Toyota Prius to get AC electric outlets
By Andrew, 19 Jul, 2011. 0 Comments
2011 Toyota Prius
Starting next year, consumers can opt to have AC electric outlets on their Toyota Prius hybrid. Anything from a refrigerator, a television, or computer can be plugged into this vehicle. Toyota got the idea after seeing victims of the Japan earthquake use the Toyota Estima hybrid van as a source of emergency electricity. So far, it is the only model from Toyota that features a standard AC outlet. Toyota is planning to add this feature to the Prius next year and it’s expected to eventually be offered by all hybrids. However, it will be initially offered just in Japan.
Toyota is holding off on using this technology on export models for now as there still are concerns about different voltages and safety regulations. At an event in Sendai recently, Toyota showed off a Prius that had Japan’s standard 100-volt AC plug.
An onboard inverter transforms the DC current of the Prius’ nickel-metal hydride battery into usable AC current. Toyota demonstrated how the car powers the fan, hotpot, table lamp and refrigerator. Similarly, most car owners could transform their internal combustion engine into a mini power station by using relatively cheap inverters that plug into the cigarette lighter socket. With the AC outlet from Toyota, drivers don’t have to use any other type of accessory. And since it taps into a significantly larger battery, it offers a maximum output of 1,500 watts. If the car is used as a generator, its engine automatically cranks up to recharge the battery if the power runs low. Toyota says that with a full tank of gasoline, full power can be supplied by the Prius for about two days.
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