Lookin to buy...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(netgooroo @ Dec 31 2006, 07:06 PM) [snapback]369137[/snapback]</div>

The Prius is also a gasoline vehicle, it just goes further on the gasoline it uses. But all of the energy it uses still comes from the gasoline burned in the engine either directly or indirectly. As far as I know their is no plug in mod, unless you plan to make your own.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(netgooroo @ Jan 1 2007, 09:29 AM) [snapback]369255[/snapback]</div>

Green Car Congress says they will cost $9500 in lots of 100 or more and $6500 in lots of 1000 or more. According to Hymotion the kit will void the warranty. That's a lot of money for an untested product that would void your warranty.

With no more battery capacity than is being added, 5 KWh, Hymotion's claim of 50 Km range seems highly optimistic.

Interesting links, have you found a dealer who actually sells/installs any PHEV systems?

I think your goal is noble, I just don't think this stuff is ready to market yet. I understand there may also be some safety concerns with lithium batteries of this size?

EDIT: Try doing a search of this site for "PHEV" there have been a lot of good discussions.

 

None of the PHEV kits or mods seems to be currently available. EDrive Systems' web site still promises nation-wide installers by 2006 (yes, that's not a typo, last year!) but has not yet (as far as I know) even begun doing local installations. I have no idea what the delay is. HyMotion says its kits are currently available for fleet purchase only.

CalCars has done conversions, and I believe they will provide documentation for do-it-yourselfers. But their project was proof-of-concept and not commercial. I've seen one of their cars. It has lead-acid batteries and leaves the car with no place for a spare tire except right up on the rear cargo space of the car. They may have a LiIon version now.

Lots of folks, including many here on P.C. would jump at the opportunity to have a PHEV, but unless you are a very advanced electrician and mechanic, converting a Prius is probably not yet a possibility.

Note also that a Prius PHEV will still have the speed and power limitations in EV mode of a stock Prius in EV mode. So that you will still be burning gas most of the time. The up side is that you will also be injecting grid power, and so getting maybe half of your power from electricity during the first 30 to 60 miles or so.

A year ago I'd have had my Prius converted if it had been available. Now I'm wondering if I'd be better off waiting for a real EV to become available. I'm also wondering if a conversion will even be available before a real EV or a stock PHEV comes along. Some folks are crossing their fingers that the 2009 model year Prius is PHEV. I'd sure rather buy a car that Toyota builds as a PHEV than have a micro-company do an after-market conversion.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(netgooroo @ Jan 2 2007, 06:34 AM) [snapback]369544[/snapback]</div>

While the EV1 would still be on the road, it would be pretty undesirable, as there would be much better EVs by now, with more modern batteries and control electronics.

With a 25 mph top speed, I would not be able to drive the ZenCar anywhere beyond where I can walk now. But if that's all you need, there are several manufacturers, and several makes and models available now.

I need a car that can go at least 45 mph, and I want a car that is freeway-capable (i.e., at least 60 mph and zero to 60 no slower than 12 seconds, for getting onto the freeway safely.). What I want is a Tesla. But I'd buy an EV1.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(netgooroo @ Jan 2 2007, 06:34 AM) [snapback]369544[/snapback]</div>

Hey netgooroo, I say: Go for it!

About ten years ago I built an EV (actually I converted a Geo Metro). It cost me about the same as a PHEV conversion on a Prius does now. It's definitely not cost-effective, but that feeling of being a pioneer to help save the planet is priceless

I've been thinking of the PHEV Prius conversion for a while now, just waiting for a spare $10K B) . Then just recently I read a rumor that Toyota may make a PHEV Prius in 2009. Has anyone else heard anythng about this?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paulccullen @ Jan 2 2007, 07:53 AM) [snapback]369561[/snapback]</div>

Yep. The rumor is out there. Toyota is saying almost nothing about the my 2009 Prius so it's all rumor.

I think it's reasonable to expect more battery capacity, due to advances in technology. Lithium seems likely. They've thrown out some mpg numbers, but you have to convert between the Japanese mpg tests and ours, consider real-life driving, etc. No doubt, the car will get better mpg.

But the rumor that I read had a figure of 9 miles EV range, and whether they'd bother to go PHEV with such a small battery capacity is questionable. (Just my analysis.) The hope would be that they'd go out to 15 or 20 miles, and make the necessary changes so the car could drive as an EV. But that's my hope based on nothing but wishful thinking.

Bottom line: Toyota ain't saying, but there will be major improvements. If there's no real EV available or on the horizon by then, I'll probably trade up. But if I can get a real EV I'll keep my '04 Prius for road trips and drive the EV in town.