Hymotion/Other Phev Mods - Who's taken the plunge?

[KandyRedCoi]

so who has done the conversion??? any reports and/or updates for interested PCmembers?

-TIA :up:

[boxer93]

a123system/hymotion blogged their dealers today. Only an hour away for me. After reading how far some of you will travel for the conversion I feel very lucky. Now I just need the car
Chris

[ibcs]

Wow, did anyone else notice that a123/Hymotion is using Toyota dealerships for the installation. Three of the six are Toyota dealers

[McDonald]

Maybe this is a stupid question, but I'm a little bit confused. I went to the website, but couldn't really find it. Say you do the A123 systems phev conversion kit to your Prius.

How far can you drive?
Can it still run in hybrid mode, assisted with gas?

[ibcs]

The information can be found at Hymotion :: Enabling the new generation of hybrid owners to maximize their fuel efficiency I'm amazed that they have three Toyota dealerships as CHIP installers.

[McDonald]

The info is a bit vague but I answered my own question. "Through the increased use of electric drive, the Hymotion Plug-in Conversion Module enables the Prius to achieve in excess of up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles* over a range of up to 40 miles, dependent upon driving conditions. Once the L5 module is depleted, the vehicle reverts to the normal drive cycle of a stock Toyota Prius."

[boxer93]

ibcs, the Toyota dealers make sense to me. Trained High Voltage Techs with knowledge of the prius. Probably would not be a problem to get Toyota warantee without many hassles.
McDonald, for me the 30-40 miles fits in my commuter distance. And I also drive a combination hwy/city. I expect 100+ daily(hopefully hitting 150 as well). The hour drive back from the install will be a good test of an hour of battery charge at hwy speeds, as long as I get it with a full charge Plus even in normal Prius mode the mileage drops to the 45-50 MPG range.
Chris

[ibcs]

I agree Toyota dealerships are great, I'm not sure why I was surprised.

Just spent last evening adding an electrical outlet to the garage. Only had one at the front and I normally do not back the car in every day. $40 worth of parts, mainly copper wiring, but I know have electric at the front and back. Now waiting for October.

[dmckinstry]

Well, I hadn't until yesterday. So on 6/8/08 I was #639.

I had been debating with myself since it didn't have "on the fly" recharging capabilities, but decided there would be only a half dozen time a year I'd be going much farther than 30 miles between charges anyway.

Now I just have to find out how long it will before they can do the installation.
That may give us an indication at how rapidly they can/are producing the kits.

Dave M.

[ibcs]

Let me know when you hear about your installation date. I'm schedule for the 2nd week of October. At $5 per gallon, I actually might break even on this deal. I don't care if I break even as long as I personally buy less oil.