Prius v as a Backup Generator

You want the added cost added on to every Prius? It is already criticized as being too expensive.

How many people would be interested in such a feature?

 

Saw the 1KW Plug-Out Island 120v for Any Hybrid at the Prius TGB4 meetup this weekend in Riverside, CA. Company ConVerdant Vehicles. It is a simple clamp onto the 12V battery on the right side rear. positive and negative terminals. Discussed plugging in a normal refrigerator (including surge) and more - computer, router, CFL lights, small TV etc, and generally this basic 1KW model will handle all the above just fine for 5 days with a full tank of gas. Just unclamp when not in use. Can also be used for tailgating. Most assuring is it has been thoroughly tested with the Prius, and at the meetup was in fact clamped onto a gen2 Prius 12V battery in the parking lot. Many attendees were definitely most interested in the unit for using the Prius as an emergency generator, or even a tailgate camping generator. Check it out.

 

There is already a 1000 watt power feed from the engine to the 12V battery, so it should be fine if not connecting to a heater etc. It's definitely worth checking out. This vendor can be emailed or called to discuss.

from FAQ Converdant website:
"The Basic system is for less than 1000 watts [1kw] of aggregate wattage requirements. The Basic systems allow surge currents of 100% greater than the Rated Power. So, the 1kw unit can sustain a short [10sec] surge power need of 2kw. It gets connected to the car’s 12v battery by the user each time it is used. As a 12v system, the Basic Plug-Out system can work on any car or truck, but works best with Toyota Synergy Hybrids where the 12v battery is in the trunk [set unit on the trunk floor], where there is >1000watt power feed from the engine to the 12v battery, and where there is start-stop engine operation while the car is On and in Park. The Basic unit is inexpensive and easily portable, so could be kept in the car for adhoc uses."
"The first step is to inventory and prioritize your desired appliances and devices to be supported in emergency situations. Next step is to find out the wattages [voltage and current] for each appliance then total them up."

 

Plug-Out Kits

Makes sense as an owner purchased after-market option.

 

I read somewhere that Toyota was offering the AC inverter only in Japan at this time and as an option, not as a standard component.

The price was in the $3000 range, though.

 

On the Converdant site, noticed a Hurricane Sale for $350 for the Basic 1kw unit ending June 15. Usual price online is now $429. Hopefully, there will be another sale.

 

That's pretty nifty.