Power Jockey FAQ

2) Why do we need a Power Jockey?
The HEV battery pack is rated to last 100,000Kms or 8 years. Nearing the end of it’s life the cells have less capacity and are easily shorted under heavy stress. The power jockey helps to even out the stress on the weaker cells under heavy discharge preventing cell failure.
It provides power support for old and tired HEV battery pack and we believe if used with a new battery will extend the life of the battery by many years.
HEV battery packs are expensive to replace and install. The power Jockey can certainly extend the period between replacements and we hope it can make the HEV battery pack last the life of the vehicle.

3) What is different about the Power Jockey and other plug in conversions?
The Power Jockey primary function is to protect the HEV battery pack. It is designed to prevent the cell sub packs from being discharged beyond the threshold when cell failure may occur. By using the car’s own 12 volt system for it’s power source the Power Jockey is “always working”.
In saying that there is also a plug in option planned for the Power Jockey.

4) Will it work with other hybrids?
The first prototype and production units were designed for use with the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Prius ( 1997 – 2003 ).
Later models employ the 201.6 volts battery pack. We will be introducing a model for use with these vehicles soon. Theoretically any hybrid or electric vehicle can benefit from this principle. It will be our aim to make the Power Jockey work for all hybrid vehicles.

5) Does the Power Jockey improve the power and economy of the hybrid vehicle, and if so How?
Yes it does. The most important part in the drive train of the hybrid vehicle is the electric drive. If the HEV battery is too weak to power the electric motor the ICE motor will disengage itself from the drive train and the vehicle will be rendered immobile.
By providing just that little bit of power to the motor through the Power Jockey, the ICE is better able to perform within it’s efficient range hence more power. The little extra push from the Power Jockey also enable the vehicle to operate more in the EV mode at low speeds and in cruising mode leading to better fuel economy.
A battery with weak or damaged cells will cause the ICE to start up and charge the whole battery pack. With the Power Jockey installed we have observed even a battery with bad cells go into silent mode at lights.

6) How easy is it to install the Power Jockey?
Installation is a breeze. In the Gen 1 the unit is mounted on the back of the hybrid battery. There are only 2 sets of wires to connect one to the 12 volt system and the other to the HEV battery pack. Instructional videos are available to assist. In the Gen 2 The Power Jockey is mounted on top of the HEV battery.

7) How does the Power Jockey work?
In the Prius the Hybrib Synergy Drive seemlesly combines the electric motor to the gas engine (ICE). When the planetary gears from the electric drive spins at it’s maximum the gas engine kicks in to assist and complement. The trick is to provide enough power to keep the planatery gears spinning at or close to this maximum.
When this condition is satisfied the ICE will happily do it’s part even with a weak HEV battery pack.

Will The Power Jockey damage my hybrid?
The power jockey connects in parallel to the HEV battery pack. On the 12 volt supply side the current draw is limited to 1000 watts and a fuse limits the current that can be drawned from the charging system.

9) Why use the vehicle’s 12 volt system?
To protect the HEV battery the Power Jockey has to be working anytime the vehicle is operating. If an external source was used it would soon run out and the HEV battery will not be protected. Without a functioning HEV battery the hybrid vehicle is just “scrap metal”.

10) How much space does the Power Jockey take up?Hardly any at all. You still have almost all your boot space. available to you. You can still keep your spare tyre where it is.