01
Measure datum points
Record hatch, strut-tower, seat-anchor and headroom dimensions before cutting.
Acceptance gate
No fastener enters the traction-pack floor zone.
← All Build Plans
Intermediate // 18–26 hours // $1,850–$3,400
Prius Micro-Cabin
A reversible sleeping and house-power system that keeps every cabin load isolated from the traction battery.
2010–2015 Toyota Prius ZVW30
Quiet overnight travel and efficient daily driving
Power ceiling
400 W continuous / 1,000 W surge
Protected reserve
1.2 kWh LiFePO₄ house bank
Plan fit and specifications
Choose this plan when
- Two occupants or fewer
- Paved and graded-road travel
- Sub-1 kW cabin loads
- Sleeping deck
- 74 × 48 in, split folding
- House voltage
- 12.8 V nominal
- Ventilation
- Powered roof or hatch exhaust
- Vehicle interface
- Fused DC-DC charge path only
- Design load
- 350 lb distributed
Bill of materials
| System | Specification | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| House battery | 100 Ah LiFePO₄ with low-temp cutoff | 1 |
| DC-DC charger | 30 A ignition-aware | 1 |
| Inverter | Pure sine 400 W / 1,000 W surge | 1 |
| Platform | 3/4 in sealed birch ply + aluminum rail | 1 set |
| Protection | Class-T fuse, disconnect, covered busbars | 1 set |
Assembly sequence
Build in order. Pass every gate.
02
Build reversible structure
Use factory seat anchors and load-spreading plates; preserve service access.
Acceptance gate
Platform carries 350 lb without more than 1/4 in deflection.
03
Wire isolated house power
Fuse at the source, route abrasion-protected cable, and bond only as specified by the charger maker.
Acceptance gate
Polarity, fuse sizing and disconnect operation independently verified.
04
Commission under load
Run refrigerator, fan and inverter together, then inspect voltage drop and terminal heat.
Acceptance gate
No terminal exceeds 115°F after 30 minutes.
High-voltage safety boundary
- Never tap the high-voltage traction pack.
- Preserve battery cooling intake and rear-crash structure.
- Use a CO alarm whenever Ready mode may run while occupied.