Here's how you convert

Coming in 2008 ...

Hymotion Battery Range Extender Modules (BREMs) for converting Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) to Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) will be coming soon to your local authorized dealer.

Individual conversion modules will be available in early 2008. To sign up to receive notice when BREMs become available, you can fill out a Hymotion BREM Request Form.

Where can you buy a PHEV?

Though carmakers now speak positively of PHEVs, it could be a while before you'll find them at your local dealership. See How Carmakers are Responding to the Plug-In Hybrid Opportunity. If you want one now, it will cost you far more than they'll cost when mass-produced!

CalCars and a number of aftermarket companies, have converted over 50 cars—almost all for fleets. For a list of conversions completed to date, see Where PHEVs (mostly Priuses) Are.

When plug-in hybrid conversions become available, they will be limited to certain vehicle types. So far, all start as hybrids. The easiest conversions are for 2004-2007 Prius (not 2001-2003 Prius) and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Because of Honda's different architecture (the engine runs whenever the motor runs), aftermarket conversion of Hondas are unlikely.

There is legal precedent that original auto warranties cannot be voided completely by modifications—only the part(s) affected by retrofit will have their warranties affected. Typically, hybrid cars have four or five separate warranties. Car companies could decide that conversions void some or part of the hybrid system warranty—unless they worry that will tarnish its green image. Drivers of converted cars have received high levels of cooperation from dealer service departments so far.

Start saving money with a PHEV today.
When the car is driven the day after it has been plugged in, it uses electricity and less gasoline. Less gasoline means lower costs and fewer emissions. Electricity at off-peak rates provides transportation for the equivalent of less than $1 per gallon of gasoline. Vermont has one of the cleanest electric power mixes in the country and future CO2 emission from electric power are capped. So use of electricity to displace gasoline will clean up the environment. CVPS is working with Green Mountain College and the University of Vermont to carefully study the economics and environmental impacts of our test PHEVs.