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."

Comments

Whole lot of stupidity

[falcon5768]

Through simple driving tweaks, many of these vehicles could make much better gas milage without costing a dime. And then if you NEEDED to spend money, there are much cheaper ways, up to and including whole engine swaps that are still cheaper and as efficiant or BETTER than converting to "hybrid." I just dont get the alure of hybrid, while its nice to be as free of gas as possible, responsible driving will go a lot further than a half battery power car ever would.