When I saw this press conference announcement, I knew I had to be there. Several reason drove my decision, but the main reasons were my interest in electronics, and my desire to someday make my Astronomy Outreach Vehicle energy efficient. I arrived a bit late, but had a chance to talk to alot of people, including Stan Breakell, Dr. Glenn Skutt, and Dr. Jack Lesko. Stan is the owner of the high mileage Prius, Dr. Skutt is President of VPT Energy Systems, and Dr. Lesko is Vice-President of VPT Energy Systems. Dr. Skutt and Dr. Lesko were willing and able to answer my questions about their choice of batteries, as well as the theory behind the layout of their electronic system. Their novel approach to solving several problems with this technology was innovative and refreshing. I love to talk with people who are willing to think "outside the box". When the conversation worked toward my former life as a Firefighter, we discussed the issues that would involve the safety of this system under extraordinary circumstances, such as a vehicle fire. It was nice to see the number of safety controls and fail-safes that they built into this system.
Great job. It is an impressive bit of engineering.
Here is the Toyota Prius from the front. Looks like a normal Prius.
Here is the Toyota Prius from the back. Again, it looks like a normal Prius, except for that yellow extension cord hanging out the back.
The reason for the extension cord, and the lack of a spare tire. This is the entire auxiliary battery system that has been added to the Prius. I was amazed how small it was, yet is capable of full electric motive motion of the car for 12 to 15 miles.
The system as seen from the other side of the car.
Dr. Glenn Skutt fielded many of the questions about the system from interested onlookers.
Dr. Glenn Skutt (left) and Dr. Jack Lesko (right) talk about one of the questions that I posed to them about their electronic technology.
Dr. Glenn Skutt received the honors of talking to WSLS-10 about their innovative Prius.
Group Photo - Dr. Glenn Skutt, Stan Breakell, and Dr. Jack Lesko.
Here is the Toyota Prius from the front. Looks like a normal Prius.
Here is the Toyota Prius from the back. Again, it looks like a normal Prius, except for that yellow extension cord hanging out the back.
The reason for the extension cord, and the lack of a spare tire. This is the entire auxiliary battery system that has been added to the Prius. I was amazed how small it was, yet is capable of full electric motive motion of the car for 12 to 15 miles.
The system as seen from the other side of the car.
Dr. Glenn Skutt fielded many of the questions about the system from interested onlookers.
Dr. Glenn Skutt (left) and Dr. Jack Lesko (right) talk about one of the questions that I posed to them about their electronic technology.
Dr. Glenn Skutt received the honors of talking to WSLS-10 about their innovative Prius.
Group Photo - Dr. Glenn Skutt, Stan Breakell, and Dr. Jack Lesko.
