Washington 2009: modded Prius is part solar PHEV, part bed, part crazy
We usually use the main picture in a post to give you a straightforward idea of what vehicle or technology the post is about. More unusual images can live in the gallery. For a vehicle we discovered at the Washington Auto Show, though, we needed to use the main picture spot to show off just one of the many highlights that Bob Bruninga has made to his Prius: wood trim on the doors (see it from a distance here and here). This little homebrew addition is just one of a ridiculous number of modifications made to the Prius Power vehicle we found on display in the Green Car Pavilion
The more important mods include: solar panels on the roof and hood, a bigger battery setup (248 volt, 9 amp hour array) to give the solar energy somewhere to go when the car is parked, a retro analog instrument panel to keep track of all the added electronics, and a wood and glass/plastic cylinder thing on the top. No one was around when I stopped by, so I'm not sure what that's all about but, man, is it cool. In a "huh?" kind of way.
Bruninga writes that the solar panels and beefed up battery cost him about $3,000. He knows it won't get him 100 mpge, but he doesn't care. He wants to provide power for ham radio field days and explore the possibilities. One more thing: the passenger seat has been replaced with the DIY "Prius Inn," bed for one option. Who knew you could do so much to a Prius? He has plans for more, BTW.
Gallery: Washington 2009: Prius Power
[Source: APRS]
Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the Auto Alliance.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 8:49PM (2/04/2009)
The solar panels make a statement, but it's kind of relevant. There is just not enough surface area on a car to make much difference.
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Doug 9:47PM (2/04/2009)
Heh... was that car in an accident. The driver's side door looks rather dented up.
That "wood and glass/plastic cylinder thing on the top" looks like it's a climbing arc/Jacob's ladder.
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posterboy 1:21AM (2/05/2009)
Finally! A car that will sell during the recession! I can hear the ads already: "Have you recently been forclosed on? Well buy the new 2010 Prius with the built-in bed option... who needs a mortgage anyway when you just sleep in you new car and finance it with our new 0% interest option..."
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Han 2:39AM (2/05/2009)
Prius was ugly in the first place.
This mod is simply unbearable.
This kind of design makes me want to be a mustang
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ryan 6:40AM (2/05/2009)
What the HELL is with that wood?!?!?
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Zel 9:29AM (2/05/2009)
The thing on top is a modded Mr. Fusion! It feeds the Flux Capacitor from EESTOR when it becomes available!
You guys were just kidding that you did not know what it was!
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