Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

Conversions are mostly for the Prius, with a few for the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner hybrid SUVs. At that point, we expect the aftermarket companies prices to have come down sufficiently so that their conversions will be attractive to owners of hundreds of thousands of hybrids already on the road. So far, most start as hybrids.

Plug-in 41

Plug-in Plug Hybrid Nickel Metal Hydride 41

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

We now have three working converted prototypes (both described in Fact Sheet above, shown in photos and here ): The Calcars first proof-of-concept: (100+ mpg plus electricity, 10-mile electric range, now with temporary lead-acid battery pack, soon to be replaced by nickel metal-hydride batteries). See also: Electric Auto Assn.

Prius 48

Prius Plug-in Plug Hybrid 48

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

Several after-market companies have done PHEV conversions of the Ford Escape hybrid and one has done a retrofit of the F-150 pickup -- see Where PHEVs Are and ICE-Conversions.) GMs program relies on lithium-ion battery technology that Gioia called "cost, weight and package prohibitive." The biggest barrier is the battery."

Plug-in 45

Plug-in Plug Hybrid PHEV 45

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 16, 2009

There are companies that are reinventing the lead-acid battery to make it more competitive with lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride in terms of storage capacity versus weight, durability, and cold weather performance. In most conversions cost is about the same because of needless weight. In the U.S.

Oregon 58

Oregon Green Electric Cars Lead Acid 58