More than a year has passed since I searched the seat cushions for the money to buy a Prius when they were very costly (due to fuel prices). I had the sillly notion of converting to PHEV later on when I made the purchase. Now I am still not seeing any real info on the various systems I have seen advertised online (or in my EAA newsletter)...just the occasional system for sale where they owner admits they have replaced numerous components... Even the web sites for the various conversions lack any real world info...just claims that have not be vetted. Are all of the conversion kits just a lost cause at this point? Are there no options but to wait until Tesla brings their next lower cost model to market that will allow me to drive somewhere other than back/forth to work?
Current options: Boulder Hybrid Conversions Boulder Hybrid Conversions Cost: ~$10,000-$13,000 (Or if you are a Colorado resident, only $2,600 to $5,500) They install it. Or Plug In supply Plug-In Supply | Plug-In Conversions for the Toyota Prius Cost: $7,000 to $12,000 to have them install it. DO NOT get a 2kwh system. You will hate it. Plug in supply had been around awhile and, it's not a secret, has had component failures at times. For sure don't be cheap. Get a good system. Spend the money.
Just buy a PIP and take the rebates. The system will work as designed by Toyota and it has a good warranty. You'll save money and headaches "VS" buying some crappy add-on junk that's not gonna give you anything over the factory setup
pip if you want 15 miles ev, volt if you want 40 miles ev, but lower hv mpg and a bit smaller car. stay away from the conversions unless you have a phd in electronics.
Aftermarket PHEV systems are for people who have a lot of patience and like to tinker. Or have someone nearby that they can pay to do the tinkering.
