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Prius Converted to Plug-in  (Source: News.com)
Hybrid conversion kits cost around $10,000 on average

There are number of hybrid vehicles on the road today -- including the Toyota Prius -- but the road to full electric vehicles is a long one. The problem with achieving full electric vehicles isn't that manufacturers can't build them; it's that today's battery technology simply doesn't provide the driving range needed by the majority of drivers.

Sales of hybrid vehicles are up and some hybrid owners are taking matters into their own hands with third-party conversions to turn their hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrids.

Several small startups are trying to woo hybrid car owners -- especially those who own the Toyota Prius -- into their shops to have the vehicles converted into plug-in hybrids. As it ships from the manufacturer, the Toyota Prius does not plug into the electrical grid. Rather, the vehicle uses a gasoline motor that recharges the batteries inside the car to increase overall fuel economy. The Prius can run on electric power alone, but typically does so only for short distances.

Small companies trying to market conversion kits to turn the Prius into a plug-in hybrid are boasting that their plug-in conversions will allow the Prius to be driven 40 miles on batteries alone. The same firms also claim that the overall fuel economy averages about 100 miles per gallon. The catch is that the third-party conversion kits are expensive -- typically costing around $10,000.

However, Felix Kramer founder of CalCars told News.com that there are around 200 plug-in hybrid conversions already on the roads since conversions started in 2004. Kramer looks at the plug-in hybrid realistically. With the current maximum range of 40 miles, the plug-in is the ideal second car in his opinion for commuters who still have a larger SUV or similar vehicle for the weekend or longer trips.

There are a few mechanics and car dealers currently installing plug-in hybrid conversions according to News.com, including Plug-In Supply. The company is selling $5,000 conversion kits that allow the Prius driver to travel 20 miles on fully charged lead acid batteries alone. For $11,000, the driver can get a lithium-iron phosphate battery kit in place of the lead acid batteries. The kit prices don't include installation, which can run another $1,000.

Safety of plug-in converted hybrids has been a concern after a Prius that had been converted burst into flames in June. According to News.com, a third-party investigator blamed improper assembly for the fire, not the hybrid conversion kit itself.

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Saving money?
By Spuke on 8/13/2008 2:52:18 PM , Rating: 5
How does one save money by paying the roughly $5000 premium for a hybrid car then paying another $10k for the LI battery conversion? That does not compute. Considering the car will be dumped in another 5 years, you'll never make up the cost of the vehicle let alone the conversion kit.




RE: Saving money?
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 8/13/2008 3:01:07 PM , Rating: 3
Most hybrids don't make much financial sense to me. I'd take a reasonably fuel efficient car with good handling over a hybrid boat with low rolling resistance tires.


RE: Saving money?
By chris2618 on 8/13/2008 3:53:59 PM , Rating: 2
If you had to pay nearly $10 a gallon they start to make a bit more sense


RE: Saving money?
By Spuke on 8/13/2008 4:21:27 PM , Rating: 3
The argument still applies. You don't spend nearly or even over $30k in car costs plus conversion costs to save money. If you want to save money, REDUCE your costs.

For example: get a cheaper house or just stay in the one you're in for 20 years instead of the typical 10 (move when you retire), keep that old TV instead buying a new one, keep that old computer around for 6 years instead of 3, have two used cars instead of two new one's, turn off lights that aren't being used, only wash clothes and dishes (if you have a dish washer) during off-peak times. I can create a list for you if you like. There's tons of ways to save money. Buying more expensive cars or just plain buying more stuff isn't one of them.


RE: Saving money?
By maverick85wd on 8/13/2008 5:36:40 PM , Rating: 2
I agree with all your recommendations for being efficient. At the same time, early adopters pay for what they're doing now so we can all afford them in the future.

If I had the money I'd love to have a car that got me 40 miles a day without having to stop for gas, if for no other reason than it takes time out of my day and can be a nuisance. If I had the money what's an extra 15 grand for that convenience?


RE: Saving money?
By masher2 (blog) on 8/13/2008 5:43:19 PM , Rating: 2
> "...without having to stop for gas, if for no other reason than it takes time out of my day and can be a nuisance. If I had the money what's an extra 15 grand for that convenience?"

The time you save in gassing up a bit less often is going to be far outweighed by the need to plug in and unplug the vehicle every time you stop.


RE: Saving money?
By Jedi2155 on 8/13/2008 7:24:40 PM , Rating: 1
I don't know how long it takes to for one to plug it into a wall outlet but I bet it doesn't take more time over a day than it does to fill up. I fill up about once every week to week and a half for about 320 miles of driving each fill up taking up a minimum of 7-10 minutes of time such as waiting for the slow as heck credit card reader (worse if you pay with cash) plus the extra drive to the station and getting in and out of the car.

Versus driving home into the garage and just plugging it in to the nearest outlet which should take no more than 30 seconds to do each day. In either case these are minuscule amounts of time saved comparable to extra step in the bathroom such as washing your hands after every use which I heartily recommend everyone do.


RE: Saving money?
By Spuke on 8/13/08, Rating: -1
RE: Saving money?
By lightfoot on 8/13/2008 8:44:42 PM , Rating: 2
You do not stand by the car while it is recharging - you do when you refuel.

He is counting the 30 seconds of active participation required to plug in the car, just as it takes 5-10 minutes of active participation to refuel a car. Not that it seems like much of a savings either way.


RE: Saving money?
By omnicronx on 8/13/2008 11:45:54 PM , Rating: 2
Dont forget that you need to leave your car for x amount of hours for it to fully recharge, or you will end up going to the gas station anyways. If you are only using the car for your 10 minute commute to the train station then you have no problem, but what about after getting home from a day of work and having to drive your kids, pick up food, etc etc.. you just are not going to have that long recharge time and you will spend time waiting for your car to charge..

I always laugh at my friend who had a similar conversion done on his prius, when he tells me that he cant come out tonight because he is letting his car charge and it is a fire hazard so he cannot leave.. People never think of that one... which you should considering we are talking about a 3rd party conversion kit here..


RE: Saving money?
By Spuke on 8/13/2008 11:53:21 PM , Rating: 2
Really? Is that something the conversion company wants its customers to do to prevent lawsuits?


RE: Saving money?
By omnicronx on 8/14/2008 8:14:41 AM , Rating: 2
Its a giant battery that is not a stock part.. to me, its pretty much common sense.


RE: Saving money?
By Alexstarfire on 8/14/2008 8:19:47 AM , Rating: 2
Fire hazard? I've yet to hear that one, and I'm pretty well read, and versed, on plug-in conversions.

Anyways... that's the guy's personal preference. He could come out, but doesn't want to. Maybe he's just using that as an excuse?


RE: Saving money?
By whirabomber on 8/14/2008 8:43:15 AM , Rating: 1
Yes, I guess a prius is more likely to burst into flames while driving than charging.

This article does clear up why GM expects folks to pay $30-35k for the Volt.


RE: Saving money?
By omnicronx on 8/14/2008 9:34:41 AM , Rating: 2
Really? because I have never heard of one bursting into flames while driving.. on the other hand...

http://www.dailytech.com/Retrofitted+Plugin+Prius+...


RE: Saving money?
By trisct on 8/14/2008 4:05:54 PM , Rating: 2
Quote:

On its final voyage, the driver noticed that the back seat caught on fire -- the driver then quickly pulled over to the side of the road and was able to exit the vehicle.

/Q

Sounds to me like this actually IS an example of one bursting into flames while driving. Not the other hand at all.


RE: Saving money?
By Jedi2155 on 8/15/2008 5:16:32 PM , Rating: 2
Keep in mind that there is about 40 miles of range on the battery. If you couldn't be bothered to unplug and drive out a lot, just don't plug it in until the end of the day. Unless you're constantly driving around like a night hawk, I'm sure most people are in their homes and not likely to leave for at least 8 hours a day as one typically needs sleep which is enough to charge up the entire battery.


RE: Saving money?