A “Plug” for Hybrids

Posted By on April 27, 2006

Prius Plug in
If you’ve given any thought to hybrid vehicles, you most likely have heard discussions or asked questions about possible plug-in versions. The concept is pretty simple — they are normal hybrid vehicles, either series or parallel, that have larger (or more efficient) batteries, a different controller and a charger that plugs into your home electrical system for recharging. Currently there are a few ‘mad scientist’ models being built but nothing commercial from a major automaker. Actually some current hybrids are already capable of doing this with a simple plug and charger … the range, engine off, is about 30 miles. According to experimenters, this range can be increase significantly by adding lithium-ion batteries which will increase electric only range to nearly 100 miles.

Prius Computer readoutThe following NBC clip interviews three guys who decided to give this ‘plug in hybrid’ or PHEV a try. Although the concept is great and it makes sense … it doesn’t necessarily make perfect ‘cents’ according to vehicle manufacturers. The added cost at this particular time might not be ‘sellable.’ (the quoted number to modify a car in such a way was roughly $10K per vehicle) Ouch … that’s an bunch of upfront dollars.

Of course this doesn’t detour hard core hypermilers, environmentalist or those concerned with the unmeasured cost (and future cost) our nation faces to keep imported oil flowing from the middle east. Several ‘vehicle modifiers’ are starting companies that will offer a hybrid conversion service with a plug and believe that the market is ready. (someone even mentioned the possibility of a do-it-yourself kit?) Check out Edrive Systems and CalCars for the latest.

Plug in hybrids news story

Comments

  • Johanne

    I have recently found your blog from a freind over at greenhybrid.com. I do not own a hybrid or a diesel but would like to learn more before making the decision. Since moving to the United States I have own only on car but realize that I should have considered the cost of fuel, the dependency on petroleum and the ripple effect this could have one each one of us as well as the economy of the country. Should I wait for a plug in electric hybrid or buy on now? I hope you will talk more about diesel cars and what new models are coming. Thank you for your daily posts, I enjoy reading them. Your truly, Johanne

  • Johanne

    I have recently found your blog from a freind over at greenhybrid.com. I do not own a hybrid or a diesel but would like to learn more before making the decision. Since moving to the United States I have own only on car but realize that I should have considered the cost of fuel, the dependency on petroleum and the ripple effect this could have one each one of us as well as the economy of the country. Should I wait for a plug in electric hybrid or buy on now? I hope you will talk more about diesel cars and what new models are coming. Thank you for your daily posts, I enjoy reading them. Your truly, Johanne

  • http://my.opera.com/bhtooefr/blog bhtooefr

    Hello, Johanne, I’m a semi-regular reader of Rich’s blog…

    Take a look at TDIClub.com to learn more about diesels, and look at the various hybrid sites (such as GreenHybrid, which you mentioned… also, I’ve heard that PriusChat is a good one) for more on them.

    Actually, over at TDIClub, there’s a couple of active threads comparing the 2006 Jetta TDI to the 2006 Toyota Prius. One of them is here: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=135434

    Anyway, they’re two different cars for two totally different needs. While I prefer the diesels (I personally have an elderly 1985 Jetta diesel), there are people for whom hybrids will work better.

  • http://my.opera.com/bhtooefr/blog bhtooefr

    Hello, Johanne, I’m a semi-regular reader of Rich’s blog…

    Take a look at TDIClub.com to learn more about diesels, and look at the various hybrid sites (such as GreenHybrid, which you mentioned… also, I’ve heard that PriusChat is a good one) for more on them.

    Actually, over at TDIClub, there’s a couple of active threads comparing the 2006 Jetta TDI to the 2006 Toyota Prius. One of them is here: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=135434

    Anyway, they’re two different cars for two totally different needs. While I prefer the diesels (I personally have an elderly 1985 Jetta diesel), there are people for whom hybrids will work better.

  • http://www.myarchive.us/richc/2003jettatdi RichC

    Very well stated Eric. Glad to have you both keeping me on my toes. :-)

  • http://www.myarchive.us/richc/2003jettatdi RichC

    Very well stated Eric. Glad to have you both keeping me on my toes. :-)

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.