GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post

PriusGuy04 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006, 09:22 AM

Example:1
Toyota warns that use of the EV button could reduce fuel efficiency. Also, extreme swings in
SOC of NiMH batteries can cause damage or shorten the usable life of the battery. The system is
programmed to avoid over-charging or deep discharging, but some risk to the battery may exist. If you
have a problem with your battery or Hybrid system or ECU and you have performed this modification, it
may void your warranty and you could be responsible for thousands of dollars for repairs even if it can't be shown that the EV button was the cause of the damage. Consider this very carefully before you perform
this or any modification..

Example:2
A California non-profit company has designed a conversion kit specifically for the wildly popular hybrid that would improve on the car’s “green” engine by making it into a part-time plug-in. The kit’s extra batteries plug into an electrical outlet and hold a charge that powers the car entirely on electricity 20-60 miles, after which its hybrid gasoline-electric engine kicks in so you’re not stuck on the roadside. The company says it’s great for the lower-speed, short commutes that comprise the majority of our automobile use. Less gas consumption, fewer emissions, a cleaner environment.

The Catch: The kit is not a Toyota product, and the auto manufacturer says that owners who install it void the car’s warranty, discouraging many Prius owners from trying the kit.

In laymans terms, if you make or add non toyota parts that change or modify the operation of the gas engine or electrical drive system and something breaks or changes. Weather directly or indirectly after the modification has been made or in the process of instaling the modification. Will void the vehicle warranty, which may leave the owner of a new prius paying the cost of the repair.

I'll wait till the warranty runs out before doing any mods to be safe..