PHEV Conversion Kits Up MPG Past 100

Small companies are seeing big opportunities to cash in on the demand for hybrid vehicles by offering plug-in hybrid conversion kits. The kits will retrofit an existing gas-electric hybrid vehicle with plug-in electric capabilities. The kits will increase the all-electric range of the modified vehicle and will also improve the overall fuel economy, in some cases to more than 100 mpg.

One such firm in Raleigh, NC - Advanced Vehicle Research Center - will outfit a Prius with the A123 Systems Hymotion L5 Plug-In Conversion Module kit for about $10,500. A123 Systems started offering the system to individuals in April 2008, in addition to fleet owners and government organizations. In addition to improving fuel economy, A123 Systems says the kit will also reduce CO2 emissions.

According to the company, retrofitted vehicles have been crash-tested successfully and meet or exceed Federal crash and emissions standards. Testing conducted by both Argonne National Laboratories and the Idaho National Labs confirmed that the resulting mpg exceeds 100.

Currently the Hymotion L5 PCM is available only for Toyota Priuses made betwee 2004 and 2008. A123 Systems is creating a nationwide dealer network that will sell and install the conversion kit. PHEV conversion kits are not new. MIRA, a British firm is selling a PHEV conversion kit for about £2,000 and HEVT Systems recently demonstrated a Ford F-150 PHEV conversion.

Sources: The News & Observer, A123 Systems