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Enginer plug in?

Discussion in 'Prius PHEV Plug-In Modifications' started by Jsmoov, Jul 31, 2014.

  1. Jsmoov

    Jsmoov New Member

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    I just got my first prius (2008) and I love it! I have also learned of a shop that does the Enginer plug in conversions. Has anyone done this? And if so, how do you like it? Thanks for the input.
     

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  2. Jsmoov

    Jsmoov New Member

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    The photo is me driving at 56 mph on a warm florida morning :)
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats! they don't make the enginer kit anymore, and thank goodness. if you want to electrify, it's more expensive, but reliable.
     
  4. Jsmoov

    Jsmoov New Member

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    Lol ok.. do I have other options?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there is a company called boulder hybrids i believe, and plug in conversions? i'm just guessing. there are some threads if you want to search. they aren't popular, because they cost a fortune. you can grab a brand spankin' new plug in prius in cali for $24,000., how you gonna beat that?
     
  6. Jsmoov

    Jsmoov New Member

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    Yea.. maybe I'm just getting a lil nuts about mpg lol.. my wife has already yelled at me about this plug in conversion. If I drive the prius doing pulse and glide I average 70 mpg.. guess I'll just deal with that until I get the plug In lol.
     
  7. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    good rationale....
     
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  8. Jsmoov

    Jsmoov New Member

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    I just wanna get the most out of my prius... I only commute 22 miles round trip 6 days a week for work.. just want a bit more :)

    Just want the most mpg possible for my daily commute of 22 miles. :)
     
    #8 Jsmoov, Aug 1, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 1, 2014
  9. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Trade it in for a PIP returned lease and you will be happier.
     
  10. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    There are not many aftermarket plug in systems available.
    You can get a system from Boxer Hybrids for around during $13,000.
    There are other systems like MD Tech, which have not had much testing in the US yet, for around $7,000.
    Or I could even get you a new old stock, orphaned Hymotion system if you really wanted it.

    Unless you are a tinkerer you may want to stick with what you've got. But feel free to call if you want to talk.
     
  11. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    The two people I would trust to install a conversion and perform any maintenance would be Eric (above) and Paul at Boulder Hybrids.
    I know there are other people who can do the work and have done the work but I cannot, personally, account for their work.
     
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  12. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    FYI
    Eric and Mr B statement have true merit. The monetary funds spent on a hybrid plug in aftermarket kit could be on EV. EV, hybrids, and aftermarket plug in kits have pros and cons. Aftermarket plug kit for hybrids is less and less of a choice because of cost, value, and other options.
    The few plug in aftermarket owners in PC are few and far between . OEM plug ins, Tesla, Leafs, and future technology have and will chart a path with less aftermarket plug in kits
     
  13. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    Where in the USA and what is the "shop" name
     
  14. don m

    don m Junior Member

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  15. don m

    don m Junior Member

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    I have had a version 6 for a couple of years and have gotten 4to 6 mpg more than others in the summer hours and never less than 45mpg even though I pulled a trailer behind .Glad I got it and it is holding up ok.
     
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  16. klhoepsin

    klhoepsin Junior Member

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    I too have had the Enginer 4K system installed for 2.5 years. Paul G at Boulder Hybrid did the install and did a great job. I did have some cell failures right after the manufacturer went bankrupt and Paul was able to help me locate replacements. My mpg gets bumped up about 18%. Your results will vary depending on how far you drive and whether you can plug it in at work if you have a long commute.
     
  17. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Most of the Enginer kits contain components that are too unreliable and parts are either non existent or high priced.
    If you still want a "Trickle charge" phev system I can get one for you. It will cost ~$7,000 installed.
     
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  18. lopezjm2001

    lopezjm2001 Senior Member

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    I would give it full warranty for four weeks only. :)
    You just can't go past the factory installed PIP for component quality.
     
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  19. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Factory is a different type of system.
    As for warranty we have no US testing of the newest products longevity. It could be 4 weeks for all we know although we have been told verbally that the system is reliable. Time will tell.
     
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  20. Silver Pine Mica

    Silver Pine Mica Junior Member

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    To throw some more numbers at what "costs a fortune" means in this context, here is the pricing page of another vendor (haven't used, can't endorse): Plug-In Hybrid Conversion System and DIY Parts Pricing | Plug-In Supply

    Their 10Kw option costs 10,275 plus $1,000 installation (I'd install it myself, if the numbers worked in its favor.) The estimated fuel economy at 70mph post conversion would be 80mpg. My current mpg is 43 in the winter, so this would bring my (47 miles/day) annual commute to $1,033 in gas currently, with a $555/year post conversion estimated expense. The savings of $477/year would make a $3,823 savings on gas over the eight year estimated life span of lithium phosphate batteries (might be pessimistic but data is sparse). Thus the conversion would ultimately cost more than not doing the conversion as long as gas remains below $9.60/gallon. YMMV.

    There are several key disadvantages to conversions. They still have to run the engine for heat in winter, the engine still runs above ~42mph, and many lithium phosphate chemistries can't be charged below freezing. The power output of the electric drive is limited so benefits are limited at highway speeds. I can't afford to do a conversion that is a money loser, and I live in too cold a climate to use any batteries that can't be charged below freezing.

    I therefore encourage everyone with the money to do so to buy a new OEM plug in prius every year so that they can come onto the used market in numbers sufficient for me to get one in ten years.