Hybrids, Plug-ins to Emphasize Emergency Power Potential

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 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.

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*.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!!

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.