Battery Only Rx400h

[DrJLundy]

Can a RX400h be operated in battery only mode while driving around town (say 20 - 30 miles) and then recharged in the evening on the power grid? Sort of like a modified plug in hybrid.

Dr. L

[RX400h]

....not unless changes are made to its operating system. The batteries need to be charged at a minimum level or their longevity will be adversely affected, so forcing the vehicle to run on batteries alone for more than a short period of time is not wise unless more batteries are added. Of course, this may mean that the engine oil is not heated up sufficiently to "burn off" moisture. You see, it's not a simple answer.

Dave

[BillyShaft]

Someone had just posted, yesterday I think, about mods that were done to the Prius that did exactly that and people were getting up to 100mpg on it by plugging into the grid at night. Pretty cool stuff.

I think it was in the hybrid forum if you want to look for the thread.

[SOMEONE ELSE'S GOT MY NAME]

yea, but the 100mpg Prius? that's adding more battery power. What's the point of a plug-in lexus if you only get 2 miles at best on battery?

Edit:

Now if the OP meant CAN batteries be added, and CAN the hardware be hacked, yes. The Ford Escape is built on a very similar platform as Toyota, and the Escape has been mod'ed, so it's possible. Wheather it HAS been done is another question.