Episode 09 – Plug-in Hybrids
In this video, I give you an overview of some of the after-market upgrade options to convert your regular hybrid into a Plug-in Hybrid, or PHEV. By far the most popular vehicle to be converted is the Toyota Prius, specifically the 2nd generation model made between 2004 and 2009. Although it is possible to upgrade most any hybrid to a plug-in, the Prius has several unique advantages. Specifically, it has a nice hidden area under the cargo area floor which can conceal the plug-in kit perfectly, so it doesn’t take up any noticeable space in the car. Second, the 2nd generation Prius has a built-in EV mode which will allow up to 34 mph driving, you just have to add the button.
Currently, the most popular brands of plug-in kits are:
- Hymotion
- Enginer
- Plug-in Supply
- Plug in Conversions Corp (PICC)
As discussed in the video, PICC is arguably the best system since it reprograms the Prius computer to allow continuous all-electric driving up to 70 mph. This would give the Prius an almost Chevy-Volt-like capability. However, the kit is so expensive you might as well buy a Chevy volt instead, since it starts at $12,500.
The Enginer Kit is by far the cheapest kit since it starts at $1,995. However, it does have a lot of limitations. But it also has several advantages such as the fact it will work with any hybrid just by changing the voltage to match your hybrid. Most of the other kits work only with the Prius. Also Enginer will allow anyone who dares to do a self-install. That is good because many of the other companies require a professional install by a certified installer. Well, those installers are hard to find unless you live in California.
As I mentioned in the video, even with the Enginer kit, you can drive significant distances in electric-only mode. However, there are limitations.
- Max Speed of 34 mph
- Limited range – Even though the kit can go 20 miles, you may not be able to go more than 2-3 miles at a time depending on the terrain since it can only supply 5000W to your Prius battery.
- Won’t work in hot Summer. More of a limitation of the Prius computer system, but if the temp outside is over 100 degrees, EV mode probably won’t engage.
- Won’t work during hard acceleration – If you press the pedal to the floor, the gas engine will come on.
So it isn’t a perfect EV solution, and nobody said it was. But it does offer some EV functionality. The real purpose has always been to drive in “blended mode” In this mode, all driving modes are available and the car drives like a regular hybrid. But it will be utilizing that extra power from your PHEV kit to give you added fuel economy. Most of these kits advertise 100mpg or more, but those numbers might be unrealistic. Yes – It is possible to achieve, I’ve done it myself. But under normal driving conditions it is more likely going to be between 60-80 mpg. The more expensive kits will probably achieve better than this. City driving is where it benefits the most as the engine can shut off for long periods of time.
Payback - People always ask me about the financial benefit, such as a full payback period on the investment. Well, it generally isn’t going to work that way. I’ve talked to some people in Europe who have achieved a full payback, but gas prices there are easily double what we pay here in the United States. You will achieve a partial payback, and if you sell the car it may actually be a full payback due to the car’s increased resale value. But I wouldn’t suggest you go into a purchase like that with the expectation of payback. But, as I mention in the video, most of the modifications people make to their vehicles do not pay back. For example, jacked up 4×4′s, race cars with nitrous, fancy rims, fancy stereo systems, etc. These are all things people add to their vehicles because they like them. Well, some people enjoy saving gas, saving the planet, not polluting, using more domestic energy, and not funding terrorists. Those people are ideal customers for plug-in kits.
I’ll finish off with this bonus video. I made this video of my typical morning commute with the Enginer kit. I on purpose did not edit this video at all, because I wanted to show that it is possible to drive long distances in EV mode. You’ll see me drive all the way to my daughter’s school and head on to work:
[...] New EV-Talk episode on Plug-in Hybrids I finished making this episode and uploaded it this morning. Hope you enjoy: Episode 09 – Plug-in Hybrids | evtalk [...]
Thanks David. I live in Europe and with current gas prices at almost $7 per galon I already calculated that the Enginer kit will pay back for itself in 3 1/2 to 4 years.
But even if it never would: isn’t it just a great idea to become a little less independant on fossil fuels?
Keep up the good work!
Well done David.
[...] Volt vs. its actual nemesis, the Toyota Prius PHV (Plug-in). After all, these are the only two plug-in hybrids that we know anything about. The Leaf is a pure electric car, with no gas engine so I just [...]
Thank you, David!
Please contact me about web dev, please. I sent email via Contact Us form page but I don’t think it’s checked!