Frequentlt Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions


Question: How much does it cost to convert my Prius to a PHEV?	Answer: Cost will be $9,750, $14,900, or $19,750 depending on the low-speed EV-only range of 8, 16, or 24 miles per charge.
Question: When can I get one?	Answer: We are taking orders and installing systems now. We can also provide batteries and do-it-yourself support for highly qualified individuals in corporate or other institutions.
Question: Can I install the conversion kit myself?	Answer: No, unless you are trained and qualified to work with high voltage equipment.
Question: Can you convert any Prius?	Answer: We can only convert 2004 or newer Prius Vehicles due to the design of the older models.
Question: Can you convert cars other than the Prius?	Answer: Right now we are converting only Prius vehicles, and will begin development on converting other vehicles next year.
Question: Do you sell converted Prius vehicles?	Answer: We do not sell vehicles. We convert customer owned vehicles.
Question: How long does it take to convert my Prius?	Answer: Our system will be installable in less than 1 day.
Question: Do I take my car to you for conversion?	Answer: Yes, for now. In the future we will be able to install at your site.
Question: How will this affect my warranty?	Answer: We do not modify the factory control systems or traction battery in any way. After-market modifications should not affect the warranty on any component or system not impacted by the modification.
Question: What do you change in the car?	Answer: We do not change any original factory components, systems, or settings. We simply add a large battery and our control system which connects the new PHEV battery to the factory battery periodically to keep the factory battery charged up.
Question: Can I drive completely without Gas?	Answer: Yes, at speeds below 34 mph you will be in EV-only mode.
Question: If I cannot stay in EV-only mode, will a conversion still increase my mileage?	Answer: Yes! When you plug-in and charge up with energy for extra miles, it does not matter if you use those extra miles in EV-only mode, or blended into factory mode driving – you still get those extra miles free of gas consumption overall (see “How It Works” section).
Question: How long does it take to charge – is there a faster way?	Answer: Our PHEV-8 system (which has a low-speed EV-only range of 8 miles) will charge in less than 2 hours from a 120V AC source. We have a charger option available that allows you to plug-in to either a 120V or 240V AC source, and will charge about 3 times as fast - in less than 1 hour. Our PHEV-16 system will charge in about 4 hours (or less than 1 ½ hours with the charger option). Our PHEV-24 system will charge in about 6 hours (or less than 2 hours with the charger option.)
Question: I drive long distances – will I benefit from converting my Prius to PHEV?	Answer: The benefits will be less dramatic but still significant when driving longer distances without charging up. For example, driving 100 miles after charging up a PHEV-24 system will increase your mileage by 30%, to 65 mpg instead of non-PHEV mileage of about 50 mpg.
Question: How much does the electricity cost to charge the car?	Answer: Grid produced electricity costs about 2 cents per EV mile depending on your electric rates. Of course, charging with electricity produced by a solar energy system is even better.
Question: Do I have to plug-in every night – what if I forget?	Answer: You do not have to plug in every night. When your extra battery pack is empty the car operates in factory mode as a normal Prius. Of course the more often you plug in the better your mileage will be.
Question: Are there any benefits at all when driving after my charge is used up?	Answer: Yes! Because you have a bigger battery available, you will be able to recapture more energy during braking and going downhill. Even your factory mode mileage may increase slightly after you use up your charge.
Question: Are the batteries safe?	Answer: We are using NiMH (Nickel metal-hydride) batteries which have a long track-record of safety.
Question: Can I add to the system later?	Answer: Yes. We can upgrade a PHEV-8 to PHEV-16 system, and either to a PHEV-24 system by adding more batteries.
Question: Can the batteries be recycled?	Answer: Yes. Procedures for recycling NiMH batteries are well known and standard practice.
Question: Why are you using NiMH batteries instead of Lithium chemistry batteries?	Answer: Because they are readily available now and have a long track record of safety.
Question: Are you associated with CalCars.org (The California Cars Initiative)?	Answer: Yes. We are partners with CalCars and are working with other CalCars partners to place all control systems into the public domain as EAA-PHEV open source.