http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20100615_374355.html

ESIJ's Prius PHEV conversion kit

http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/img/car/docs/374/355/p01_s.gif
http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/img/car/docs/374/355/p02_s.gif

- Works exactly like HyMotion, complete with the toggle switch.
- 500,000 Yen including installation.($5,500 at current exchange rate)
- Chinese LiFePO4 cells <= This is the key to low cost.
- 2,000 cycle life span
- 8~10 year life
- 4 kwh capacity

HyperMiler, thank you for the information. Here is additional information:
- The additional 4kWh capacity extends EV mode range to 25 miles.
- The associated electronics are also made in China.
- The kit fits neatly under the trunk floor.
- Increase in weight is about 220 lbs.
- The function of the kit is to supply energy to the existing Prius battery pack. It does not take charge from the regenerator. Once depleted, it becomes a dead weight (something like carrying an average American passenger).

On the surface it looks like the Enginer kit but can't read Japanese (Chinese??).

Its exactly the Engineer kit, they mention the DC-DC converter to step up the voltage of the chinese LiFePO4 cells (100vdc) to what ever the nimh pack needs to sustain it. The pictures of the battery box (both inside and outside) look identical and so does the controller on the dash.

http://www.enginer.us/img/gal-kit6-big.jpg

http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/img/car/docs/374/355/html/p15.jpg.html

The Engineer web site:

http://www.enginer.us/

That kit in the US is $3500, I like the concept..

This is crazy. $3,500 extra for a PHEV with 25 mile AER? I guarantee if Toyota just started selling these from the factory like this, they'd fly off the lots. It seems crazy that people have been clamoring for PHEVs for years now, and not a single one is in showrooms from any auto maker. I am skeptical of the 25 mile figure. The Volt goes 40 miles on 8kWh (and that's probably on a good day), so that means this should have 20 miles if it uses every last bit of the battery at the same discharge rate. But still, 20 miles is way more than what I need 9 out of 10 days. Anyone who drives about 6-7 miles or less each way to work would be fine. That's probably half the country right there.

This would be a better use of DOE grants than installing 220V outlets in people's garage. Just tell everyone in the country that the first 10,000 people who wants one, and has a Prius that they'll pay half of the cost of this PHEV upgrade. Way better appropriation if you ask me, even if it is Chinese. Maybe that'll get American companies like GE who have completely ignored the idea of developing and making batteries for the last 10 years wake up. Nah, probably not, that would make too much sense.

They use chinese LiFePO4 cells, god knows what the real warranty is, and you have to monitor the cells and initiate a balancing cycle yourself... not really suitable for everyone.

The 25 mile range is possible, but note that it will be at a low speed, and you have to be careful so that the Prius does not turn on the ICE.. about 35 mph is the top all-electic speed the Prius can handle. If you want to reach 60mph electric on the 2010 Prius then you will need a kit with a bigger DC-DC converter, 10-15kw or so and more battery capacity. I think Engineer was offering a higher power kit suitable for the 2010 Prius.

They use chinese LiFePO4 cells, god knows what the real warranty is, and you have to monitor the cells and initiate a balancing cycle yourself... not really suitable for everyone.

The 25 mile range is possible, but note that it will be at a low speed, and you have to be careful so that the Prius does not turn on the ICE.. about 35 mph is the top all-electic speed the Prius can handle. If you want to reach 60mph electric on the 2010 Prius then you will need a kit with a bigger DC-DC converter, 10-15kw or so and more battery capacity. I think Engineer was offering a higher power kit suitable for the 2010 Prius.

Did you ever wade thru that thread on Prius chat I sent you?? If so, what did you conclude. Do you own a Prius??

Its exactly the Engineer kit
Well, the article says the dude is a businessman from America who returned to Japan for his retirement, so that's plausible.

Just another business venture for him, importation of kit that is.

I think I waded thru it but not sure now.. could you post the link again?..

I saw higher power Engineer kits somewhere..

I drive a Nissan pu, dreaming of electrifying it one day.

"Well, the article says the dude is a businessman from America who returned to Japan for his retirement, so that's plausible."

I would hope that gentleman could get someone to do a proper translation of the instructions for the Engineer kit.