Comments - Build-a-Hybrid Retrofits

These are some of the reactions we’ve received to our Build-a-Hybrid plans initiative:

I'd like to convert a 2003 Honda Odyssey to a hybrid.  I just recently paid it off, and I don't want to have another car payment so I can have a hybrid.  Besides, I love the van.  It's in great shape.  It's a great family hauler.  Only problem is, I get about 15mpg in the city.  I would love to improve its gas mileage. - DA

Many thanks - Milton

hello I want to convert my suv to a hybrid and if it works for a reasonable price I would be intested in the franchise idea. - Joey, location unlisted

Am looking at diesel / electric hybrid design concepts, would like to make one however budget can be challenging at times. - Bill, New York

Hi, I would like to convert my car to hybrid. I am scared of the raising gas costs. - Prabhakar, location unlisted

I worked on a mini project once in the UK and would love to take the technology further. - Neil, Queensland, Australia

Yard full of cars available! I am an old guy wanting to generate electricity with waste products, mainly oils... And have a vehicle that costs little-nothing to run...I drive 50-100 miles daily.... Have lotsa skills, little cash... Paul, location unlisted

Want to convert 1977 BMW 2002 to hybrid using small diesel engine to power car or charge batteries using an electric engine for power. Looking to purchase all components from you (controller, wiring diagram, electric parts, electric motor. - Walter, Massachusetts

Interested in diy at this time, but could lead to more involvement if successful. - Shirley, Illinois

Looking at multi fuel hybrid - Conrad, Arizona

More info please. I'm excited. - Robert, Florida

It would be great getting a hybrid in working order --- a true idea for a car. - Douglas, Ontario, Canada

I like the look of the old cars (Got my eye on a 49 Packard) But since my wife works for a environmental company We need a fuel efficient vehicle. Is it possible to convert something like the Packard? - Gerald, Virginia

Looking for detailed plans for hybrid conversion... Steven, California

Love to hear from you and see an update on the Fiero. - Tom, Texas

I have an old '42 Willy's Jeep that I'd like to try this on. I have it down to the frame right now and wasn't sure what to do with it since so much of it was not reusable. This might just be the perfect project. - Cameron, Texas

I would love to convert my FWD Escort... Max, Ohio

I hope it's easy to build... Thank you from Greece and a big bravo for all of you. - Nikos, Greece

While economics & foreign oil will be primary motivation for hybrids in the US of A, perhaps more important will be for India and China to retrofit existing cars and produce new ones with max "hybridization" for a "cooling" global warming! - Pradeep, India

Your plans for hybrid electric vehicles will save a lot for the environment and I would like to take part in the plans & contribute to people within our region. - Izhrin, Malaysia

Interested in converting a smaller vehicle for commuting. - Erik, Westminster, Colorado

I am very much interested in getting in to building a HEV or PHEV. I am tired of the gas prices at the pump and looking for a way to get off the gas. - Sidney, North Carolina

I want off oil, I don't want to pay any more high auto maintenance costs. - Glenn W.

Thank you for writing to Former Vice President Gore and for including information about your HEV technology... keep up the important work that you are doing. Best of luck! - Stacy, Office of the Former Vice President, The Honorable Al Gore.

The idea of converting an RV seemed very appropriate since: 

• They are gas hogs to begin with.
• They use electricity while stationary which could be provided by solar sources.
• They have air conditioning needs while stationary also.

 I have an older RV with a standard 350 Chevy engine, not being used (who can afford to keep them on the road with today's gas prices?) that I could refit. - Tom, California

Absolutely the best wish for a great success. Please keep me apprised. - Don, Arizona

I'm very interested in finding more information re. hybrid DIY vehicles. I have a 30-mile (one-way) commute to work, love my Ford Escape, and would be very interested in learning how to convert. - Thomas

Need a conversion for a car that lasts a long time (Honda/VW) or has engine problems causing good cars to go to the wrecking yard... - Bob, Maryland

I would like to build a hybrid vehicle as my first car. I don't want to pollute the air seeing that we live in the 21st century. I believe we can do better. - Randolph, age 13, Michigan

Greetings and many thanks for your help. - Tibor, Budapest, Hungary

As a father who drives for a living, I need to have a low maintenance, low cost, low emissions car that will be reliable, dependable & affordable in everyday use. - Mike, age 40, Michigan

The greatest legacy we can leave our children is a habitable world. We must do everything possible to ensure a clean environment for their sakes. - 35-year old mother/homemaker, Michigan

If most of the world switched to hybrid electrics, there wouldn't be as much oil drilling or oil spills which kill fish, birds and other water creatures. - Konrad, age 11, Michigan

It's going to be fun to learn about how cars work, and about electrical systems. Like summer school, but something fun. - Elisabeth, age 14, Michigan

I am interested in learning about hybrids, especially diesel electric hybrids. - Tom, Alabama

... AND MANY MORE WHO SIGNED UP WITH NO COMMENTS.