Have you converted your hybrid into a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in PriusMany hybrid owners dream of converting their hybrid cars into plug-in hybrid vehicles, but few have actually made their dreams come true.
Have you converted your hybrid into a plug-in hybrid?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:31 AM
9 Comments:
It's all about cost and ROI.
With the high cost of a plug-in conversion, it will take as may as 20 years to get a return on your investment in gas savings.
This is the same reason I did not upgrade my Air Conditioner in my house. Even with tax credits and reduced electrical bills, the ROI was nearly 20 years.
Plug-in conversions will never be sold in any great quantity until the price comes down.....
No doubt, Smurf.
Nonetheless, hundreds, possibly thousands, of private plug-in conversions have been completed.
Many others would consider such a conversion, despite the unfavorable economics. Thus, experiences with different plug-in conversion kits and/or companies could still be useful.
Dahc,
I agree. Many people have been converting gasoline to electric-only vehicles for years. It is not just about the current market value, it is also about technology and about the future.
you've got tons of folks who are willing to plunk down 20K for a fishing boat...or an RV as a hobby.. with no intention of seeking an ROI...
However... I will say this. Compact Fluorescents are an example of something with a guaranteed positive ROI - and many folks will still not buy them because the initial price is so much higher than incandescents.
20 years is too long for ROI though. Somewhere in the middle of that twenty years, you'll own some very expensive technologically and economically obsolete hardware.
Some folks to this day cannot bear to throw away their BetaMax units.. because they still work... but at some point, even a "like new" steam engine is a museum piece.
lb-
and, if you've owned your hybrid for six or seven years, maybe a plug-in conversion, versus buying a new hybrid, provides an interesting option.
Dahc,
That might sound as a good idea, but, I, personally would not do that. It will not be a new car anyway (with all problems of an old car). It might require very expensive repairs (especially after conversion). So, I would drive my Camry for 8-10 years o so until repair costs are not too high. Then depending on the maturity of electric highway I buy either another new hybrid or a new plugin-hybrid.
i don't blame you, however, i will eventually convert a hybrid into a plug-in hybrid, hopefully, sooner rather than later. and, i plan to have a hands on role in that conversion, purely out of hobbyist interests.
Is there any info about 2010 Prius conversions or, since it's so early, any opinions on whether the 2010 makes for a better PHEV after conversion than an older Prius? I'm thinking especially about the EV mode button on the 2010 that isn't there on the older Prii.
Thanks!
BTW, should we assume that PHEV conversions void the regular Prius warranty?
It definitely voids any HSD or battery-related warranty. I don't know if it voids all warranties.
In terms of being a better hybrid for conversion, I'm sure it is, but is it that much better?
Likewise, it depends on how soon you want to be driving your plug-in hybrid.
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