A Comprehensive Guide to Plug-in Hybrids
What Is A Plug-in Hybrid Car?
A plug-in hybrid car is similar to a conventional hybrid vehicle—both use a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor. However, a plug-in hybrid uses larger battery packs that can be recharged by connecting to common household electricity. Plug-in hybrids can be driven for long distances—from a few miles to as much as 40 miles—without using any gasoline.
Toyota has demonstrated a plug-in concept version of the Prius, and anticipates first-year production of 20,000 to 30,000 units in 2012.
Contents
Plug-in hybrids provide the benefits of an electric car, while maintaining the same driving range as conventional vehicles. Plug-in hybrid drivers travel in an all-electric mode for the vast majority of common local driving. When the battery’s electric charge is depleted, a downsized gas engine is used to either recharge the batteries (as the car moves), or as the primary source of propulsion until recharging the batteries via a plug.
Plug-in hybrid cars are also known as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVs. Plug-in hybrid cars that use a gas engine exclusively for recharging batteries—rather than directly powering the wheels—are also called Extended-Range Electric Vehicles or E-REVs.
ComparisonCompare a Plug-in Hybrid to Standard Hybrid
Point your mouse to the image to compare a plug-in hybrid to a standard hybrid.
Plug-in hybrid cars have considerable fuel efficiency benefits compared to other vehicles:
- A hybrid car, depending on the model, achieves about twice the fuel economy as a conventional car of the same size and capacity
- A plug-in hybrid car can obtain about twice the fuel economy of a conventional hybrid
- A plug-in hybrid, running on biofuel (e.g., 85-percent ethanol or biodiesel) could almost entirely eliminate its use of petroleum
Availability of Plug-in Hybrids
Despite all the media attention about plug-in hybrids, it’s still not yet possible for an individual consumer to buy one. A few plug-in hybrids have been produced for testing in commercial fleets and government agencies. Many major automakers have produced concept prototype plug-in hybrids for display at international auto shows, but only a handful of carmakers have committed to a specific production date for these vehicles.
The following plug-in hybrids are scheduled for production:
| Sort by: | Name | EV Range | Type | MSRP | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chevrolet Volt | 40 miles | Sedan | $40,000 | Now | All-electric gas-free driving for 40-mile stretches. |
 | Fisker Karma | 50 miles | Luxury | $96,000 | 2011 | The rear-wheel drive sporty plug-in hybrid from designer Henrik Fisker. |
 | Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | 30 miles | SUV | n/a | 2012 | The proven fuel-efficient SUV hybrid will come with a plug in 2012. |
 | Volvo V70 Plug-in Hybrid | 30 miles | Van/Wagon | n/a | 2012 | Volvo appears serious about producing a plug-in hybrid wagon with 30 or miles of electric range. |
 | Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Review | 10 miles | Sedan | $32,000 | 2012 | Toyota will begin delivery of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in March of 2012. |
 | Ford C-MAX Energi | n/a | Sedan | n/a | 2012 | The segment-busting almost-a-van vehicle will offer 40+ mpg, but only five seats as a plug-in hybrid. |
 | Mitsubishi PX-MiEV | 30 miles | SUV | n/a | Concept | This mid-sized SUV plug-in hybrid has triple-threat functionality as a pure electric, a series hybrid, and a parallel hybrid. Result: About 120 mpg. |
Common Plug-in Hybrid Criticisms, And Responses
“I have always felt it was possible to build a car that gets more than 100 miles per gallon. It’s what this country needs: To build a car with high performance and all the fun factors of a conventional car, but have it run on electricity.”
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The extra batteries weigh too much.
Response: The extra weight of the batteries will be offset somewhat by the reduced weight of the gas engine. At high speeds in particular, fuel efficiency is affected primarily by aerodynamics—the MPG is minimally affected by the added weight roughly equivalent of one or two additional passengers.
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The extra batteries cost too much.
Response: If sold in high volumes by carmakers, more powerful and cheaper nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries could be sold at prices only a few thousand dollars above that of today’s hybrids. Recharging will take place mostly at night during cheaper off-peak hours. Counting purchases, fuel and service, total lifetime cost of ownership is lower than a gas car.
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Producing power from the grid (to charge the cars) will produce additional emissions.
Response: What the industry calls "well-to-wheel" emissions (including greenhouse gases) for grid-powered vehicles is far lower than gasoline, even for the American power grid (which is 50 percent coal). Cars charging off-peak will use power from plants that can't turn off at night. Many parts of the country get most of their power from cleaner sources such as natural gas and hydropower. It's far easier to improve centralized power stations than millions of aging cars. Finally, plug-in hybrids recharged from rooftop photovoltaic systems would have virtually zero emission.
Plug-in Hybrid Conversions
In 2004, the California Cars Initiative, a Palo Alto-based non-profit founded by Felix Kramer (second from left), and led by Technical Lead Ron Gremban (far left), converted a 2004 Toyota Prius into plug-in hybrid prototype that could exceed 100 miles per gallon. Since that time, CalCars has conducted an effective advocacy campaign to promote the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric cars to carmakers, lawmakers, and the general public.
Since the time of the first plug-in conversion prototype, more than a dozen companies started offering PHEV conversions. Like any heavily modified car, the conversions are expensive, can have reliability issues, and have not been crash-tested in their modified form. But their owners enjoy exceptionally high gas mileage, greater all-electric range, and the privilege of being automotive pioneers.
Most of today’s plug-in conversions start with a stock, late-model (2004-2008) Toyota Prius. Larger battery packs are added, either supplementing the existing battery or replacing it entirely.
The list of companies offering plug-in conversions, kits, or related services is growing everyday. Many are focused on building vehicles for government agencies and other fleets, but some are now taking orders. We'll continue to add to this list as learn about new companies. Send us a note, if you hear of a new conversion company, and we'll add it to the list. You can also check with CalCars.org's page about "How to Get a PHEV." Because the sand is shifting so quickly, you'll need to do your own legwork in terms of getting an exact price, turnaround time, and technical specs.
List of Companies Offering Plug-in Conversion Services
- 3Prong Power, Inc. (Berkeley, Calif.)
- Advanced Vehicle Research Center (Raleigh, N.C.)
- Amberjac Systems (UK)
- Edrive Systems (Calif.)
- Electric Auto Association-PHEV Project (San Jose, Calif.)
- EnergyCS (Calif.)
- HybridsPlus (Boulder, Colo.)
- Hymotion (Concord, Ontario, Canada)
- Manzanita Micro (Kingston, Wash.)
- OEM Tek (Milpitas, Calif.)
- Luscious Garage (San Francisco, Calif.)
- Pat's Garage/Green Gears (San Francisco, Calif.)
- Plug-in Conversions (Poway, Calif.)
- Plug-in Supply (Petaluma, Calif.)
Plug-in Hybrid Battery Types
Not all plug-in hybrid conversions are equal. The batteries make all the difference. Lithium ion batteries cost the most, but deliver the longest all-electric range. Lead-acid are more affordable, but cut down the electric range. And nickel-metal hydride are in the middle of the scale on cost and energy storage.
Today, there are a few hundred plug-ins on the road in North America, and a few more are built each month. It's instructive to take a look the wide range of performance in plug-in conversions. Why is there such a range among companies offering conversion services and kits? It's the batteries.
- Current Prius-based converted plug-in hybrids store between two and seven times the energy stored in a standard Prius battery. Overall, Prius-based plug-ins average between 65 and 95 miles per gallon.
The more energy in the battery pack, the further the vehicle can go in all electric-mode, and the longer it can “boost” MPG. Storing more energy isn’t just a matter of putting in a bigger battery—the type of battery that’s used also matters.
Modest Energy with Lead-Acid Batteries: On one end of the spectrum are Prius-based plug-in conversions that store modest amounts of energy on-board: roughly 2-3 kilowatt hours (kWh). The main advantage of lead-acid technology is that it’s affordable. It’s also reasonably safe and has proven performance. But lead-acid batteries don’t last as long as some other types of batteries. They also store less energy, so larger heavier packs must be used.
Lots of Energy with Lithium Ion Batteries: At the other end of the spectrum are Prius-based conversions, which have large amounts of on-board energy—as much as 9 kWh. These PHEVs use lithium ion batteries because they deliver lots of energy in a smaller, lighter package. This amount of extra energy allows a PHEV to drive in all-electric mode for 25-30 miles, and attain “boosted” mileage for longer distances of 40-50 miles. The downside is cost. In some of these conversions, the battery pack alone costs more than $10,000. Safety and battery life are also a concern.
Mid-range Energy with Nickel Metal Hydride Batters: In the middle are PHEVs with moderate amounts of on-board energy—around 4-5 kWh. Some of these vehicles combine additional nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) with the existing NiMH battery pack in the Prius. Performance, lifetime, and safety characteristics of NiMH batteries are well understood. However, NiMH batteries generally store less energy than lithium ion batteries.
Top news inPlug-in Hybrid Cars
Plug-In Prius Projected to Beat Volt Fuel Mileage- Toyota has upped its fuel-efficiency projection for its Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), according to Bloomberg, which reports the automaker expects to top the Volt in its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating. Toyota’s U.S. Group Vice President Bob Carter, said the Plug-In Prius should manage 50 mpg in hybrid mode for combined city/ highway mileage, and earn 95 MPGe assuming its 4.4-kwh lithium-ion battery is recharged frequently. “It’s still an estimate, but we are confident it’s going to be 95,” Carter said Tuesday. The EPA rating will be known “in a couple weeks,” he said.
New California Law Mandates Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles - In a unanimous ruling Friday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) called for a steep ramping up of zero- or very low-emission vehicles sold in state from 2018-onward. The goal is for them to comprise 15.4 percent of all vehicles sold by 2025 – up from less than 1 percent today. At the same time, the ruling called for a slashing of tailpipe emissions from the rest of the passenger vehicle population beginning sooner in 2015 and extending through 2025.
Testimony Emerges from Chevy Volt Congressional Hearing- The "unnatural relationship" between the Obama administration and US carmakers in the wake of the 2009 auto bailouts may have led to a delay in disclosing a potential safety defect in Chevrolet Volts, Republican lawmakers claim in a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report.
Survey Suggests Massive Potential Hybrid Market- While ongoing CAFE hearings discuss mandating eco-friendly and efficient vehicles, a survey by Deloitte says perhaps an even more powerful force in their favor is also in play. This would be “Generation Y” consumers – those aged 19-31, alternately known as "Millennials." This demographic is the largest since the baby boomers and reportedly has a preference for hybrids and in-vehicle connectivity. Of respondents to the Deloitte survey, 59 percent of respondents want an electrified vehicle. Of Gen Y respondents, 57 percent said they were interested in hybrids, only 2 percent were interested in battery electric vehicles, and 37 percent wanted traditional combustion-powertrain vehicles.
House Committee to Hold Chevy Volt Safety Hearing on January 25- The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a formal hearing to discuss and to investigate the potential fire risks associated with the extensively damaged Chevrolet Volts. Darrell Issa, R-CA, chairman of the committee, told members of the House that the hearing—titled "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA know and when did they know it?”—will be held on January 25.
CAFE Hearings Focus Opposing Viewpoints- In Detroit on Tuesday some strong arguments were heard either in support of or against the proposed 2017-2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and the auto industry is split on the issue. The hearing will be followed by two more this month, and these are required by federal government regulators prior to finalizing fuel economy standards by the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency later this year that would mandate a fleet average of 54.5 miles per gallon (about 40 mpg on sticker) by 2025. The proposed rules are poised to amend standards already set to rise to 37.5 mpg by 2016, and among automakers who’ve spoken in favor of stricter rule include General Motors, Toyota and Hyundai, while others are against, including Volkswagen and Daimler.
Toyota unveils 2013 NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concept- Last week at the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota showed the world the rest of its Prius-transcending NS4 plug-in hybrid concept. Leading up to this unveiling, Toyota had milked its PR value by showing teaser photos while offering details just as scant as close-ups shots of a headlight or other design aspect. So here it is – a new hybrid that Toyota says it will be positioned separate from the Prius family.
Fisker Again Recalls Karma, This Time for a Software Glitch- Fisker Automotive has again halted sales of its plug-in Karma and recalled those out on the road in order to fix a software glitch that has caused random check-engine lights and erratic navigation and entertainment system issues.
Ford Unveils 2013 Fusion, Hybrid and Energi- Yesterday Ford revealed its high-mileage, mid-sized 2013 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi at the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Economy for the hybrid model is said to be 47 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, beating out the 2012 Camry Hybrid’s 43/39 EPA mpg numbers. And if that is not enough, the plug-in Energi model is promised to reach 100 MPGe or higher, topping the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.
December 2011 Dashboard: Sales Still Climbing- Hybrid sales for December 2011 were at their highest since March, which was the last month before the Japanese earthquake/tsunami affected product availability. Prius volumes in December were also at their highest since March – augmented in that now Toyota is including new members of the Prius family under a single category – and were also higher than all other months since August 2009. The availability of the larger Prius v and the forthcoming Prius c will certainly lead to higher volumes.
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3 years ago
I have been looking for the safety information. Where can I find crash test results for both hybrid and plug-ins. I hope this isn't a stupid question but where I live it gets below -30 will the batteries freeze or is there a heater core for them and how is there driving in the cold.
3 years ago
can anyone speculate how much plugging in your car every night would raise your electric bill?
3 years ago
I have a Vectrix electric maxi-scooter and a Hymotion Prius Plug-In.
My electric bill rose about 15% to 20% when I started using both this summer. You could offset most of that by switching all of your lightbulbs to CFLs and a few other energy efficiency tips around the house.
My next project is a solar system on the roof.
3 years ago
Why aren't we hearing more about technologies such as ultracapacitors http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2006/01/eestor_ultracap.html
and advanced controllers
http://www.rasertech.com/technology.html
3 years ago
I have a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid and would like to know if there are any plug in add ons I can use to get my Ford out of the garage running on electric instead of starting with the gas and switching over after some drive time?
Thank you for any help or suggestions.
3 years ago
I hate that the new standard for car-end electric plugs look like gas pump handles (it's probably more expensive to make and buy than just a regular existing plug end, too).
Still, whatever makes it easier for lazy Americans to transition off of the last (20th) century equivalent of farting eat everything sight horses (that why I call liquid/gas fuel vehicles "gassers").
2 years ago
Plug-in cars getting power from a coal plant seems to defeat the reason for a clean-air vehicle. If the power plants get the majority of their output from wind, solar,water etc... then there is a greater reason to purchase plug-ins. However, not everyone can afford these "new" technologies so the government could offer more incentive packaging or help manufactures meet cost reduction goals to ensure that everyone can move into the cleaner future. For those that like the plug-in but hate the mileage range they will need to offer some more competitive products. I drive 43 miles one way to work and there is no place to plug in at work. The problem I would have is 43 miles one way and I have to begin worrying about if I can make a stop and the store on the way home. That's not convenient so I have chosen the next best alternative, a Civic hybrid. Still dependent on gas and not a clean as I would like, but I can take it anywhere and I don't have to buy 2 vehicles (one for work and one for pleasure trips). I think that there are great minds out there that have the answers or are on the verge of something better (the water car), but the government is not helping to "fuel" those ideas. I hope this next 4 yrs proves otherwise.
2 years ago
There are other benefits of plug-in hybrids that don't seem to get much publicity. In the electrical power engineering community there is a lot of talk about the "smart grid," which has to do with changes needed to the power distribution system to support expected renewable technologies like wind and solar power.
One problem they have to deal with is the irregularity of these sources, and the need to have a solid base load supply system. One way to accomplish this is to use batteries, but batteries are expensive. With plug-in hybrids, if the system were sophisticated enough then the connection to your car could be a two-way setup so that you are either charging your battery after a drive or are providing temporary energy capacity to the grid if the wind isn't blowing quite enough. This would go along with other demand and supply management functiosn like power company control of your refrigerator or A/C that are already available in some communities.
It's a complicated topic, but plug-in hybrids are included in the serious planning discussions for future electrical distribution systems.
2 years ago
I hear a lot about how expensive the batteries for these plug-in auto's are. All you have to do is look at the history of any emerging technology and you'll see that initial cost means nothing. As these products become more popular, we as a human race, will find ways to make the technology more economically viable. Computers were originally 10's of thousands of dollars and the size of a desk or larger. Now you can get handheld computers for a couple hundred dollars (iPhone). I paid $6,000 for a 46" rear projection TV back in the early 90's, now you can get a 52" or larger flatscreen TV that hangs on your wall for right around $1,000.00. So as inflation has gone up, the prices of electronics have gone down. We need to stop trying to find reasons why it won't work, and make the decision to move forward with these technologies. The rest will take care of themselves. It's common sense that we will invent batteries that run 500+ miles on a single chanrge and are significantly less expensive as the technology is more widely accepted.
2 years ago
They just don't pencil. The dealers extract all the benefit via additional dealer markup.
2 years ago
Recently I read about a couple of guys in England who adapted a Capstone Turbine C30 to a Ford vehicle with lithium batteries on a "charge as you go" system. They got some very nice mileage results, I believe it was 100 plus mpg. Might be worth checking out.
2 years ago
Ultra-Capacitors may be an answer. no chemicals, don't wear out, charge as fast as you can supply power, may be really cheap to produce.
2 years ago
Dear Melanie,
I sell the Ford products and I think you should take a look at the Ford Fusion and the Ford Escape Hybrids.
I think when you do your research on them, you will see that these two are the best for your money, and cars you will keep forever ...
Good Luck !
Ray
2 years ago
The utility company in my area will let a person buy electricity for 1/2 price from 9pm to 8am and all weekend. Maybe yours would have this option. Charge your vehicles at night.
2 years ago
A standard electrical outlet puts out enough power to run a 1 horsepower motor maximum. With losses of about half in the battery and speed controller it would take 2 hours of charge for each hour of 1 horsepower output. I think most cars would need more.
Why not just become a vegetarian, run a tube to your ass and burn methane?
2 years ago
Forget plug-ins......Let's have cordless electromagnetic induction charging ! ! !
What if you're in a hurry and forget to unplug?
You've just damaged and destroyed your extension cord and wall outlet.
We need an electromagnetic coil mat......which you simply lay on the ground......parking lots, your driveway or parking garage, and etc. As soon as you park your car directly over the induction coil mat, some kind of sensor would automatically activate the coil and begin charging. A secondary coil located underneath your methanol fuel cell / electric battery / ultracapacitor hybrid would intercept the occillating magnetic field and charge the batteries.
2 years ago
I have had the Prius III since late august.
Everything is better than in the II-model except that the Joy-stick has been replaced by a traditional gear shift. And this takes up room. Why?
2 years ago
This is outstanding! We love it. And you!
2 years ago
the obvious answer for detractors is DON'T GET YOUR ELECTRICITY FOR COAL...the solution seems simple enough...if you don't live in a state which offers 100% renewable energy solution or has a renewable energy portfolio...ie. MS, AL, or states with major coal cos, such as southern co. in GA where in Atlanta the commuter lane where you only need two people is always deserted as EVERYBODY in Atlanta cannot stand each other and have to drive their own bloatmobiles and why there is 24 hr. traffic jam...what a great quality of life...you will face a major headwind....since their money is paying off state legislatures to NOT change....however, the fed. govt. will force these laggards to join the rest of us in the 21st century...therefore, your energy will be 100% green..we also need to end mountaintop removal for coal and stop allowing lies such as "clean coal" to even be allowed to be advertised since this is a lie....you could, at one point, find some elec. charging stations in a few places in the south, i.e. two discreet chargers in birmingham in the galleria mall....but the elec car market never took off...and politicians weren't getting enough kickbacks to support it....if we didn't support sprawl so much in this country, then 50 mile elec car would be adequate...since job situation sucks and people have to commute fifty miles, we need bigger cars...it is unsustainable cycle....which has now come to abrupt halt.....Obama needs to actually do something "progressive" for once...stop this nonsense about needing 60 votes to pass a bill, etc without threat of filibuster...it is not in the constitution...according to another article, since Obama took office, GOP filibuster 70% of time just to stop things from gettin done, compared to 27% after dems won majority of congress...GOP party of do nothing.....Obama: just get something done...for once....you were voted in by a broad coalition of people trying to do something good for once...not the GOP...not centrists...not blue dog dems putting a bunch of CR*( in the current health care incarnation just to favor a tiny group of their constituents....not by insurance companies....not by defense contractors....I have to agree now w/repubs and everyone else, the current bill is a farce, the copenhagen non binding handshake "agreement" is an atrocity....Obama is now approaching being lumped in with bushies as another two faced liar.....
2 years ago
Hello! My name is Michael Anthony Puntillo of Norwich,Connecticut
USA. There is no need to worry about the battery in all the electric
vehicles that are being built. The winning factor is no fuel to buy,
no tune-up's,no oil changes & air filters plus no transmission ,just think about it. We
need to have this type of transportion. Now with a few things
to add in the new electric vehices are all lamps for lighting inside
and out place L.E.D. and include in with them solar chips; When
they are lit they will make electricity also geer the generators
to the electric motor. Place a wind electric produceing generator
in the front of it, when traveling the wind hits the front of all move things so lets use it to turn the wind generator for keeping the battery charged. Also the brake generating system will help apond stops to keep the battery peaked too. Solar electric cells placed on hood and truck. I would like it built in a converitble.
"BLESS THEM ALL".
2 years ago
Place this public . Hope the auto makers get there act together soon.
Just build the electric car and sell them . Geering the generators with
the electric motor will work. Placeing the wind electric produceing
generator in the front of the vehicle will help the battery along to run
the motor. "Bless them all" .
1 year ago
this was helpful
1 year ago
why hasn't someone thought about putting a small charger on each
wheel to help keep batteries charged while moving, or a small eng-
ine in the veh that uses less gasoline than the conventional engine.
several componets that i have read about could be installed to work
in conjuction with each other, & keep our cars running right on down the hwy. with out being limited on just how far we can drive
between, (charges). IF WE AS MANKIND CAN PUT A SELFSUFICENT
MARS MOBILE on the planet of mars ( where I'm sure there are no
plug in stations handy) why can't we do this little task here on earth
after all We don't need to bother with getting all them miles just to
perform it's duties. We are already here. I ALSO WORRY ABOUT WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THIS COUNTRY IF WE DON'T CUT
OUR OIL DEPENDANCE FROM THESE OTHER COUNTRIES. They have proved more than a few times of how much they can do to us
I also think just because the Elections are over, our elected leaders
should keep on pushing for all the promises they made to get elected. I remember the oil embargo 1973 or abouts that we were
prmised oil dependancy would be cut. BAAAAAAH, it's higher now
than then. If we would start kicking their butts out if they didn't do
as they promised, We could probaly have a lot of good things get
accomplished. That is up to us AMERICANS. Those people work for
us. They would fire us if we didn't our jobs right.
1 year ago
I would like to know why a generator couldn't be installed over each wheel to continually charge the batteries. This seems like a very good idea to me.
1 year ago
This website really like helped me with my school reasearch on like cars.
1 year ago
hello , goodbye =)
1 year ago
You all do realise that "hybrid cars" are a stalling measure, car componeys had imposed on you via oil componeys including moble and castrol solely to provent electric cars from killing there bussines? This measure started way back in 1993 Yes almost 20 years ago. If you don't know this, why? Do your own research, ask the right independent people, engineers, scientist, eletric car owners. :)
I do get alot of enjoyment seeing all the supleminal messages all over THIS website,.. the word "convenience", there is no car more convenient then an eletric-car, unless your driving 24 hours perday(taxi's driver searching cars?) You need 8 hours sleep?
1 year ago
Is there a plug-in module for a Honda Civic Hybrid out there? If not, why not? I might have to sell my Civic Hybrid and get a used Prius so I can take advantage of this technology. I drive 120 miles a day, 5 days a week.
1 year ago
This is a totally ridiculous white elephant.
A car that does not need to use London's over stretched charge point network.
I have an electric car. When it runs out of charge I am stranded. If I cannot plug my car in because a hybrid is using all the charge points then I am stuck.
If the hybrid's batteries are flat, just turn the key and off you go.
I think the London boroughs should stick to the 'ELECTRIC VEHICLES ONLY' policy for the charge points for which hybrids do not qualify.
1 year ago
Costs about 50p for me to charge my gwiz
1 year ago
Is there a gizmo that can send the power from PHEV into the house? This kind of vehicle is the solution for all the brown outs and blackouts in so many countries and would change completely the old overly centralised utility model that we rely upon. And obviaite the use of dirty oh so noisy diesel gensets costing $40+/-/kw installed and producing at $0.50/kwh that most homes in Asia and Africa rely on because the local power company is bad.. Think ever city in India or Nigeria.
Imagine this: car comes home in the evening with fully charged battery and is connected to the house via said gizmo The house circuit feeds off the battery that is re-charged by the engine kicking in automatically. Cuts off if and whn the grid power is available.
You then get the savings stream from home as awell as car use!
Suggestions please!
1 year ago
why can't you put a curved solar panel for the roof of a vehicle and power the batteries while it sits or drives? (plug in at night)
1 year ago
I saw a clearly factory plug-in Prius about a week ago in Henderson, Nevada. It had California plates. Is Toyota selling them?
1 year ago
iam searching for the information about the working of the hybrid cars
1 year ago
You really need to read up on your basic laws. Start at the start...
Vaguely - The energy required to move forward and to turn the wheels ( now kinetic energy ) all comes from your power source( potential energy). If you then use this "energy" to recharge your batteries via either a wind generator ( thus also adding drag into the equation ) or direct off the wheels with friction losses , you are just cycling the energy back ( less the efficiency losses of >20% ) with no useful work being done ... Regenerative braking can be used to recover some of the kinetic energy that is otherwise lost to braking, but the saving are not big - mostly 10-20% .
1 year ago
Electric vehicle owners will influence an extensive network of charging stations being installed in Madison, Wisconsin by MGE. In a story produced by StoryBridge.tv, see how MGE will use driver input to configure its power grid for a new wave of green transportation.
We hope you’ll consider sharing this video story. Here’s the link: www.storybridge.tv/greenview/drivechange
You also can embed the video on your site free of charge. Just follow the instructions found here: http://storybridge.tv/greenview/drivechange?cmode=embed
1 year ago
Hello all.
I have a question that bothers me a lot. We are talking about hybrid being the medicine (band-aid) for our rediculously large oil consumption in this country. What ever happened to cars like the Honda Civic VX or the Geo Metro which were already getting 50+ miles per gallons more than 20 years ago? If these were getting that kind of gas mileage then, can you imagine what we would get out of them with better technology or maybe even an hybrid concept for these cars?
If the car companies are reading this page get to work on this kind of concept. You did it then with the VX and Metro so I imaging that you would be able to improve upon the concept. I am looking for a vehicle that can do better then 35 mpg without hybrid system or above 60 if you include hybrid. We can send guys on the moon, not once but 6 times, we can do better. Let's show the world what this country can do for them(remember JFK speech).
Thank you for your time.
Denis R. from Rochester NY.
1 year ago
this country is bilt on greed the good old boys in washington do not want to give the people a break their hands are deep in the oil companeis pockets .If you ever saw the documenterie on who killed the electric car you would understand.Toyota should be ashane that they have the prius only 50 miles on electric on a hybrid and a california cars Initiative produced an electric car that can go 100 miles and the japanes are good in electronic whos holding then back? Remember they were the first oness to invent the walkmen.Look out for the chinese they will be introducing an all electric car into the U.S market that can go 100 miles and they are working on another car that can go 200 miles before charging.So why don't american car companys do it it's called GREED backed by most of the GOP & some DEMS this is why we don't have a lot of clean energy GREED
1 year ago
Hi,
may be joining private property rights with the wish to have public charging stations or vice verse public property for having private solar power plants for charging plug-in hybrids has a bright future? Tell us please if you could
imagine public cars etc.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PPP_BEVs
many thanks in advance for your time
1 year ago
When I first heard about PHEVs, I strongly agreed with the anti-coal for power group, so I put solar on my roof with the intent of buying a PHEV. At that time we had put in the windows, insulation, had only FLs (now mostly CFLs). Before we put the solar on, a neighbor across the street complained about her electric bill (twice ours - same house). Our local power company, now gives us the option to receive $$$ back, once annually for extra energy we create. We are pretty close to our basic needs. Last month we burned more energy than we created (heavy rain, and fog). My husband walked next door to talk to a neighbor. He arrived when she was fuming made, and her first question was "what was your electric bill last month?" He had to answer $4. However we had a credit of just over $104, so we now have a credit of about $100. Her bill was now $800/month, which was twice what or neighbor across the street had paid, before we put up solar. We really hadn't realized the cost of electricity had risen so much. I am thinking of setting aside some of our savings just to fund panels to power the next car we get.....when one of our current ones fails. In the meantime, I recommend the insulation, and energy savings stuff as a first step, alternative power next (the home's fuel usually costs more than auto fuel), and then the car.....but as far as I can tell the EVs have less breakdowns than ICEs.
As for crash tests, the standard has changed to include specific tests for females. It seems we women get injured differently than men....something I read in the LA Times, end of September or early October 2010. Most cars have not yet been tested for this standard.
1 year ago
Think outside the box, the box we are in at this point is hybrid and electric vehicles. we have thought outside the box and have patented a new type of internal combustion engine but we are little guys, nobody ever heard of us outside of our community and we do not have a sheep skin. our engine can be sized to fit any vehicle, on or off the road, and can also be used for electrical generation. It is a simple concept, energy efficient, can be retrofitted into any vehicle for an affordable cost. Does away with a lot of the parts of the present conventional engine. We contacted the big 3 and did not even receive a reply so what does this tell you ? They are not interested in anything but what they know, their mind set is narrow, they have blinders on and don't want to know anything but what they have created. A 40 thousand vehicle that may get you to work but you will have to hitchhike home or plug your car into your home outlet or hope to find one near where you work, please ! When the batteries wear out, which they will the estimated cost for replacemnet is $10,000 and what do we do with these things.. is this "green" not likely ! We have financed the R&D ourselves and are soon ready for a demonstration of the technology. Historically some of our greatest inventions have come from some little fellow working in a corner somewhere, so wake up people, think beyond what the major car companies are trying to sell you, how creative are they ? All they know is what they have come up with and everyone believes them, we do not ! Will we succeed, I hope so and not just for us but for everyone who needs and wants a sensible solution.
1 year ago
if the principle purpose of the gasoline engine is to take over propulsion of the vehicle when the battery charge has been depleted, then why run the batteries down to the usefullness of of a heavy paperweight? why not use a small internal combustion engine to charge the batteries on the fly. the engine would not have to be very powerful and therefore could easily be fueled by a renewable resource such as hydrogen.
1 year ago
It was being tested in 2009 and there has not been much in the news about it since then. It is claimed to get 80 MPG. Here are two links that talk about it.
http://www.capstoneturbine.com/news/download.asp?article=38
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1021448_langford-engineering-testing...
1 year ago
Yes there is. Check with Honda North America. I recently donated my civic Hybrid to my mechanic friend. He bought a conversion kit from Honda for plug in. They were very helpful and interested in his success. It is somewhat different technology from the Prius plug in kit. Not sure of details, but definately worth looking into. Good Luck
1 year ago
What do you mean "size of a desk or larger"? Computers in the 70's and earlier were room size (a large room at that) and worked with reel to reel tapes. A"desk size" computer, no such animal, and would have had less capacity than the original 286's!
1 year ago
This is the very good blog about hybrid cars. I learned very information about hybrids today. To me Hybrids from Honda cars, BMW Cars are best.
1 year ago
I am on my 2nd Hybrid Escalade. I enjoy the vehicle and I average 19 mpg. That is good compared to the 12 to 14 mpg on the Gas Only engine.
1 year ago
Recent comments about $5/gal gas in the USA has me thinking about the new generation of vehicles, but being retired, I will not be able to afford present or next 10-year projections. Comments in this article are VERY helpful and that includes the comments on solar panels for the home. Thank You to you all!
51 weeks ago
I think the ultra-capacitor idea and power coil mat are great ideas. The power coil mat could come in great handy when recharging. It is a good way to avoid accidents. (Or lawsuits.) I think they should also make hybrids or plug ins use biodiesel so we don't use gas at all. It makes it much cleaner and probably will give much more mileage.
51 weeks ago
What? This would be ridiculous. You've put in energy to turn the wheels. That's the point. You are saying we should take some of the energy given to the wheels by the batteries and put it back into the batteries to give back to the wheels? Think next time.
50 weeks ago
HI,we recently got a conversion for Kim (plugin conversions). We are very happy with the work! I can only recommend.
We have a very extended measurement program running on the prius. We are going to compare the results before the conversion and after the conversion. IIf you need information, feel free to contact me on linkedin (just search for my name).
We are developing a iPhone app that will tell people which battery size they will need, in order to save a lot of money. If you are interested, visit: http://dottribes.com/iEV
let's keep the earth cool!
olmo
50 weeks ago
i think this technology will not only change the Car Industry but also help to get some good result in nature, i must agree that government provide some special incentive to get own this kinds of car at a same time they also arrange to electric & hybrid fill station which help to promote the user of this cars, which can only boost up this industry. as this are very costly but if it get frequent than i think this price will be reduce at one stage.
Tom
Pre Owned cars
49 weeks ago
Any contact info?
You'd better have a good patent and a better patent lawyer.
Just because they haven't replied doesn't mean you're off their radar.
Sorry to say but they have deeeeep pockets. I'd recommend going overseas to some quasi-govt agency instead. Just look at what happened to DeLorean.
49 weeks ago
The above was a reply to Pegi Nelsons post 14 weeks ago.
49 weeks ago
Plug-in Hybrids is really a cool feature compare to Standard Hybrid. Plug-in Hybrids will attract buyers to transfer in Hybrid cars.
New car
49 weeks ago
The Electic Car Co. ph#417-866-6565 does conversions of your current car to electric I requested a quote from them to convert my rural mail car to electric.
47 weeks ago
start with last first there is no doubt Obama is a two faced liar...there is no political party that represents the bests interests of this country especially dems and repubs...there is little that seperates these parties...everyone wants entitlements that find there way into their lap for nothing...everyone wants something for nothing as long as the load gets put on someone elses back...coal is the fuel we have, thats the fact... too state that we cant use it cause its to dirty is just
absurd
47 weeks ago
The Ford Escape Hybrid has to turn on the engine to heat up the cat. converter. Ford designed the Escape that way. "Enginer" make a add on kit to get the blended miles up to 40-45 mpg. They are the only company that offers it at this time.
46 weeks ago
Guess that depends on where you live and the price you pay per KWH. In NY it's higher than other places
46 weeks ago
these cars are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
39 weeks ago
NO were not God you idiot ask your electic company
39 weeks ago
they arent that amazing Mr. i'm gonna put 516848151 exclamations points
36 weeks ago
The plug in system in the hybrid cars makes them easy to charge and thanks for this informative post.
32 weeks ago
Envision Solar just introduced a product which is intended for use by individuals to charge PHEVs. It is similar to a carport, but the roof consists of solar panels which rotate to catch maximum energy from the sun's rays, according to the angle the sun is at. They are testing it with Axion Power batteries to support feeding excess solar energy to the electric grid or the home electric system for night lighting.
30 weeks ago
I own Chevy Volt, when the battery is fully drained/used it takes about 11 to 12 KW to fully charge whcih give about 38 to 40 miles .
27 weeks ago
That depends on the capacity of the hybrid's battery and the cost of your electricity. A fairly big battery would be 10 kilowatthours of charge. My utility has a maximum rate of 21 cents per kWh, and minimum rate (stepped billing) at about 8 cents per kWh. A charge at the maximum rate would be about $2.10.
Our solar array is expected to produce electricity over its lifetime at about ten cents per kWh (prepaid for 30 years). A 3,000 watt panel would produce an average of 10 kWh per day. The installed cost of homeowner PV arrays is now about $5 per watt of capacity. That cost is decreasing as more PV is sold.
27 weeks ago
That depends on the capacity of the hybrid's battery and the cost of your electricity. A fairly big battery would be 10 kilowatthours of charge. My utility has a maximum rate of 21 cents per kWh, and minimum rate (stepped billing) at about 8 cents per kWh. A charge at the maximum rate would be about $2.10.
Our solar array is expected to produce electricity over its lifetime at about ten cents per kWh (prepaid for 30 years). A 3,000 watt panel would produce an average of 10 kWh per day. The installed cost of homeowner PV arrays is now about $5 per watt of capacity. That cost is decreasing as more PV is sold.
25 weeks ago
I converted my Prius six months ago to a plug in hybrid. My electricty bill is pretty much the same, may be like I have one more refrigerator running for a few hours. It takes only five hours to complete a full charge (if the battery is totally depleted) and where I am (south florida) FPL charges me less than 10 cents an hour. ( I think a Kilowatt/hr. something like that). The thing is that I plug it in at home, then at my office, and I have more than 1000 miles with ten gallon of the cheapest gas I can find. I love it. I have the sticker in the back: 100MPG plug in hybrid. I got half of the installation cost from the Florida Goverment, and ten percent from the federal goverment, stimulous, green money.
Electricity bill: Not at all, it is very, very low compare to gas prices. You can change too budy!
23 weeks ago
The stop in organization in the mixture cars make them straightforward to arraign and appreciation for this educational placement.
23 weeks ago
Nice and very useful info shared in this post. from past few days I was in search of this, finally i got this. Now a days many of the car lovers are rushing towards to buy hybrid cars. The info shared here will be very useful for the consumer and they will know the difference between plugin hybrid and standard hybrid. I hope in future such facilities will be available for used cars also.
18 weeks ago
Plug-in hybrids get better gas mileage than most other standard hybrid on the road. An university of Arizona working on battery backup of this car after it will run 1000km in one time charge and US government spending billions of dollars on charging station project.
Truck Trader
15 weeks ago
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or plug-in hybrid is a hybrid vehicle which utilizes rechargeable batteries, or another energy storage device, that can be restored to full charge by connecting a plug to an external electric power source (usually a normal electric wall socket).
10 weeks ago
Now if you put Solar Energy Panels (PV) on your Home roof and car port you can drive 50 to 80 miles each day FREE. Energy From the Sun. Many are doing so all over the Earth.
Electric Cars and Hybrids Cars that run on Electric and some other fuel will soon out sell all others. With the Help of Solar Energy and People around the Planet getting more knowledge every day of it on the news and seeing it on more roofs everywhere. Those that have the intelligence to see the good in Solar Energy are growing every day.
Solar in the next year will out pass most all other forms of energy.
Right today November 22, 2011 under Solar Energy there is 19,000,000 websites and under Images 1,520,000 for Solar Power plants.
For Coal power plants 1,290,000 under images.
For Hydro Power Plants 3,690,000 websites and 1,5000,000 under images.
Most in the World are re tooling to make Electric Hybrid Cars.
Iran is a Little slow do to its export of crude oil, oil is number one in that country right behind that is their gas guzzler cars.
Now Israeli is making a Electric Hybrid that you will be able to drive any were in Europe and in one tenth the time it would take to put gas in your car you can drive up and away with a recharged Battery Pack. Like a cordless drill or Cordless Tool it would take out the old and put in a recharged one back in in less then a minute in seconds just like the Cordless Tool. You would pay for only the electric used the battery packs are owned by the car manufacturer. No more oil change stations or gas it will be a Battery exchange station. For those that are driving cross country
the rest will be able to recharge at home or at work. Free from the Sun Energy Solar Energy (PV).
This kind of car is going to but and end for the need of OIL for most world wide very soon.
The Lord's Little Helper
Paul Felix Schott
10 weeks ago
Now if you put Solar Energy Panels (PV) on your Home roof and car port you can drive 50 to 80 miles each day FREE. Energy From the Sun. Many are doing so all over the Earth.
Electric Cars and Hybrids Cars that run on Electric and some other fuel will soon out sell all others. With the Help of Solar Energy and People around the Planet getting more knowledge every day of it on the news and seeing it on more roofs everywhere. Those that have the intelligence to see the good in Solar Energy are growing every day.
Solar in the next year will out pass most all other forms of energy.
Right today November 22, 2011 under Solar Energy there is 19,000,000 websites and under Images 1,520,000 for Solar Power plants.
For Coal power plants 1,290,000 under images.
For Hydro Power Plants 3,690,000 websites and 1,5000,000 under images.
Most in the World are re tooling to make Electric Hybrid Cars.
Iran is a Little slow do to its export of crude oil, oil is number one in that country right behind that is their gas guzzler cars.
Now Israeli is making a Electric Hybrid that you will be able to drive any were in Europe and in one tenth the time it would take to put gas in your car you can drive up and away with a recharged Battery Pack. Like a cordless drill or Cordless Tool it would take out the old and put in a recharged one back in in less then a minute in seconds just like the Cordless Tool. You would pay for only the electric used the battery packs are owned by the car manufacturer. No more oil change stations or gas it will be a Battery exchange station. For those that are driving cross country
the rest will be able to recharge at home or at work. Free from the Sun Energy Solar Energy (PV).
This kind of car is going to but and end for the need of OIL for most world wide very soon.
The Lord's Little Helper
Paul Felix Schott
10 weeks ago
I read the article in the Orange County Register today, about Fisker Karma. Towards the end of the article they gave both the US and European results of fuel efficiency. There was a huge difference in the figures, especially the gas usage. "The U.S. has rated the Karma at 52 mpg, but this week the Technischer Ueberwachungs Verein, or TUV, a European certification agency said the car has a 51.6-mile electric only range and an overall fuel economy of 112 mpg." Orange County Register: Business, "Hybrid Builder piling up Cash" Jan Norman. The article commented on the difference but could not explain. I have a vivid imagination and can come up with all kinds of guesses - and guesses are dangerous. Can anyone explain the different results?
8 weeks ago
This was a great and fun article to read. I have enjoyed all of this great and fun information so much. This was really great and fun for me to read. Thanks - Teich Shop Experts. Thanks so much.
7 weeks ago
who is the author of this article
4 days ago
In all the hybrid stuffs where does africa stand we have the sun but we don't have the light. We don't have the technology but we have the oil. What is our advantage.
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