Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

About Us

Gold Peak Alliance

Frequently Asked Questions (Updated!)

Question: Can I really get more than 100 mpg?	Answer: Yes. You will see well above 100 mpg until your plug-in charge is used up. Then your mileage will drop to normal factory Prius mileage of about 50 mpg until you plug-in again. Your overall average mileage will vary from well above 50 mpg to over 100 mpg depending on how far and how fast you drive after each plug-in charge.
Question: What is the “real world” mpg?	Answer: In a recent 60 mile road test in PHEV “blended” mode our average mileage was 165 mpg at 22 miles, 100 mpg at 33 miles, and 65 mpg at 60 miles. This trip included about 10 miles at freeway speeds above 55 mph. Neither factory “Toyota EV” mode nor PICC “True-EV” mode were engaged during this test.
Question: How much does it cost to convert my Prius to a PHEV?	Answer: Installed system cost is $13,500 for our PHEV-25 system (low-speed EV-only range of 25 miles per charge, freeway speed EV-only range of about 15 miles per charge). This includes our “Hybrid Energy Manager™” control system.
Question: When can I get one?	Answer: We are taking orders and installing systems now.
Question: How long does it take to convert my Prius?	Answer: Our system is installable in less than 1 day, then we plug-in overnight and test on day 2.
Question: Can I install the conversion kit myself?	Answer: No. The system can only be installed by certified Plug-In Conversions Corporation installers.
Question: What is the PICC "Hybrid Energy Manager™"?	Answer: A patent pending control system developed by Ewert Energy Systems that allows us to use as much battery power as possible after a charge, before using gasoline.
Question: Is the "Hybrid Energy Manager™" Optional?	Answer: No. The PICC "Hybrid Energy Manager™" is now included in every conversion at a much lower additional cost than originally announced.
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 the 2010 Prius?	Answer: Not yet. We are working on this now and will know more in a few months.
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 late 2009.
Question: Do you sell converted Prius vehicles?	Answer: We do not sell vehicles. We convert customer owned vehicles.
Question: How does your Prius Conversion compare to the Chevrolet “Volt” after a plug-in charge is used up?	Answer: A PICC converted Prius will maintain higher mileage that a Chevy Volt after using up a plug-in charge. This is because the engine in a Prius is connected directly to the wheels - the engine in a Volt is connected only to a generator and indirectly to the wheels so it is less efficient.
Question: What do you change in the car?	Answer: We remove the factory 1.3kWh NiMH battery pack and replace it with our 6.1kWh NiMH battery pack. We add our control system, an on-board charger, a bumper plug receptacle, and a touch-screen monitoring system.
Question: Does your “True EV” mode hurt the motor-generators?	Answer: No. Our “True-EV” mode allows the engine to spin as designed above 34 mph. The motor- generators spin at their normal speeds.
Question: Can I drive completely without Gas?	Answer: Yes, at speeds up to 70 mph. In PICC “True EV” mode the engine will come on just long enough to heat up the catalytic converter, and then will stay off unless you need maximum acceleration.
Question: Is “EV-Only” mode preferred?	Answer: Not usually. “Blended” mode is preferred – the engine gently comes on only when you need extra power – then turns off right away. “Blended” is the safest and most efficient mode for city and highway driving.
Question: Will I always get 25 EV miles after a charge?	Answer: No, not always. Fast acceleration, hilly terrain, higher speeds, and very high or low outdoor temperatures will significantly reduce the EV range.
Question: What about my spare tire?	Answer: We remove the spare tire and tool tray underneath the rear deck to make room for our battery pack. Many customers place the spare tire in the tray and use the Toyota tire tie-down straps to secure it above the rear deck for long trips.
Question: How will this affect my warranty?	Answer: After-market modifications do not affect the factory warranty on any component or system not impacted by the modification. We provide an additional warranty on our system components.
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 (engine sometimes on) – 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-25 system (which has a low-speed EV-only range of 25 miles) will charge in about 6 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 at 240V AC - in about 2 hours.
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 at highway speeds after a charge. Your average mileage will be above 100 mpg until the charge is depleted and you have driven about 30 miles - then your mileage will return to non-PHEV mileage of about 50 mpg over about the next 30 miles.
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: Who manufactures the batteries?	Answer: Our batteries are supplied by Gold Peak Industries North America, part of a large multi-national corporation with over one billion dollars in sales per year.
Question: Are the batteries safe?	Answer: We are using NiMH (Nickel metal-hydride) batteries which have a long track-record of safety.
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: Can I become a dealer?	Answer: Please contact us for more information if you are interested in becoming a dealer.