FAQs
Q: no more lithium-ion? what happened to the Project Lithium ?
A: The lithium project failed due to price fluctuations and a lack of durability. Several methods were discovered that could accelerate the degradation of the lithium battery. These methods include:
1. Extreme heat and cold environment (over 140F, under 30F degree)
2. Keeping the gear in neutral for long periods, which drains the battery completely and damage the lithium cells.
3. Corrosion in the wire harness or a loose nut at the terminal, leading to an imbalance in voltage readings and triggering the computer to overcharge the battery in an attempt to balance the pack.
All the above issues have been solved with the new sodium-ion technology, for all existing lithium-ion customers, please reach out for a 50% discount for the new sodium-ion battery.
Q: How does the NexPower V3 differ from the V3 GT?
A: If your primary concern isn't maximizing MPG and you want a reliable, easy-to-install battery that will last a long time, the standard V3 is your best bet. However, if you don't mind a longer installation time and enjoy heavy acceleration and still want to achieve the best MPG while maintaining longevity, the V3 GT in blade style is the perfect choice.
A more technical explanation:
The standard V3 uses cylindrical sodium-ion battery cells with a much bigger capacity at 9.85Ah to compensate for the higher internal resistance (IR). In contrast, the V3 GT has a lower capacity of 7Ah but features ultra-low IR, resulting in higher efficiency and lower battery temperatures, which is beneficial for drivers with a heavy foot.
In-depth comparison chart between different type of battery chemistry:
Q: What distinguishes sodium-ion batteries from lithium-ion batteries
A: Beside the much cheaper price tag, our sodium-ion cell is much more durable than any lithium-ion cell, here is a comparison of the operating voltage and operating temperature:
lithium-ion (LiFePO4) cell has an operating voltage in between 2.5v ~ 3.65v,
sodium-ion chemistry cell has an operating voltage in between 1.5v ~ 4.0v.
lithium-ion chemistry cell has an operating temperature in between 32F ~ 125F
sodium-ion chemistry cell has an operating temperature in between -40F ~ 140F
Q: How NexPower V3 GT gives more MPG?
A: This is called SOC (state of charge) manipulation, NexPower V3 GT battery runs at a higher voltage range and keep the SOC above 60%, when the SOC is above 60%, the hybrid controller works harder to discharge the battery by using more battery power (and less gasoline) even during normal cruise. This power increases to around 30A (~6kW) at 70% SOC. Checkout following link for more detail: eea-phev.org , however, if the SOC exceed 80% will result in engine kick-in to dissipate the extra energy, this is a safety feature from Toyota and it will actually reduce the fuel efficiency, therefore charging the battery to over 80% SOC using force charging method or external grid charger won't actually give you any better MPG.
Q: Show us the real test data.
A: The comparison data between lithium variant and stock NiMH can be found here - brought to you by Fennec LLC.
Q: How do I contribute to the progression and what is the terms and conditions?
We announce our beta test program during the development phase of each product line. To stay informed, please subscribe to our newsletter and contact us when opportunities arise. Please note that all prototypes and equipment provided by NexPower Energy Inc. are confidential, even after the product's public release. The sale, trade, or gifting of prototypes to any third party is strictly prohibited, and any violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Q: What is the expected MPG improvement?
A: Most customers report a combined city and highway MPG gain of around 10%. However, your mileage may vary, so this is not a guaranteed figure.
Q: Why do we not guarantee MPG improvement?
A: Please understand that fuel efficiency is highly depend on driving style, vehicle condition and whether condition, we cannot guarantee MPG improvement in your specific case, as YMMV.
Q: How can I get more MPG with V3GT sodium-ion pack
A: Since you now have possess more instant torque from the V3GT ultra-low IR(internal resistance), the key to get more MPG is to utilize that extra electric torque as much as you can, one easy way is switching your hybrid system indicator to the following screen and throttle the peal to not exceed the center line. It is especially useful in slow traffic or parking situation.
Q: Do I need to make any modifications to my car to support the use of V3?
A: There is no requirement for any changes to the software or hardware as each blade of the battery contains a specialized balancing circuit that ensures the optimal performance of each sodium-ion cell. The vehicle is designed to operate the new battery in a similar manner as the NiMH battery but at a higher voltage, which encourages the usage of electric power.
Q: Can NexPower battery turn my Prius into a Tesla fast?
A: No, even with V3 GT sodium-ion battery with ultra low internal resistance, your car is still a Prius, please set your expectation appropriately.
Q: How do I measure the voltage on the special blade with terminal on both side?
A: You can obtain a voltage reading by connecting a piece of copper busbar to the far side of the special blade. The copper busbar acts as a simulation of the service plug connection, completing the circuit and allowing for voltage measurement.
Q: What motivated you to create and fund this project?
A: We are a team of engineers dedicated to developing affordable battery solutions for aging hybrids. Since 2017, all our projects have been funded 100% through the revenue generated by the Dr. Prius App.
Q: Why should I choose the NexPower V3 Sodium-ion over Toyota's stock NiMH?
A: The answer is straightforward for us. We've tested the Sodium-ion pack extensively and have experienced its benefits firsthand, including improved MPG, better acceleration, and consistent charge levels even on hills. Feedback from our beta testers on social media reflects the same positive experiences. Additionally, our retail and wholesale prices are lower than Toyota's. While NiMH has a 23-year track record, we believe the advantages of the NexPower V3 make it a compelling choice. Only time will reveal the long-term differences.
Q: Can I mix NexPower battery blade with stock NiMH battery?
A: No you can't mix Sodium-ion battery with NiMH, Sodium-ion has higher nominal voltage and different voltage curve.
Q: What safety testing and certifications does your product have?
A: CE, ROHS2, IEC, UN38.3 (certification are available in Documentation tab). more than 40 prototypes are currently testing all around the world in extreme conditions and weather/temperature variances. Some testers race their Prius, some power their home with their Prius. For more detailed information, please visit PriusChat.com
Q: I want to learn more and find out more about this Lithium solution.
A: There has been years of extensive testing and research which is the backbone to the quality of a battery product that I am proud to bring to everyone. Below are a few links to very active forum discussions that contribute to the final product. Please feel free to take a look and join in on the conversation:
https://priuschat.com/threads/dr-prius-packs-less-than-a-year-away.220733/
https://priuschat.com/threads/rainbow-prius-hybrid-powered-by-lithium.212485/page-9#post-3090119
https://priuschat.com/threads/lithium-prototype-test.220691/
https://www.torquenews.com/8113/refresh-your-old-toyota-prius-new-li-ion-battery-pack/amp
Q: How easy it is to swap the old pack with V3 sodium-ion pack?
A: If the user has experienced working on car, then it should be a couple of hours of project, if the user doesn't have experience nor tool working on car, then please seek help from repair shop or someone that has done this before. Checkout YouTube videos by searching keyword "Prius battery repair" to find out if this is the job for you.
Q: What is the technical specification of the NexPower V3 GT?
A:
Prius pack capacity (14 blades): 1.456 kWh
blade capacity: 7000+ mAh
blade nominal voltage: 15.5v
blade voltage range: 7.5v ~ 20v
Max discharge power (<= 30sec): 30C or 210 Amp
Max discharge power (<= 3sec): 80C or 560 Amp
storage temperature (1 month): -40C ~ +60C
storage temperature (3 month): -40C ~ +60C
Recommend storage temperature: 0C ~ +35C
product weight: 1400g (compare to NiMH at 2008g)
Above result were obtained in the following condition:
Temperature: 15~35C
Relative Humidity: 45~85% RH
Atmospheric Pressure: 86~1066 KPa