1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Plug-in conversion yet ?

Discussion in 'Local Prius Club Main Forum' started by jstack, Oct 18, 2007.

Page 1 of 3
  1. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Has anyone in the area done a plug-in conversion yet ?

    I have been checking them and only 1 company is actually doing conversions so far and they are at a premium price so far. They are in Colorado hybrids-plus.com will do it for 36K.

    Many others have plans and test Prius PHEVs but are not ready yet. There is a good non profit source at calcars.org they list all the companies.

    Even Toyota is testing a few and may offer it in the future. Toyota just adds a second NiMH battery pack with each of them a little large than standard. It about doubles the mpg ! It would cost them about $5K more. That would be sweet.

    A123 lithium battery maker said they will have their packs mass produced and available in 2008, but didn't say what month or a firm price. They target 10-12K.
     
    #1 jstack, Oct 18, 2007
    1 person likes this.
  2. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I'm still waiting for plug-in kits and conversions to become available. It looks like it will be 2008.

    More news everyday but still none widely available yet. A few have been doing their conversion with old heavy sealed lead acid batteries. They last 1 -2 years and weight 300 lbs or more. That seems like a step backwards to me.
     
    #2 jstack, Nov 2, 2007
    1 person likes this.
  3. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I found another comapny doing plug-in conversions . They use proven NiMH batteries and will have complete conversions ready for sale in Jan 2008. The new company is in San Diego California and has a web page of http://www.pluginconversions.com/

    Why would anyone want to plug-in ? It costs only about 80 cents for a charge equal to 1 gallon of polluting oil imported from terrist countries. We import 60% of what we use today in the US. Oil is about $100 a barrel.
     
    #3 jstack, Nov 19, 2007
    1 person likes this.
  4. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2007
    1,289
    242
    3
    Location:
    Kentucky near Cincinnati, OH
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jstack @ Nov 19 2007, 11:14 PM) [snapback]541807[/snapback]</div>
    Look at hymotion.com
     
    #4 bestmapman, Nov 20, 2007
    1 person likes this.
  5. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2007
    1,826
    515
    6
    Location:
    Pleasanton, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jstack @ Nov 19 2007, 08:14 PM) [snapback]541807[/snapback]</div>
    I, for one, would love a plug in Hybrid. Having Solar Panels on the house is almost analgous to "drilling for oil" in our backyard. *grin*

    As far as importing oil.....I didn't realize that Canada was a terrorist country. We import more oil from Canada than any other country......
     
    #5 Codyroo, Nov 21, 2007
    1 person likes this.
  6. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    duplicate msg
     
    #6 jstack, Jan 10, 2008
    2 people like this.
  7. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    duplicate msg
     
    #7 jstack, Jan 10, 2008
    2 people like this.
  8. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Codyroo, Your right Canada is the most benevolent country. It's the Middle East that is the biggest problem with terrorists. Since we now import over 60% and the USA hit peak oil in 1971 we are not helping our countries security, enconomy or environment.

    We now import over 60% yet congress pays our taxes to big oil companies to help find more USA oil. Congress just failed to stop 13.1 Billion in payments a year in this past energy bill by 1 vote !

    The USA also subsidies fossil fuel like coal and also help Nuclear even more. The amount of water they use alone should make us take notice. REnewables like Solar and Wind are the best choice. Add in efficiency and tecnolofy like CFL and LED lights and we all win.
     
    #8 jstack, Jan 10, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  9. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    A123 update, Still no release date, The last items on their website say early 2008, well , it's April 11 already. Oil hit $112 a barrel.

    I'm ready to buy.
     
    #9 jstack, Apr 11, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  10. Prius 07

    Prius 07 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2007
    715
    21
    0
    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    They're ready to take your registration .... maybe even your deposit:

    Individual conversion modules will be available in early 2008. To sign up to receive notice when our BREMs become available, please fill out our Hymotion BREM Request Form.
     
    #10 Prius 07, Apr 11, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  11. Omi

    Omi Burlap Jockstrap

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2005
    47
    3
    0
    Location:
    Clearwater, FL
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    just got the email this morning back from them...

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Greetings from the A123Systems HymotionTM product line team![/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Thank you for your interest in our product line and for filling out our Hymotion request form. We know that many of you registered for updates quite a while back and have been patiently awaiting news of our product development progress. We apologize for the silence over the past year, but assure you that we have dedicated ourselves over that time to completing development and testing of our first product, the Hymotion L5 Plug-in Conversion Module (PCM) for the 2004-2008 Toyota Prius. We have recently added several new members to the Hymotion management and customer service teams that will enable us to better respond to your questions and orders as we now move into commercial production and sale of the L5.[/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Over the past year, with the help of our fleet and demo partners, we have completed the field testing and product development protocols to produce the market’s first fully tested, standardized and publicly available PHEV conversion module - the Hymotion L5. We have released the product to mass production and are now offering the L5 for purchase by consumers, as well as fleets and government programs. Lead times for each customer will depend on overall demand and product availability, but we expect consumer deliveries to begin in July 2008.[/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']We are happy to announce that our new Hymotion website launched today with consumer order capability! We are committed to ensuring that those of you who have already expressed your interest in our products are given priority for product delivery. If you are interested in purchasing the L5 for your Prius, please reply to this email toindicate your purchase intent AND place your deposit onlineon our new website to initiate your order. A member of our customer service team will respond to you with further information regarding your order within 5 business days.[/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Also, please check out the coverage of our consumer launch today on the New York Times web site! You can also see this exclusive coverage in print in the Automotive Section of the Times Sunday edition tomorrow. [/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Thank you for your loyalty and your patience over the past year. We appreciate your interest in our Hymotion L5 conversion modules and your support of plug-in hybrid technology! Again, if you are interested in purchasing an L5, please respond to this e-mail indicating your purchase intent to ensure your priority for delivery of an L5 AND place a deposit online to initiate your order. We hope that we can serve you as customers soon! [/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']The A123Systems Hymotion Team[/FONT]


    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Other Hymotion Highlights:[/FONT]
    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']First Hymotion PHEV Conversion for Individual Consumer Completed[/FONT]
    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']We recently completed the first conversion of a privately owned Prius into a Hymotion PHEV with our L5 PCM, which we unveiled at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference in Washington, DC on March 5th. James Woolsey, Former Director of the CIA and ardent spokesperson for US independence from foreign oil, now has the first privately owned Hymotion PHEV in the world. President Bush also stopped by our booth to check out the Hymotion PHEV: http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com/index.php?article=344.[/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Hymotion Dealer Network[/FONT]
    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']We are currently establishing and certifying our A123 Green CHIP (Certified Hymotion installation Partner) dealer network in major cities around the country. Initial Green CHIP dealers will be located in Boston, Washington, DC, Minneapolis, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.[/FONT]

    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']California Air Resources Board Approval [/FONT]
    [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']In April 2008, in the absence of established PHEV certification procedures, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) working together with our team outlined a path for conditional approval for A123Systems to sell up to 500 L5 PCMs in California as a means of initiating our rollout to consumers. We are now in the process of finalizing that approval. Additionally, we and others are also working with the CARB to establish certification procedures for PHEVs. Once those CARB PHEV certification procedures are final, we expect to certify our Hymotion L5 for sale in California under those procedures with no restriction on quantities sold.[/FONT]
     
    #11 Omi, Apr 26, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  12. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I now have a August conversion date with A123 hymotion. After the first of the year they will have a location right here in town to do the conversions but I can't wait.
    It seems non environmental to drive to LA for the conversion but that will also give me a trip to test it on for longer distance compared to 20 miles each way for work local.
     
    #12 jstack, May 20, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  13. Baron

    Baron New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2008
    1
    1
    0
    Location:
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    I too am interested in finding a mechanic in the phoenix area who can work on the Prius. I have a 2001 and want to do the conversion to all electric. Anyone have a current update on this strategy? I am new to the site. Great to find all of you!
    Baron
     
    #13 Baron, Aug 5, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  14. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    A123 Hymotion just emailed me last week. The green CHIP installetion Toyota dealer they had in Hollywood no longer will do conversions. Theyt are trying to set up another location near AZ. I recommended a top EV shop here in Mesa. If they go with it I still might get mine done this month.

    Yesterday I drove to work and got 77 mpg to work 18.5 miles and averaged 75 mpg by the time I got home. I figure with the plug-in option I will get 150+ mpg. I can't wait to try.
     
    #14 jstack, Aug 26, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  15. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2007
    2,076
    523
    5
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Glad to hear you are going for it Jim! Keep us posted!

    Rob
     
    #15 miscrms, Aug 26, 2008
    1 person likes this.
  16. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    We have 2 local vehicle owners ready to convert to plug-in. If We can just get one more of us 2004 or newer prius owners we can have it done right here in Mesa .

    This is the top L5 system from A123. It costs $10,000 but can give you 200-300 miles per gallon on 5 to 10 mile trips and about 100 on 60 mile trips. After that you would only get normal 50 mph.

    When you plug in it's 100% American volts or you can pay $2 bucks now and $4 buks in July for a gallon for 60% foreign oil/gas.

    If any one wants to join us let me know. I've been waiting for about a year. I know gas will go up and pollution will too.
     
    #16 jstack, Feb 6, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  17. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I've posted it on another thread , We now have a A123 CHIP dealer in Mesa. All wee need is 1 more person to sign up for the conversion in Arizona and he can start. Please contact me if you want the A123 plug-in system.

    I have been on the list for over a year and this is the opportunity to have it done here, locally by a real A123 expert.
     
    #17 jstack, Feb 8, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  18. kabin

    kabin Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2007
    167
    20
    0
    Location:
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    For most, it might be an option when the OEM batteries lose capacity. By then hopefully the prices are substantially lower.
     
    #18 kabin, Feb 8, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  19. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    For most it's the way to not buy a new car, but make your exisitng prius better than a new car. The Toyota plug-in option won't be out until late 2010 and then only to fleets. The public won't be able to plug-in until maybe 2011.
    I hope to be able to plug-in this month !

    It's 80 cents of electric from America that is 10 times cleaner than gas. Gas is $2 a gallon now and will go to $4 or more in summer demand and is 60% imported.

    I want to plug-in now.
     
    #19 jstack, Feb 11, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  20. jstack

    jstack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2005
    211
    38
    12
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I may have a 3rd owner that wants to become a plug-in March could be a great month.

    I also found out about a company called 20th street auto that is located on 40th street ( go figure) who repairs prius vehicles that get declared totalled, they are made good as new but are sold with a salvage title for much less than a new or used prius. Thta is how I bought mine but had to get it from California where they have so many. Local is good.
    1-800-999-4911 / 602-258-2020 3244 South 40th Street Phoenix
     
    #20 jstack, Feb 28, 2009
    1 person likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 1 of 3