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Plug-In Hybrids Aren't Coming, They're Here

Wired is running a story about the small but vocal, and growing, number of people who aren't waiting for automakers to deliver plug-in hybrids. They're shelling out big money to have already thrifty cars converted into full-on plug-in hybrids capable of triple-digit fuel economy. "The conversions aren't cheap, and top-of-the-line kits with lithium-ion batteries can set you back as much as $35,000. Even a kit with lead-acid batteries — the type under the hood of the car you drive now — starts at five grand. That explains why most converted plug-ins are in the motor pools of places like Southern California Edison... No more than 150 or so belong to people like [extreme skiing champion Alison] Gannett, who had her $30,000 Ford Escape converted in December. Yes, that's right. The conversion cost more than the truck."

4 of 495 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Efficiency by marcushnk · · Score: 4, Funny

    You're obviously a Linux user...

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    "Consider how lucky you are that life has been good to you so far. Alternatively, if life hasn't been good to you so far
  2. But... Think of the children! by Colin+Smith · · Score: 4, Funny

    If you have a truck, you'll be able to mow down a whole group rather than just the front rank!

     

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  3. Re:Efficiency by CmdrGravy · · Score: 5, Funny

    How about she uses a ski lift like everyone else, the lazy hussy.

  4. Re:Efficiency by Ihlosi · · Score: 4, Funny
    My nightmare is having an electric car during and evacuation for a hurricane. It is hard enough now to find gas to get out, not to mention if you screw up, and are in traffice for up to 20 hours (hot days with the AC running). You'd be stranded pretty badly in an electric car [...]

    ... unless you bring a generator, of course. Bonus points for mounting it on top of the car.