On the environmentally good news front there is a "new" player in the Prius Hybrid game that specializes in converting these already high mileage cars to 100 MPG + Plug-in capability. The conversion entails retrofitting a stock Prius Hybrid with heavier gas cushion load-leveling shocks and heavier springs; a much larger battery system and a plug-in charging harness along with rewiring to incorporate the system into Prius' computer monitors and controllers.. The conversion takes about 6 hours by an authorized conversion garage. Mileage jumps to 100 mpg rating (but only for 30-40 miles before the extra batteries then revert to the standard ICE* charge/surge of a stock Prius.). At any rate, for average drivers this means their daily errands and commute will be all on battery power. The heavier battery pack's weight penalty is about the same as packing a large adult around at all times which is offset by the increased distance the batteries can go on a full charge plus some. With the steady incline of gasoline prices which are predicted to exceed the 2008 price spike but without the collapse that followed, this system makes sense.
Check it out at: www.a123systems.com/hymotion
* ICE, Internal Combustion Engine
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