how long??? I'm surprised they stopped making cars so smoker friendly(not a cig smoker)
As a car audio installer I would even install an 80, 100, 120, 150, or 200 amp fuse(depending on load size) on the inverter positive as close to the battery as possible for an added layer of safety.
People can not afford to live in an apartment, so they are learning to live out of their car. 3:55 An inverter transforms DC power into AC power while converter can turn AC power into DC. It can change the voltage level from one level to another, such as from 110v to 12v.
It’s an awesome system except that it’s the wrong type of 12v battery for the inverter. Apart from that it’s very inspiring.
The inverter is converting your ~13V DC (direct current) battery power into a 120V AC (alternating current) sine wave. Yes, very different systems, and things built to use the power for one won't work at all off the other.
I was wondering if you could use a cheapo not-pure sine wave inverter in series with a UPS power supply that will clean up its crappy 120V to a clean 120V. If there aren't electronics involved, you can usually get away with using a "modified sine wave" invert, which can be significantly cheaper per watt than a pure sine wave inverter. Use the dirty power where you can, and the clean power where you have to.
I've got a Ford Escape Hybrid and have always intended to try a little offroad camping using the car as a generator too.
Love the Instant Pot.What really is the peak voltage needed for that, and how much steady state?
Really convenient for this power application that the Prius' 12V battery is in the back. Ford Escape is the front of the engine compartment.
Though there is probably a more convenient contact point with the 12V of the hybrid system.
Why do you need the little space heater when the Prius has the climate control?
Love this adaptation. We have ‘21 Sienna Hybrid (love it) and Euhomy 45L Freezer/Fridge. Wife and I are in our 80’s so not living in the car but we do travel extensively. We did a custom camper/rv build on Ford Transit and understand the hook-up that you demo. HOWEVER, we had 100 AH LiFPO house battery that supported Micro, Coffee, Induction cooktop, low watt heater. And as we drove the car’s alternator recharged the batter as did 200 Watts of Solar up top. I have trouble imagining the motor running while ignition is off as when we are in motel or even at home. Should I assume that your ignition ACC is on while you sleep OR were those Toyota engineers smart enough to charge the system when low?
They were smart. It's all automatic.
Great video
Thanks
Hi how often does the ICE kicks in when its under load? How much does it affect on fuel efficiency? MPG etc...
Hello, Glad I happened to find your video. I’m considering using my 2013 Prius as an emergency generator….hope I’ll never have to. Anyway, how do I determine if my Prius can be used for that purpose.
Thank-you !
Your welcome
Put a capacitor, it will save the prius components when the microwave surge starts up
What is a capacitor? do you mean like a fuse?
@@MountainSpringsAdventures a capacitor is much like a battery except it only stores a charge for an “instant on” amount of time. This is why they are used for energizing start windings on compressors and fan motors.
charge ur phone when u do recording ... i thought my phone batt running low ... hahah
Please do you have a video showing how you hope that inverter up to the battery?
yeah I showed it on the video on my channel of me giving a tour of my Prius camper. all I did was connect the positive and negative cables to the positive and negative terminal of the 12-volt battery, it's a very simple
@@MountainSpringsAdventures thank you for the reply, did you find a great mounting spot or is it just stored in the spare tire compartment?
Invertor changes DC to AC power.
Actually you don't need even inverter. You can connect everything to HV battery, it is about 200-240v DC and most modern electric appliances works fine straight from DC power. But in case of USA you need 240v appliances like used in Europe or so