Hybrids, Plug-ins to Emphasize Emergency Power Potential

July 27, 2011

In the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake, stories began to emerge of hybrid vehicle owners using their cars to power appliances and cook food when power was cut off for hours or even days at a time. Unfortunately, only Toyota’s Estima hybrid van actually comes with a standard electrical outlet. But that’s about to change according to Bloomberg, which claims several manufacturers are working to add electrical output capacity to their hybrid and plug-in and vehicles.

In order to provide drivers with the basic power necessary to say, power a rice cooker, Mitsubishi and Toyota plan to offer outputs of up to 1,500 watts in their i-MiEV and Prius, respectively. The i-MiEV (or “i” as it’s called here in the United States,) will soon have an optional $200 output cable capable of sending out 1,500 watts for more than 10 hours.

The Toyota Prius hybrid will also include an outlet option, though the feature will initially be available only in Japan. Eventually, Bloomberg says that Toyota will offer the feature on its full lineup of hybrids. Unlike fully electric vehicles, these hybrids can essentially serve as generators, provide more than two days worth of power with a full tank of gas. Nissan will also reportedly considering offering outlets in its LEAF all-electric, though wattage and other details are still being settled upon.

In markets like Japan and other regions subject to power outages or natural disasters, the electrical storage and generating capacity of hybrid and electric vehicles could provide an added incentive to invest in an alternative drive vehicle. Look for some carmakers to use this to their advantage in marketing efforts, and highlight the fact that the feature can also be used for camping and other recreational activities.


Posted in Carmakers, News, Power, Plugs and People
Tagged as , ,

Related Readings

Giving Up on Hydrogen?

Giving Up on Hydrogen?

For decades, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have been trumpeted as the best strategy for reducing—if not entirely
  • Nelson Lu

    I don’t believe the article is correct. The Ford Fusion Hybrid that I drive has a 110V outlet. I believe, but am not sure, that the Escape also does, as do the GM hybrid SUVs and trucks.

  • Old Man Crowder

    I don’t know my energy conversions, but the article states 1500 watts. Is that the same as 120 volts?

    I think this is a great idea. Having that sort of power capability for upwards of 10 hours could be life saving, under some situations.

  • Nelson Lu

    Old Man Chowder, that’s not what I was referring to; we’re referring to two different things:

    “Unfortunately, only Toyota’s Estima hybrid van actually comes with a standard electrical outlet. “

    “In order to provide drivers with the basic power necessary to say, power a rice cooker, Mitsubishi and Toyota plan to offer outputs of up to 1,500 watts in their i-MiEV and Prius, respectively.”

    The 1500-watt output (and volt and watt are units that measure different things: I have no idea what the voltage of the 1500-watt output outlet will be) refers to *future* models. The “standard electrical outlet” language refers to what is already available, and it is not true that the Estima (which we don’t have in the United States) is the only hybrid that has a standard electrical outlet. That’s what I was referring to. My guess is that by the time that Toyota came out with this higher-output outlet for its hybrids, Ford and GM (and quite possibly others) will be doing the same thing as well. The article made it sound like this is a Toyota-only feature, and that is false.

  • Anonymous

    @Nelson:

    Apparently you miss the point of the article (of bloomberg).

    Try to connect a rice cooker to your Fusion hybrid and wait, wait, ….and wait, see what happens. Will it cook some rice for you? I think not. LOL.

  • Nelson Lu

    I didn’t say that the main point is incorrect. But how can such an awfully-researched article be defended?

    As far as connecting the rice cooker is concerned, I am not going to try it, but certain my car is quite capable of powering a laptop. I have done *that*.

  • hybridwatercar

    Get a Hydrogen hybrid Conversion installed in the SF Bay Area for $1600 for most cars and small trucks. These are HOD (hydrogen on demand) nothing is stored. Gas or Diesel on hybrid or not. Plus you get a tax credit for installing hybrid hydrogen upgrades. 35%-60% gains. Talk to @hybridwatercar on twitter or tinyurl.com/waterpowered

  • RobS

    110V outlets for cars often cannot be used with engine in idle, making this application useless for people in disaster zones, who most likely aren’t driving around and wasting precious fuel. Will cars powered by hybrid battery systems get around this problem, by operating in purely electric mode?

  • Nelson Lu

    The Fusion Hybrid’s outlet can be used when engine is off but the car is in drive mode; if the car is turned off completely, it cannot. I can’t speak about any other hybrids that I haven’t driven. Again, my entire point is that the article was mistaken, not that the Fusion Hybrid is a practical energy source.

  • Nelson Lu

    Indeed, this *2006* article talks about the police use of the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid as an emergency power source. (http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/articlearchive/details.aspx?ID=578) I don’t know if this article’s author basically was spreading Toyota propaganda that only Toyota hybrids can be used in this manner. If so, shame on Toyota.

  • Robert A

    I’ve used mine to cook chili while driving to a potluck before. The chili was piping hot upon arrival. It’s rated to a max of 150W, so it’s a bit limited, but it can do some things.

  • Shines

    This is what I know about it.
    Cars run on DC (Direct current), houses on AC (alternating current (not air conditioning)). You can buy at most auto shops (and some cars come equipped with) an inverter which can convert the car’s DC to AC. (Most home generators have inverters built in.) The amount of power available from the car depends on several things including the capacity of the inverter and the size of the car’s battery. Traditional vehicles have a small lead acid battery that mainly functions as a power supply to the starter to get the ice running. Once running the alternator (converts some of the ice engines power to DC) recharges the battery and powers fans, windshield wipers, defoggers and other electrical equipment on the vehicle. With an inverter any ice vehicle can be used as a generator to power AC equipment (such as a rice cooker). In most situations the engine must be running as the small battery cannot do much on its own. The point of this article is that hybrids have much larger batteries and can therefore handle more work (with or without the use of the ice engine) than conventional vehicles. Other than the false statement in the article that only the Toyota Estima van comes with a standard AC outlet (maybe this is true in Japan (but I doubt it)) – I don’t think the article is saying anything in particular about Toyota except that Toyota may be offering inverter options with all their hybrids. Today’s onboard computing would allow the inverter to run when the engine is in neutral.
    hybridwatercar – I think your water to hydrogen is bogus as the amount of energy needed to get the hydrogen out of water is at best equal to the amount of energy in the hydrogen produced.
    Anyway, having the car available to provide power in an emergency is certainly a good idea.

  • break up quotes

    this is really nice post eid mubarak messages and i like this post

  • Sydney Lewis

    This was an excellent and helpful article to say the least. I work for a single parent dating service and I really do appreciate all of this very good information. This was so interesting to me.

  • Arianna Yates

    This is so very interesting and fun for me to read. I have really enjoyed all of this awesome and fun information. This was really very cool to me. Fresh Start Living News and other valuable tips.

  • Ariana Johnston

    I really do appreciate this great and interesting information. This was really great and I really do appreciate everything so much. Thanks – Pool Experts.

  • Kimberly Wales

    This was a very good and interesting article for me to read. I really do appreciate all of this very cool and fun information so much. Thanks – Forklift trucks

  • Kate Reed

    This was a very interesting and fun article for me to read. I really do think that I have really enjoyed reading all of this so very much. This was really very cool. Thanks – Koi Web

  • Gabby Carter

    This was really so very interesting and fun for me to read. I really have enjoyed reading all of this great and fun information so much. This was really very special. Cycle Claim

  • Cassidy Baker

    This was really a very special and fun treat. I have enjoyed this information so much. I cant wait to read more from this awesome website. Thanks – Garden umbrella

  • Alvin

    Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play in good morning status by the rules, then you must forget valentine status the rules and play from your heart.

  • Kodee

    Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play in good morning status by the rules, then you must forget valentine status the rules and play from your heart.

  • Zoey Henderson

    What a great and helpful article to read. I really do appreciate all of this information so much. This was really great and so much fun for me to read. Debt Consolidation

  • Maja Hicky

    Wonderful information, thanks for sharing. Any updates planned? goedkope vakanties

  • jhoni

    This was real a really special and fun provide. I hold enjoyed this info so untold. I meaninglessness wait to scan more from this awing website. stairs nosing

  • Isabella Mitchel

    This was very educational and fun for me to read. I really do think that this was an awesome article to say the least. Villas French Riviera

  • raj186

    This is the ideal post for someone who desires to be familiar with this subject. You certainly place a new turn on a topic that’s been on paper about for years. Fabulous material, your post is absolutely impact a read if somebody comes across it. I didn’t grasp that this subject was so vital. funny facebook quotes

  • shreya

    I’ve used mine to cook chili while driving to a potluck before. The chili was piping hot upon arrival. It’s rated to a max of 150W, so it’s a bit limited, but it can do some Sarkari Naukri things. Classifieds

  • shreya

    I don’t know my energy conversions, but the article states 1500 watts. Is that the same as 120 volts?

    I think this is a great idea. Having that sort of power capability for upwards of 10 hours could be life saving, under some situations. Sarkari Naukri

  • Qolin

    Noteworthy in wind and brilliant plan you got here! I would like to thank you for painting contractors ma commendable out your network up into the issue you post!!

  • Suzain

    I think we need to transport more thoughts for this purpose. Contribution of young people can be handy in this look upon. I am happy to find a high-quality post here.

  • smackshown

    Incomparable post! I’ve bookmarked your websiteas well due to the fact I out in the omega 3 open it is viciously instructive and I take enjoyment in painting contractors ma reading your posts.

  • Anonymous

    I think this is a great post. Having that class of power skill for upwards of 10 hours could be existence saving, under some situations.
    domain registration company

  • ryaan

    No body can say anything before time, am looking for eid messages or some funny messages that i can use and send during long drive on my car on eid day..

  • العاب بنات

    I think we need to transport more thoughts for this purpose. Contribution of young people can be handy in this look upon. I am happy to find a high-quality post here. العاب بنات

  • Honey

    Modafinil is an eugeroic drug which simply means good arousal.Modafinil

  • jhonson

    If your thinking about a barn conversions north east loft conversion, especially if you plan on talking the DIY route, you need to be aware of how the planning regulations will effect you. While it is always a good idea to contact your local planning agency,

  • Corian worktops

    Liked your article, i also wanted to have a site like yours, maybe someone could guide me.

  • Anonymous

    The arrival of spring
    sad wallpapers flower to open! If you have gone through the winter, then you will have a Spring! If desktop wallpapers you have a belief, then the spring will be far away; if you are paying, then one day you wallpaper backgrounds will have flowers full circle.

  • syed alam ali

    Nice article man! i have also written a precise article on hybrid cars that can be helpful for laymen….
    http://blog.alrazaak.com/hybrid-cars/

  • santa clous

    A lot of backdrops available on show savers are typical personal computer wallpapers. new year Wallpapers These popular wallpapers are openly offered in tons of internet pages along with now you can attain them. Christmas wallpapers There is not just one single various wallpapers obtainable nevertheless several along with among the best kinds is usually 3d images notebook computer wallpapers.