A battery module from the second generation Toyota Prius
One of the flat NiMH battery modules used on the second generation Toyota Prius. The second generation Prius uses 26 of these modules assembled into a battery pack (~200 Volts), and utilizes an inverter to "step-up" the power to 500 Volts, and convert the DC battery power to the AC required for the electric motors. These battery modules may be installed/removed individually for service, however it is more likely that the entire battery pack would be replaced to save on labor costs.
The first generation THS (Toyota Hybrid System) Prius utilizes conventional round NiMH batteries inside the metal battery case. The classic Prius uses 38 NiMH batteries to operate the 300 Volt hybrid electrical system.
While the battery voltage dropped from 300 Volts in the classic Prius, to 200 Volts in the second generation Prius, the addition of the high-voltage inverter which steps the power up to 500V, and a more powerful electric motor allows for approximately a 30% increase in overall power available to the drivetrain on the newer vehicles.
If I remembered correctly, this module is about 10 inches long.
This picture was taken at a Prius information workshop hosted by Toyota Sunnyvale in California on Feb 22, 2005.
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'''A battery module from the second generation Toyota Prius''' One of the flat NiMH battery modules used on the second generation Toyota Prius. The second generation Prius uses 26 of these modules assembled into a battery pack (~200 Volts), and utilize