The Gen 3 Prius released mid 2003 has the same prismatic Nimh cells as used in the Gen 2 Prius. However the Nimh cells used in the Gen3 Prius are longer and have a more capacity than the Gen 2 cells. The number of cells used was reduced from 38 in the Gen 2 to 28 in Gen 3. They also seem to last longer than the Gen 2 cells.
To date 8 years later we have not recondition any Generation 3 battery packs. These cells will deteriorate possibly closer to year 10.
Because the number of cells used is reduced battery pack replacement is cheaper at $4500. Reconditioning at $600 is still more economic.
With the Power Jockey the vehicle will perform better. Fuel economy is better and the vehicle appears to be more powerful. It is for this reason that owners of hybrid vehicles will choose to install the Power Jockey, even before the battery fails.
The first sign that the battery pack is starting to weaken is when the fuel economy deteriorates. As the electric motor’s contribution to power at speeds above EV mode, additional power required to maintain the speed asked for is provided by the petrol engine. Therefore fuel consumption increases.
One disadvantage these prismatic cells is that if the vehicle is left unused for 6 months or more the cells fail probably due to crystallisation of electrolyte. We have not found a way to reverse this process yet. So if you are going away for any length of time it is a good idea to get someone to start the vehicle every so often.
A trickle charge system could solve this problem and as the Power Jockey works like a battery in parallel, we could adapted it to perform this function.
Checkout comments from Gen 2 Power Jockey owners below.
The Power Jockey for the Gen 3 Prius (NHW20) will be released in 2012. One test we conducted on the Gen 3 Prius with the Power Jockey returned 36.5 Kms/Litre at speeds under 50 KPH.
Reconditioning and installation of the Power Jockey in the Gen 3 Prius should start in 2012 on the basis that it improves the performance of the vehicle. In addition it protects and allow the vehicle to work with a weaker battery. One weakness that the Gen 3 has is the inverter/converter which can be damaged if the battery is weak. We have replaced 1 such unit so far at a cost of $1500. A new inverter/converter was quoted at $5000. This potential expensive failure can be prevented if the Power Jockey was installed.
We would like to point out that even though the prime purpose of the Power Jockey is to augment and protect the hybrid battery, it will improve the fuel economy of the vehicle as well.
The next development for the Gen 3 Prius will be a low cost plug in system so that the vehicle will become a Plug-In-Electric hybrid vehicle. We say Plug-In-Electric because the system will be 12 volt base to take advantage of on board charging so as to maximise electric mode. Hopefully this will push the fuel economy above 30 Kms/Litre without grid charging.
