HEV Retrofits FAQ
Table of Contents
1. What will it do for me?
2. Why not buy a used Toyota Prius or Honda Civic?
3. Why not just add a plug-in option to my Prius?
4. What is a "True Hybrid"?
5. Run that by me again. - Aren't the Toyota & Ford systems, which integrate electric motors & ICE through a power split device, true hybrids?
6. How does your HEV conversion kit compare to EV kits?
7. Will this work on a 1978 MG Midget? How about a '97 Suburban?
8. When can I purchase a Phoenix Turbine for my retrofit?
9. Is this a plug-in hybrid?
What will it do for me ?
Save fuel. Cut vehicle emissions by at least 50%.
Why not buy a used Toyota Prius or Honda Civic?
We thought of that. Then we saw the real numbers on fuel efficiency published by EPA. The Prius actually gets less miles per gallon than our diesel-powered VW Rabbit.
We're going to great lengths to completely redesign the power management system so that each component operates at its best efficiency point. Designed for high efficiency from the ground up, we expect our hybrid conversions to surpass even hybrids equipped with a Plug-in option.
Why not just add a plug-in option to my Prius?
Go ahead -- pay $14,000 for a plug-in package for the overpriced Prius. It will somewhat boost your fuel economy -- but it still won't match our system for efficiency.
What is a "True Hybrid"?
Sad to say, most of the OEMs are following Toyota's lead in their rush to sell "partial hybrids". Partial hybrids are electrically-assisted or enhanced mechanical drive systems. Whenever there is a direct connection between the internal combustion engine and the wheels, you're looking at a mechanically driven system with electrical enhancements.
A true hybrid uses equal parts of a combustion engine and either electric or hydraulic pumps, generators & motors. In other words, true hybrids fall between mechanically driven cars and electrically driven vehicles - using a 50/50 mix of parts. This approach means that you can run the ICE and all other components at their BEP (best efficiency point) greater than 90% of the time, under all load conditions.
By capturing energy & using it at BEP, this design strategy delivers what we're looking for: much higher MPG, less pollution, and better overall efficiencies. In fact, we believe that true hybrids represent the only system that can enable us to cut vehicle emissions by 50% before the "point of no return".
Aren't the Toyota & Ford systems, which integrate electric motors & ICE through a power split device, true hybrids?
Some confusion regarding the operation of today's HEVs is understandable. The debate over series/pure/true/full hybrids versus parallel/mild/partial hybrids has continued for at least 8-10 years in both media and scientific papers.
Toyota's Prius, and all other commercially available HEVs are parallel hybrids.
GM's Volt concept is the only series hybrid being offered by OEMs that we're aware of – and it will be years in coming. In series hybrids (like ours) there is no direct connection between the fire-breathing dragon & the wheels. This type of hybrid functions in sequence: from engine to generator, generator to batteries, batteries to electric motor. In other words, the car is propelled entirely by its electric motor.
Or, as Popular Mechanics puts it in their May 2007 article "The 110 Volt Solution" by Ben Hewitt: "E-flex vehicles such as the Volt will drive their wheels with a 120-kw, 160-hp electric motor. An engine or fuel cell will run an on-board electric generator."
Now compare that with PM's explanation of how the (parallel) Prius works: "The Prius is driven by a 76-hp gasoline engine SUPPLEMENTED by a 50-kw, 28-hp electric motor."
In parallel hybrids both an electric motor and ICE drive the wheels, often working together. Early on, these systems used a larger piston engine to drive rear wheels, plus a generator to store electrical energy in a block of batteries used to power a front wheel drive electric motor. (Mechanical drive on rear wheels & electric drive on front wheels.)
A major reason that OEMs choose to produce parallel (mild/partial) hybrids is that high-performance electrical components associated with pure/series hybrid systems cost a lot more than mechanical drive components. – This is one of the challenges that we have chosen to tackle.
How does your HEV conversion kit compare to EV kits?
Projected Pricing
At the low end, partial EV conversion kits cost between $6,000 to $7,000 -- this does not include batteries, DC-to-DC converter, motor mounts, heavy-duty springs & shocks, etc. You also build customized parts for your vehicle including battery racks. Estimated range: 60-80 miles maximum. Speed: 65-80 mph. Battery recharge time: all night.
A "complete" Deluxe EV Porsche kit from Electro Automotive is currently $13,415 (add $1,500 or more for batteries). You get more horsepower than their $9,625 (minus batteries) EV Rabbit version. Speed: up to 150 mph. Range: 100 miles "under good conditions". Recharge: overnight.
For $7,000* or less, you can purchase our HEV conversion plans, buy basic components from us, and scrounge the remaining components. Since we use smaller battery packs, the battery rack is easier to build. And you can use standard springs and shock absorbers.
Or you can spend $15,000** for our Deluxe package of HEV conversion plans & complete components (includes batteries & low-cost utility engine). No scrounging, just DIY installation.
Performance
We expect our HEV conversions to give better performance, great fuel economy, room for bigger payload. Speed: 65 mph minimum. Estimated range: unlimited. Recharge time: none.
Will this work on a 1978 MG Midget? How about a '97 Suburban?
Practically any vehicle can be retrofitted with HEV technology. Just remember, the larger the vehicle, the more power you need to have; this means that components get bigger & more expensive. Better to stay with lighter cars. So the MG Midget would be a good candidate, but probably the Suburban - being on the heavy side - should stay parked in the driveway & used only for occasional trips.
When can I purchase a Phoenix Turbine for my retrofit?
Initially, our hybrid-electric drive will use available piston ICE's only. However, this unique drivetrain is specifically designed for dropping in a Phoenix PDT Pulse Detonation Turbine™ in the future. This engine is now planned for our WorldKar™. As to when our high-efficiency turbines will become commercially available -- stay tuned to this channel.
Is this a plug-in hybrid?
Yes, you can plug into house current at night, and charge up the batteries for the next day. However, we suggest you only use this option if your electricity comes from a renewable source.
* Projected, final price depends on your ingenuity
** Projected
|
