Toyota warns hybrid owners off ancillary devices

Toyota New Zealand has advised against the use of any ancillary devices to the electrical systems of its Prius hybrids, as shown on TVNZ’s Fair Go show last week.

The show covered issues with the work of a company installing a system called ‘Power Jockey’ on a Prius with an ageing battery. There was some concern over whether such a system had any benefit in extending the life of the expensive battery in the Prius, and also concerns over the safety of the installation of the system.

Toyota warns in a statement that any such additions may interfere with the vehicle’s safety systems.

“The Prius includes built in safety systems designed to isolate motorists from exposure to high voltage in normal usage, when the vehicle is being serviced, or in the event of a collision where rescue services may be called upon,” the company says.

“We strongly advise against the installation of any ancillary devices as they may interfere with these safety systems. This applies to Prius or any other Toyota or Lexus model, be it an electronic or mechanical item, unless it is a genuine accessory.”

For Honda hybrid owners the need to add such devices to extend battery life may be a little less pressing.

Honda New Zealand head of marketing, Graeme Meyer, says the replacement cost for the battery of older model Honda Civic Hybrids is only $800.

He would not be drawn on if that was the actual cost of the unit or if Honda was selling the units below cost.

“That is our retail price,” Meyer told AutoTalk. “At the end of the day the customer is getting a good value product to keep their cars going.”

The company also offers an extension on the warranty of hybrid car components from eight to 12 years.