Toyota confirms discount batteries for all first-gen Prius

Toyota has confirmed that all owners of first-generation Prius can buy a replacement battery at a specially discounted price following ongoing investigations by Fair Go and the firm into the ‘Power Jockey’ device.

Fair Go broke the story of the device earlier this month. The device claims to extend the life of a first-generation Prius Battery, but came under fire for what some claimed was a flawed methodology and dangerous installation methods.

Toyota has since warned owners against the fitment of the device. It was earlier reported that the firm had offered a discounted replacement battery to Power Jockey owners, but this has since been confirmed as being available to all.

In a statement to AutoTalk, Toyota general manager of customer service Spencer Morris, notes the discount of the ‘Hybrid 10 series’ battery from $8100 to $3500, the price of the battery in the next generation Prius.

“It’s important to point out that the NWH10 battery is a very early version of the hybrid battery technology hence the price,” says Morris. “We have adjusted the price to the same as NWH11/20/30 battery for a limited time in response to people resorting to unsafe practice of fitting life extender technology.

“Toyota New Zealand does not endorse the fitment of any such device as these can have an adverse effect on the safety systems fitted to the vehicle,” the firm says. “We therefore recommend the removal of any such item fitted to any Toyota or Lexus model to enable restoration of the original factory settings.”

Toyota has a team of specially trained hybrid technicians within its dealer network who are specifically trained and skilled to deal with hybrid batteries and hybrid systems. The company has issued a ‘reassurance statement’, found at www.toyota.co.nz/AboutUs/BatteryAnnouncement offering a free inspection and special battery replacement price for any customers with concerns over this issue.

The offer includes a safety check of the vehicle and a heath check on the HV Battery, fitment of a new battery for the NHW10  (Prius Generation one ) at the cost of a NHW11 (Prius Generation two) battery ($3,500 incl gst) and removal of any external device. The replacement battery will include the standard Toyota parts warranty, of 24 month and unlimited kilometre warranty.

If a customer has a concern or enquiry about this, they need to contact Toyota’s Customer Dialogue Centre on 0800 TOYOTA (0800 869 682).