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Laboratory Receives First PHEV for Further Study

NREL researchers are using this 2006 Toyota Prius with plug-in conversions to analyze the thermal performance of its power electronics, battery and air-conditioning system.

NREL has acquired it first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a Toyota Prius conversion developed by Energy Control Systems Engineering (Energy CS) based in Los Angeles. The PHEV will allow NREL's Center for Transportation Technologies and Systems (CTTS) to study how PHEV conversion impacts energy storage, power electronics and engine operation. Additionally, it will provide a resource for collaboration across the Laboratory.

"The vehicle will allow NREL engineers to demonstrate the relationship between vehicles, homes and renewable electricity generation," said Senior Engineer Tony Markel.

To develop the PHEV, Energy CS replaced the Prius' original 1.5-kilowatt hour capacity nickel-metal-hydride battery pack with a 9-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery supplied by Valence Technology, Inc. of Austin, Texas.

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