Toyota Prius as an emergency power source for your communications gear

3M-TA3 · Oct 9, 2015

It turns out that the Toyota Prius makes a pretty decent 12 VDC generator. I ran across this on a HAM forum looking for ways to power communications equipment in the event of failure. Basically, turn it on and whenever the voltage drops a bit, the engine starts up until the battery is charged, then shuts down. Think of it as a self propelled 12 VDC generator - OMG, it has bug out vehicle potential!

Seemingly against all odds, the Prius (or other hybrid) is a viable choice as a survival/preparedness vehicle. Prius - not just for smug tree hugging urbanites.... Now, if it just came in diesel...

Toyota Prius as an emergency power source

Ganado · Oct 9, 2015

@3M-TA3 that made me laugh. A diesel version of a prius.

I will warn you, you are going to the dark side so you better have cookies.

3M-TA3 · Oct 9, 2015

Ganado said: ↑

@3M-TA3 that made me laugh. A diesel version of a prius.

I will warn you, you are going to the dark side so you better have cookies.
Click to expand...

I've been to the dark side - they acted like they weren't home and wouldn't let me in.

BTPost · Oct 15, 2015

A few years back, one of the ATV OEMs made a Electric Side By Side ATV called the "BigBoy". I was very intrigued by the concept. 25 mile Range on a Battery Charge, and virtually Silent, except for the Road Noise.
What got me very excited was the use in SpecOps. By the Addition of a Honda Inverter Generator, minus the Inverter, (HV DC Voltage) and a MPPT Charge Controller, these become the Cheapest Hybrid Vehicle around. For SpecOps, you just add a Trailer, to carry the Squad Weapons, Ammo, Rations, and extra Fuel. Then run on the Generator, until you approach the RP. (Rally Point) Dump the Trailer, and Man Up the Personal LoadOut. Then use Electric only, for the Closing to Target AO. Silent in close. Complete the Mission. Then Electric on the extract, back to the RP. Pickup the Trailer, and Motor back to Base on the Genset. This was proposed to a Friend, in that "Community" and was very well received, tested, and I believe used on a Mission, or two, in the "Stans"

ghrit · Oct 15, 2015

BTPost said: ↑

A few years back, one of the ATV OEMs made a Electric Side By Side ATV called the "BigBoy". I was very intrigued by the concept. 25 mile Range on a Battery Charge, and virtually Silent, except for the Road Noise.
What got me very excited was the use in SpecOps. By the Addition of a Honda Inverter Generator, minus the Inverter, (HV DC Voltage) and a MPPT Charge Controller, these become the Cheapest Hybrid Vehicle around. For SpecOps, you just add a Trailer, to carry the Squad Weapons, Ammo, Rations, and extra Fuel. Then run on the Generator, until you approach the RP. (Rally Point) Dump the Trailer, and Man Up the Personal LoadOut. Then use Electric only, for the Closing to Target AO. Silent in close. Complete the Mission. Then Electric on the extract, back to the RP. Pickup the Trailer, and Motor back to Base on the Genset. This was proposed to a Friend, in that "Community" and was very well received, tested, and I believe used on a Mission, or two, in the "Stans"
Click to expand...

Might have been a dot mil version of "Bad Boy".
Bad Boy Buggies - Getting You Closer to the Game

chelloveck · Oct 16, 2015

BTPost said: ↑

A few years back, one of the ATV OEMs made a Electric Side By Side ATV called the "BigBoy". I was very intrigued by the concept. 25 mile Range on a Battery Charge, and virtually Silent, except for the Road Noise.
What got me very excited was the use in SpecOps. By the Addition of a Honda Inverter Generator, minus the Inverter, (HV DC Voltage) and a MPPT Charge Controller, these become the Cheapest Hybrid Vehicle around. For SpecOps, you just add a Trailer, to carry the Squad Weapons, Ammo, Rations, and extra Fuel. Then run on the Generator, until you approach the RP. (Rally Point) Dump the Trailer, and Man Up the Personal LoadOut. Then use Electric only, for the Closing to Target AO. Silent in close. Complete the Mission. Then Electric on the extract, back to the RP. Pickup the Trailer, and Motor back to Base on the Genset. This was proposed to a Friend, in that "Community" and was very well received, tested, and I believe used on a Mission, or two, in the "Stans"
Click to expand...

Sounds like a four wheel version of the good ol' diesel-electric submarine....running silent and going deep might be a bit of a challenge unless your driver accidentally ends you up in a river or pond.

Log in or Sign up

Toyota Prius as an emergency power source for your communications gear

3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

Ganado Monkey+++

3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

chelloveck Diabolus Causidicus

Need advice about inverters

Grid Tie question, sort of.

Diesel Generator Sizing

Resource Power For Patriots

Handbook Of Renewable Energy Technology 2011

Photovoltaic Design And Installation For Dummies 2010

Solar Electricity Handbook 2012

Solar Power Your Home For Dummies 2010

Build Your Own 12 VDC Engine / Generator 1994

Energy Choosing A Back Up Generator

Choosing A Back Up Generator 2018-07-19

Generator FAQ 2001

How An Inverter Fits Into Your Solar Electric System 2018-07-18

How To Wire Your House For Solar Electricity 2018-07-18

Solar Power Design Manual 2018-07-18

Anyone ever heard of Pico Power Supplies?

Micro-grid technology in remote (bush) Alaska

"Off grid" in the heart of historic San Juan

12v 100 Ah battery questions

Energy Dry charge lead acid batteries

Toyota Prius as an emergency power source for your communications gear

3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

Ganado Monkey+++

3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

chelloveck Diabolus Causidicus

Handbook Of Renewable Energy Technology 2011

Photovoltaic Design And Installation For Dummies 2010

Solar Electricity Handbook 2012

Solar Power Your Home For Dummies 2010

Build Your Own 12 VDC Engine / Generator 1994

Choosing A Back Up Generator 2018-07-19

Generator FAQ 2001

How An Inverter Fits Into Your Solar Electric System 2018-07-18

How To Wire Your House For Solar Electricity 2018-07-18

Solar Power Design Manual 2018-07-18

Useful Searches