Question 1

What is a PlugOut Kit?

Accepted Answer

The Plug-Out kit is an electronic power module (an inverter) which enables a hybrid/plugin car to provide grid-like power to the home, worksite, campsite, tailgate, or a variety of other uses.  This is a V2H (Vehicle to Home) capability.

Question 2

How do I install the PlugOut to the car?

Accepted Answer

The PlugOut kit requires installation of a [included] car-cable onto the high voltage ‘traction’ battery by a trained and experienced hybrid mechanic [maybe 1-2 hour time].  The PlugOut units are not installed onto the car, typically residing off-car on a separate cart, or a wall backboard in the garage or basement.  The trained mechanic is needed for cable installation to ensure safety, as the connection is made to the hybrid’s traction battery, whose high voltages are dangerous and life-threatening. Once the cable is installed, the customer can easily connect/disconnect the PlugOut unit for each use by him/herself.  See Plug-Out Operation Guide.

Question 3

Will the vehicle’s warranty be affected?

Accepted Answer

According to Federal Law the answer is “No”. Adding an "aftermarket" part to your car will not void the factory warranty. The applicable law is called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The quick explanation is that the original manufacturer cannot void its product warranty, in whole or part, when an aftermarket product is added, except where the problem at hand can be proved by the manufacturer/dealer to be caused by the aftermarket product[s] (burden of proof on the manufacturer). PlugOut Power has access to the same manufacturers’ tech/service bulletins as the dealers, so we may be of help in talking with the dealer about any problem. 
Most manufacturers and dealers will automatically tell you “yes, you will void the warranty”, and will say adding any parts to their cars voids the warranty. These car dealers aren’t trying to violate Federal Law, it’s just that they aren’t always aware of what the laws are. If you do find an obstinate dealer who won't work on your car, we recommend that you go to another dealer, or independent hybrid service garage, or call us for help.  We make it easy for you to disconnect your PlugOut so the car is in OEM condition. Customers/dealers may call us to ask how to disconnect the system so you can get your warranty repair work done.

Question 4

How much fuel does the PlugOut use?

Accepted Answer

Fuel use is directly dependent on average power use.  Results are similar for any of the PlugOut products, obviously some models can handle higher top loads than others, but all are similar at loads below their rating.  The following data are for average power use from a Prius [tank = 9.9gal].  Individual results may vary some. 
Load: 400w     Engine Duty Cycle: 15%    Fuel Use:  0.1gal/hr     6kwh/g     Time:

Question 5

What do all these acronyms mean?

Accepted Answer

E-Car: Electrified Car (HEV, PHV/PHEV, BEV) BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle PHEV/PHV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle a/A: amperes or amps V: volts kW: kilowatt, W: watts; measures of power (rate of energy flow).  Watts = Volts * Amperes kW h: Kilowatt-Hour, Wh: watt-hour; measures of accumulated energy.  Wh = Watts * hours ah:  amp-hours, a measure of (battery) energy capacity (similar to Wh, but lacking voltage consideration].