runscissor

Anyone successfully convert an RX400h to a plug in hybrid or know of someone that has?

I've been searching up and down the internet and have had no luck finding even one example of it being done.

Cruiter

It's a good idea but in a vehicle the size of ours, it would probably have to be designed/built from the ground up. I doubt the traction battery motors could handle the stress of (ICE) acceleration and hwy speeds for this size car and have any life expectancy. They are currently designed to 'aid' acceleration and cruising by taking a significant load off the (ICE).

runscissor

My understanding is that the AWD RX400h has three electric motors. Two motors to power the front transaxle and one connected to the rear differential to aid in very high-torque demand situations or when the rear wheels lose traction.

Here are the electric motor specifications:

Electric Motor Generator (MG2) Drives front wheels, regeneration during braking, Max output 167 hp (123 kw) @ 4,500 rpm
Electric Motor Generator (MGR) Drives rear wheels, regeneration during braking, Max output 68 hp (50kw) @ 4,610 - 5,120 rpm

With a combined peak electric motor output of 235 hp, I don't see how this wouldn't be enough power to accelerate the RX400h (independently of the ICE) under normal driving conditions.

Does anyone know the NiMH battery capacity of the RX400h? I believe it's 1.3 kwh but can't seem to find the exact specifications of the battery.

lex

This is such an interesting topic.

Maybe you should contact people like these:
http://www.calcars.org/priusplus.html

herbvdh

Does any one know of any conversions to the RX400h to plug it in and increase the gas mileage. I was hoping that when I bought my lease out I could convert it.

herbvdh

In the Electric Auto Associations April CurrentEVents page 7 Enginer Inc. has a battery available for the RX400h. They claim 40% to 100% gas milage improvement does anyone have any knowledge of them or experience with them on Highlander Hybrid or the RX400h. Price is $3495 members $2395.
There website has nothing on it unless I missed it www.enginer.us

jeff3113

I was looking and seemed to find it listed as 37 kw @ 288 volts.
That seems huge. Not as large as the Highlander Hybrid 45. The Prius is 27 and Camry 16kw. Different voltages

To your question, it would be nice to know if there are some options to increase that battery stack.
I do mostly city driving and that would be a big incentive.

CRD

I just emailed Engineer and asked about the systems available for our RX400h. I'm interested in this as it seems like the best way to improve our MPG.

mowmow

How about switching Nimh to A123 Li-ion ?

Alexbenz

i emailed engineer today and they said the 400h requires the increased dc voltage when compared to the prius. It's their phev conversion tech package....

So doing this will do exactly what to the rx400h? it'll get better mpg's? Also i assume it would have to be plugged in or can the unit itself be taken out to charge by itself?

jeff3113

This would be ONE reason an older model would be a good purchase. Putting in a plug in system could make it more useable for full EV commuting purposes.
I certainly would not want to do that with a new(er) vehicle.

roperld

The NX300h has three motor/generators:
MG1: ? kw
MG2: 105 kW (141 hp)
MGR: 50 kW (67 hp) (at rear axle)
The hybrid nickel-metal-hydrid battery is 1.6 kWh capacity

MG1 & MG2 and the gasoline engine are connected by a planetary gear set (ECVT) to the front wheels through reduction gears (ratio 3.542 for AWD).
See https://www.clublexus.com/2015%20NX%...uct%20Info.pdf.

Does anyone know what the power (kW or hp) of MG1 is?

Dave Roper