Hymotion creates 100mpg mod for Prius
With gas projected to reach $4.00 per gallon, the thought of modifying my Prius to get 100 miles per gallon is very exciting. But at an initial cost of $10,000 for 100 mpg for only 30 to 40 miles at a time? I’m not sure its worth it.
A123 Hymotion has developed a L5 conversion module that allows Prius owners to convert their Prius’ to plug in hybrids. The conversion module costs $10,000 and then you have to find an authorized dealer to install it. The authorized dealers are in Boston, Washington, DC, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle Washington. Not exactly an overwhelming number of choices and certainly nowhere near Western North Carolina.
So, in order to get this 180 lb. 5 kw module put into my car, I have to spend an exorbitant amount in gas, then lodging(unless they can put it in while I wait, yeah right!), and the installation fee for labor. Now the initial “$9995″ (rounded up to $10,000 plus with tax) is looking quite a bit higher.
The module takes 4.5 hours to charge and has a three year warranty. The module is only for 2004-2008 Prius models. The company talks about “up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles within electrically assisted driving range.” Does this mean that if I take a 250 mile trip in my Prius, only the first 30-40 miles will be 100 mpg and after that it reverts to the previous mpg? Granted most of my daily trips are between 34 and 50 miles so for at least part of that trip, I would get the benefit of the increased mileage, but I make frequent long distance trips as well.
For Prius owners living within the general area of one of the few authorized installers, this could be a way of saving quite a bit in gas costs, if the purchase price and installation price can be justified by considerable savings over a three year period – the warranty period. If so, enjoy. I am going to wait until a “new and improved” plug in module hits the market. Hopefully the price will be much lower as well.
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