How to use the Prius as a generator
Auto repair

How to use the Prius as a generator

09.11.2022 /

The lack of electricity due to a natural disaster or maintenance work being done on power lines in your area is at best inconvenient and at worst life-threatening, especially when you depend on electricity for basic needs such as heating during the winter months . However, if you're a Prius driver, there's a way to use your car to generate electricity for your home and deal with power outages better.

Part 1 of 1: Using the Prius as a Generator

Necessary materials

  • ConVerdant Vehicles Plug-Out
  • ConVerdant Vehicles Plug-Out Island
  • Heavy Duty Power Strip
  • Network filter

Step 1. Choose a replacement module kit that suits your needs.. ConVerdant offers three kits, including the Island (power converter) and input cable with different power ratings: 2kva, 3kva and 5kva.

Typically, a 2 kVA kit is suitable for running non-electric heating and one large appliance such as a refrigerator. The 3 kVA kit can operate one large appliance, a non-electric heating or forced ventilation system, and one smaller appliance such as a coffee maker. The 5kVA kit can operate two to three main appliances, as well as a 240V pump or air handling unit.

When in doubt, refer to the ConVerdant capacity planning guide.

  • AttentionA: Plug-out kits do not work with the Prius C, although ConVerdant and Toyota are reportedly developing kits that are compatible with this Prius model.

Step 2: Connect the Plug-Out Input Cable to the Prius Battery.. To find a suitable place to connect the Prius high voltage battery, open the trunk and lift the bottom panel to reveal the storage compartment.

Inside this compartment is a box labeled "High Voltage". Here you connect the end of the input cable with a red plug, a black plug, and two white plugs. Align the colors on the end of the input cable with the receptors on the box and press the input cable firmly against them.

Step 3 Connect the input cable to the Plug-Out island.. Install the bottom panel in the trunk over the input cable so that the free end of the cable is accessible. Place the Island on top of the panel in the trunk. Insert the free end of the input cable into the same shaped receiver on the back of the island.

Step 4 Connect the extension cord to the outlet island.. Plug the male end of the extension cord into one of the plugs on the back of the Island, then run the extension cord toward the house near appliances or items that you want to use with the electricity generated by your Prius.

Step 5: Connect the surge protector to the power strip. To prevent the surge protector from separating from the extension cord and interrupting the operation of your electronic devices, twist the cords together two or three times before inserting the plug end of the surge protector into the female end of the extension cord.

Step 6: Plug in the items you want to run on your Prius. Make sure the power light on the surge protector is on, and then plug in any items you want to turn on.

Otherwise, if you do not make sure that the power indicator is on, your appliances or other connected essentials will not receive power.

Step 7: Start Your Prius' Ignition. Press the power button on the Prius dashboard to start the engine and start generating electricity for your home.

While your vehicle is running, power will be supplied through the ConVerdant Plug-Out installation.

While using your Prius as a generator is a temporary solution to electrical problems, it can be handy in a pinch to keep warm, store the contents of your refrigerator, or turn on your TV for entertainment until your power is restored. In addition, it is environmentally friendly, quiet and efficient.

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