It's just a survey, I am not selling anything (yet).

Absolutely on point bobzchemist!! Conversion kits are sold all the time and this might be an easier route. Back in the 70's, there was a market for Porsche 914's with chevy 350's installed. It was done right here in the OC of California.

 

thanks, i'm just not the bright.

 

I'm 90% certain Bob Bruninga came up with this idea first, but I can't find the webpage. Does anyone know?

 

I know that battery technology has been improving, but it's hard for me to believe that you're able to install an automotive-grade rechargeable pack with 100 miles of range for $3,000. A pack that large also needs very sophisticated thermal management to prevent fire. So unless you're a mega-genius with a major battery technology breakthrough, then I would pass.

 

Toyota has made mention that their software can now monitor each cell in the pack in real time. Tesla has been doing the same for several years. I would be wary of a system that can't monitor for dying or overheating cells.

 

RUN!

 

There's no point in saying pass or running away from a product that doesn't exist. It's being worked on. Do you like the idea? Would you buy it? I would definitely buy a Prius EV conversion today for $3000 or more likely one already converted. I think it's a fantastic idea and I wish anyone attempting it luck.

Take out the ICE up front. Shoehorn some batteries in there and add a plug. Obviously easier said than done.

 

You mean like this?
Returning old member nead advice | PriusChat

 

a lot of great products started in someone's garage, whilst large corporations maintained the status quo, claiming nothing could be done.

 

If you look at the response to Elio Motors 3-wheel 84 mpg coming-soon-any-day-now car, you can see that there's a huge market for a $7,000 - $8,000 reliable mode of transportation. I think a great many people are interested in it despite its small size, rather than because of it.

Being able to yank the ICE out of a Prius, and therefore not having to worry about refurbishing it, would hugely simplify the process of reconditioning a used Prius, and eliminate a lot of warranty worries.

I'm seeing some used 1st gen Priis selling for $1,000 to $3,000 in my area. If, for example, you could pick up a used 2003 for $1,000, add your $3,000 system, and spend about $1,000 refurbishing it, it's very possible you could get someone to pay $8,000 for it, giving you a $3,000 profit. Since you don't care if the ICE is running or not, it seems likely that you could get a bunch of non-running 1st gens for $500 - $600, which would improve your profit margin. Selling the removed parts would further increase your profitability.

 

It's still fun to speculate...

 

Isn't that how any company gets started? It starts as an idea and an entrepreneur develops and grows it. Meanwhile, they fend off the naysayers. Look at at all the negative press against Google and Apple making their own car. They are multi billion dollar couples with access to any relent they want to develop ideas.

Imagine the kind of mocking a couple of silicon valley nerds received when they said they were building an electric car 15 years ago.
Tesla: The Origin Story - Business Insider

 

I like buying gas, it supports our economy and keep oil drillers working.
With more and more cars becoming plug-ins, southern California Edison will triple the bill!

 

Gas taxes also help pay for road repair.

 

By then there will be tons of used Nissan Leafs and other EV's selling at around the same price that are proven, have predictable issues, and has the committed support of a big manufacturer.

To the op: I think converting a very efficient car to electric isn't going to help much environmentally. In fact at this price, it probability will be produced in China where environmental and humanitarian abuses are rampant, not to mention actively bullying and destroying the seas of other countries around it.