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 these prices, people are buying the "environmental feature" -- they want to be among the first owners of the worlds cleanest extended-range vehicles. They are early adopters, buying "Version 1.0" So far, most start as hybrids.

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Plug-in Plug Hybrid Nickel Metal Hydride 41

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

In late 2008, BYD started selling the first production PHEV in China. Partnering with Alcoa, Duke Energy, Google.org, Johnson Controls Indiana startup plans to unveil vehicle May 2009 at EVS-24 in Norway; mass production in 2012. 1,000 pre-orders for small production runs in 2009 and 2010starting 4th quarter 2009.

Plug-in 45

Plug-in Plug Hybrid PHEV 45

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

Despite this, a 2003 EPRI study , assuming only $2/gallon gas , zero buying incentives, and a PHEV premium of $3-$5,000 more than standard hybrids, shows that the total lifetime cost of ownership for a PHEV will be lower than that of any other vehicle type -- so the payback will be there. The EPRI says lithium-ion batteries are ready now.

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PHEV Nickel Metal Hydride Prius EPRI 37

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 22, 2009

The head of Chryslers ENVI division, Lou Rhodes, told AutoblogGreen this morning that Chrysler is marketing this battery-only version of the van to commercial fleet customers who typically have shorter range requirements. The extended-range version will be focused on retail customers.

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Minivan Chrysler Dodge Circuit 2009 46