I'm curious to find out if anyone here has converted a hybrid car into a fully electric car? If so, where do you plug it? How long does it take to charge the batteries? Do you use solar panels? What is the cost of converting a hybrid into a fully electric car?
There does not seem to be much of a selection regarding electric cars. Hybrids have different styles. I like the idea of not using gas at all so I am wondering if it is worth it to convert a hybrid.
Currently, I do not own a hybrid. I am planning to get a new car in the very near future.
Full Version: 100% Electric Car
If you're willing to wait, there's a few companies that are promising to bring highway speed electric cars into the US within a year. Also, there are currently lower speed (up to 25mph) electric cars available now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_produ...ectric_vehicles
Sorry, I have no experience in conversions, just what I read on the net.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_produ...ectric_vehicles
Sorry, I have no experience in conversions, just what I read on the net.
I recently bought the plans for a hydrgen cracking unit for any auto out there. Most people call it a fuel cell. It can be used to power your car, your home, what ever. It runs on water.
Regarding these 100% electric cars......air conditioning or heat would probably difficult to have. Anyone know?
QUOTE (Rainbow2005 @ May 18 2008, 03:32 PM) 
I'm curious to find out if anyone here has converted a hybrid car into a fully electric car? If so, where do you plug it? How long does it take to charge the batteries? Do you use solar panels? What is the cost of converting a hybrid into a fully electric car?
There does not seem to be much of a selection regarding electric cars. Hybrids have different styles. I like the idea of not using gas at all so I am wondering if it is worth it to convert a hybrid.
Currently, I do not own a hybrid. I am planning to get a new car in the very near future.
There does not seem to be much of a selection regarding electric cars. Hybrids have different styles. I like the idea of not using gas at all so I am wondering if it is worth it to convert a hybrid.
Currently, I do not own a hybrid. I am planning to get a new car in the very near future.
Not prudent, at this time ...
battery operated vehicles are cleaner [at the point of use]
- but dirtier overall, less efficient - battery storage is generally less than 30% efficient overall and most electricity comes from coal, and energy losses in transporting to the customer.
Energy transformation = heat/work/loss/waste.
The more different transitions that you make, the more energy you waste.
Power generated at power plant - fuel to heat [loss], to electric [loss], transported [loss],
stored in batteries [loss], transfered to motor [loss].
If we could all drive battery/plug-in type vehicles tomorrow - we would need at least 2-3 times more electricity; and an improvement in the power grid to deliver that to our homes. The majority of electricity currently comes from coal, the dirtiest form of energy, more electricity more pollution, now !
Recently there was an article about Los Angeles planning on putting solar cells on almost every industrial business in L.A. the best idea in decades ...
Industry is the greatest consumer of energy … by putting them at the source of use, there is much,
much, much less losses – in comparison to current process.
QUOTE (RandiLover @ May 18 2008, 04:15 PM)
I recently bought the plans for a hydrgen cracking unit for any auto out there. Most people call it a fuel cell. It can be used to power your car, your home, what ever. It runs on water.
Hydrogen fuel cells run on hydrogen and air [or oxygen most efficient]. But, the hydrogen/oxygen have
to be extracted/separeted from water, fossil fuel or other compounds. The current state of the art -
extraction wastes 4-5 times as much as it produces, extremely waistful and 4-5 times greater pollution.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_fuel_cells
Every business and home should have solar cells, the whole Midwest/Eastern states should have windmills [the overwhelming majority of people live between St. Louis, Atlanta and Boston].
Instead of subsidizing the fossil fuel monopolies - we should be subidizing research in truely renuable and
and cleaner energy sources.
Other coutries have done this - we have had three problems R. Reagan [oil and nuclear backers], G.H.W. Bush and Dumbya ... bankrupted the country for a little bit of oil !!!
Oil/coal industries could be obsolete in 10-15 years.
impracticle, low speed, only drive in daytime, not very safe !
but a fully electric car - with the least trasformational losses !
I found this below.
I think electric cars would be ideal if solar panels are attached to the car or the car gets plugged into a solar powered grid.
QUOTE
Source: What's better than a hybrid car? A plug-in hybrid car of course!
Don't plug-in hybrids use coal-powered electricity?
Of course, just plugging your car battery into one of your home's sockets isn't much of a benefit to the environment if coal is the ultimate source of most electricity, right?
Wrong. From well-to-wheel, electric power is still far cleaner than using gasoline according to several studies. Part of the reason is because hybrid vehicles generate their own electric power. Plugging your hybrid into your home is intended to top off the batteries.
Of course, plugging your vehicle into a solar powered socket, on the other hand, would produce completely clean energy.
Still, it's not that you have to plug it in, rather it's that you can plug it in.
Nonetheless, several studies have determined that the nation's electric grid can handle plug-in hybrids if the majority of drivers started plugging into the grid.
Even better some companies are developing V2G technology that would enable plug-in hybrid drivers to plug into the grid at work - pumping electricity into the grid during peak hours and making money for the plug-in hybrid owner.
Don't plug-in hybrids use coal-powered electricity?
Of course, just plugging your car battery into one of your home's sockets isn't much of a benefit to the environment if coal is the ultimate source of most electricity, right?
Wrong. From well-to-wheel, electric power is still far cleaner than using gasoline according to several studies. Part of the reason is because hybrid vehicles generate their own electric power. Plugging your hybrid into your home is intended to top off the batteries.
Of course, plugging your vehicle into a solar powered socket, on the other hand, would produce completely clean energy.
Still, it's not that you have to plug it in, rather it's that you can plug it in.
Nonetheless, several studies have determined that the nation's electric grid can handle plug-in hybrids if the majority of drivers started plugging into the grid.
Even better some companies are developing V2G technology that would enable plug-in hybrid drivers to plug into the grid at work - pumping electricity into the grid during peak hours and making money for the plug-in hybrid owner.
I think electric cars would be ideal if solar panels are attached to the car or the car gets plugged into a solar powered grid.
QUOTE (Rainbow2005 @ May 19 2008, 12:44 AM)
I found this below.
I think electric cars would be ideal if solar panels are attached to the car or the car gets plugged into a solar powered grid.
I think electric cars would be ideal if solar panels are attached to the car or the car gets plugged into a solar powered grid.
You mean like the Solar Prius?
QUOTE (RandiLover @ May 18 2008, 08:15 PM)
I recently bought the plans for a hydrgen cracking unit for any auto out there. Most people call it a fuel cell. It can be used to power your car, your home, what ever. It runs on water.
I feel the vested interests of the power companies,etc. will do all they can to stifle this technology due to its affect on their operations. With the exception of the Honda fuel cell car and maybe other auto manufacturers.
QUOTE (Stoon @ May 18 2008, 09:53 PM)
You mean like the Solar Prius?
Cool. Thanks. This company has a few solar panel models. I'm sure they will add more models to accommodate other cars.
I had a Prius until I moved last year. I considered doing the conversion, but was too worried about voiding the warranty, especially since I knew I might want to sell it eventually. (One of the reasons I bought it was that the Prius has had one of the lowest depreciation rates.)
Electric is cool, but what about air power? It goes into production in 2010 in India, lots of video on Youtube. thing uses compressed air, a hybrid would be internal combustion compressor on board, which in theroy provides a one tank range of NYC to LA. Perhaps this kept so quiet because the French frim creating it has cut big energy right out. They view it as high impact in developing nations, with targets outside India including Mexico City. The compressd tanks are composit from Airbus (on beahlf or my sister and brothers at Boeing a loud compressed air hiss). Only problem I see (aside from point source fuel issue common to charging electic cars) is French vs American design views. Oh yeah emmissions filtered O at a reduced temperature to ambient. Uses one quart total lubricant.
What company will make the compressed air car?
QUOTE (dportjoe @ May 19 2008, 10:19 AM)
Electric is cool, but what about air power? It goes into production in 2010 in India, lots of video on Youtube. thing uses compressed air, a hybrid would be internal combustion compressor on board, which in theroy provides a one tank range of NYC to LA. Perhaps this kept so quiet because the French frim creating it has cut big energy right out. They view it as high impact in developing nations, with targets outside India including Mexico City. The compressd tanks are composit from Airbus (on beahlf or my sister and brothers at Boeing a loud compressed air hiss). Only problem I see (aside from point source fuel issue common to charging electic cars) is French vs American design views. Oh yeah emmissions filtered O at a reduced temperature to ambient. Uses one quart total lubricant.
QUOTE (21tikcah @ May 18 2008, 08:30 PM)
...
Energy transformation = heat/work/loss/waste.
The more different transitions that you make, the more energy you waste.
Power generated at power plant - fuel to heat [loss], to electric [loss], transported [loss],
stored in batteries [loss], transfered to motor [loss].
...
Energy transformation = heat/work/loss/waste.
The more different transitions that you make, the more energy you waste.
Power generated at power plant - fuel to heat [loss], to electric [loss], transported [loss],
stored in batteries [loss], transfered to motor [loss].
...
Same process again ... electricity to compress air - what efficiency level is the result ????
If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is !!
Gonna market it in Mexico ??? ... why not more lucrative markets like Europe and the US; if they really are more effective ????? Why not worlwide if it is infallible ???
Ethanol impracticability been reported on since 2000 .... but ignored !!!
Exposing the Corn-Based Ethanol Hoax as a Solution to Peak Oil April 16, 2007
Corn lobby's tall tale of a gas substitute
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_461.cfm
Many Problems with Ethanol from Corn: Just How Unsustainable Is It? August 4, 2000
http://www.phoenixprojectfoundation.us/use...f%20Ethanol.pdf
Running on Empty: The Failure of Ethanol Aug. 16, 2001
http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=3653
The failure of U.S. ethanol policy
http://www.env-econ.net/2008/04/the-failure-of.html
Good for farmers for a while, terrible for the environment overall !
All these half-baked ideas seem to lead to one point - greater need for more electricity from coal ....
to process/manufacture .... ONLY !!!
Non-renewable ... keep you paying for ever !!!!
Worldwide, coal fuels 40 percent of all power generation.
"Coal will be cleaner ..." all industry lobbyist - B.S. ...
investing more in ads and political campaigns than research !
No Questions On Global Warming Asked At CNN’s "Coal Industry-Sponsored" Presidential Debates
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/22/coal-cnn/
Another Coal-Sponsored Debate Without Questions on Global Warming
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laurie-david...de_b_87988.html
Future Gen (carbon sequestration program - pump it under ground and expect it to stay there and not harm anything ??) ..... "cruel deception" ..... industry fraud !
...
On January 29, 2008, the Department of Energy announced it was withdrawing funding from FutureGen, effectively terminating the project.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FutureGen
Banks will not fund it !
Cleaner Coal Is Attracting Some Doubts
By MATTHEW L. WALD Published: February 21, 2007
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 — Within the next few years, power companies are planning to build about 150 coal plants to meet growing electricity demands. ....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/21/business/21coal.html
Deadly power plants? Study fuels debate
...
2003 blackout slashed pollution
In a separate but related study, University of Maryland scientists reported Wednesday that the skies became dramatically cleaner when power plants had to shut down during the August 2003 blackout that hit the Northeast.
Measurements found a 90 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide, a gas that leads to haze and acid rain, and a 50 percent reduction in smog, or ground-level ozone. The amount of light-scattering particles in the air dropped by 70 percent and visibility increased by some 20 miles.
...
People dying prematurely from problems associated with exposure to fine particle pollution, or soot, lost an average of 14 years.
Power plant pollution is responsible for 38,200 nonfatal heart attacks and 554,000 asthma attacks each year.
Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida had the highest overall mortality rates each year, and West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee — states with a large number of coal-fired plants — had the highest per capita mortality risk.
...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5174391/
Stop the global warming gangsters for good
Trent Hawkins 19 April 2008
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/747/38650
Worst form of [multiple] pollution in the world ....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_effects_of_coal
Authentic research should be done - but the BUSH-it .....
is just that !!!! ___ nonsense Welfare for corporations .....
Solar and wind are here now .... both 100% pollution free in use ....
yet delayed/obscured by a lot of monopoly generated/motivated B.S.
While I like the idea of a hybrids car, I also worry about the dangers that they may be. For first responders and the people that may be in a wreck with them. I was talking to a mechanic that also works for the local Fire department and rescue, and he told me basically the same thing as what follows.
LINK
Just FYI
LINK
Just FYI
QUOTE
Potential Dangers
Given these differences, are hybrids more difficult to work on than other cars?
"From a technician's standpoint, they're downright scary," said Van Batenburg. "They're more complicated and there are more computers, more sensors, more components. In the case of Toyota, there's less room under the hood."
But, he emphasized, the more you understand these vehicles, the less intimidating they will be.
"The scariest thing to most people is the fact that all these hybrid vehicles produce enough voltage and amperage to kill you," said Van Batenburg. "The average technician is not hearing enough about the vehicle or being exposed to the vehicle enough to feel comfortable."
The threshold for voltage that can be fatal is about 60 volts. For some people, it's as little as 50 volts. Hybrids use a dual voltage system: 12 volts for most of the car and high voltage for the drive motor(s) and related systems. The high voltage is what you need to respect, said Van Batenburg.
"Electricians who have worked on 110v or 220v know to be careful and de-power the wires before working on the system," he said. "Well-trained electricians wear safety gloves, work in teams and know how to read a meter."
The Toyota Prius is 276 volts, a lethal amount, and both Honda hybrids come equipped with 144 volts as standard equipment. Always wear safety gloves during the process of de-powering and powering the system back up again. Make sure your safety gloves are in excellent condition. Even a pinhole can give access to a current looking for ground. Inflate your gloves before each use to check for such holes.
A lethal shock is the most dangerous aspect of working with these types of cars. Not realizing that the engine starts and stops on its own when the key is in the ignition is another. Making sure the car is fully shut off will prevent some accidents from happening, said Van Batenburg.
Given these differences, are hybrids more difficult to work on than other cars?
"From a technician's standpoint, they're downright scary," said Van Batenburg. "They're more complicated and there are more computers, more sensors, more components. In the case of Toyota, there's less room under the hood."
But, he emphasized, the more you understand these vehicles, the less intimidating they will be.
"The scariest thing to most people is the fact that all these hybrid vehicles produce enough voltage and amperage to kill you," said Van Batenburg. "The average technician is not hearing enough about the vehicle or being exposed to the vehicle enough to feel comfortable."
The threshold for voltage that can be fatal is about 60 volts. For some people, it's as little as 50 volts. Hybrids use a dual voltage system: 12 volts for most of the car and high voltage for the drive motor(s) and related systems. The high voltage is what you need to respect, said Van Batenburg.
"Electricians who have worked on 110v or 220v know to be careful and de-power the wires before working on the system," he said. "Well-trained electricians wear safety gloves, work in teams and know how to read a meter."
The Toyota Prius is 276 volts, a lethal amount, and both Honda hybrids come equipped with 144 volts as standard equipment. Always wear safety gloves during the process of de-powering and powering the system back up again. Make sure your safety gloves are in excellent condition. Even a pinhole can give access to a current looking for ground. Inflate your gloves before each use to check for such holes.
A lethal shock is the most dangerous aspect of working with these types of cars. Not realizing that the engine starts and stops on its own when the key is in the ignition is another. Making sure the car is fully shut off will prevent some accidents from happening, said Van Batenburg.
Oh, the dangers of hybrids: electrocution.
QUOTE (Rainbow2005 @ May 23 2008, 04:16 PM)
Oh, the dangers of hybrids: electrocution.
I heard a story on the radio on how fire departments are learning how to react to emergencies in hybrids since there is that enhanced danger.
How could you folks not know about Tesla Motors ................ ?
http://www.teslamotors.com/
Even Conservatives know about Tesla .............................
Best,
http://www.teslamotors.com/
Even Conservatives know about Tesla .............................
Best,
Check out this video from calcars and it will explain alot of stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkIZQj-flc...feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkIZQj-flc...feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw2naDdfdwM...feature=related
Okay, this video says that adding acetone to your gas... 1/4 cup for every 10 gallons will add 10 mpg.
Acetone is almost the same as STP but CHEAPER!!!!
Okay, this video says that adding acetone to your gas... 1/4 cup for every 10 gallons will add 10 mpg.
Acetone is almost the same as STP but CHEAPER!!!!
QUOTE (IVEATCH @ May 23 2008, 10:49 PM)
How could you folks not know about Tesla Motors ................ ?
http://www.teslamotors.com/
Even Conservatives know about Tesla .............................
Best,
http://www.teslamotors.com/
Even Conservatives know about Tesla .............................
Best,
Too expensive for me. The car looks cool but not for me.
QUOTE (LilaTheGreat @ May 23 2008, 10:54 PM)
Check out this video from calcars and it will explain alot of stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkIZQj-flc...feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVkIZQj-flc...feature=related
Interesting video. I never heard of that organization before. I bookmarked their site.
It would make things easier if the car manufacturers made plug-ins.
QUOTE (Rainbow2005 @ May 24 2008, 07:48 PM)
Interesting video. I never heard of that organization before. I bookmarked their site.
It would make things easier if the car manufacturers made plug-ins.
Yes, calcars.org is a very good site. i subscribe to them and get an email about what they are doing!It would make things easier if the car manufacturers made plug-ins.
Odd... many of the arguments here are also in what "Who Killed the Electric Car". We need our politicians to push us to the right thing. Detroit and the oil companies won't get on board until it makes economic sense for them. Forget nationalism or patriotism... they are only thinking bottom line... and that won't get the rest of us very far. Capitalism is NOT about thinking about the future.
Most people don't need to get a lot of milage from their commuter car. Toyota is making the Prius a plug in soon, but with only an 8 mile range? That isn't the number that commuters need.
I want a plug-in. I'm ready to go for a simple 4 seater electric car. They don't exist.. .yet. The solar cells on my roof will power it. Now, why isn't anyone pointing out to all the sunbelt folks that investing in solar cells is good for them and good for the economy?? Well over half of the cost of our system went into the pockets of American workers. You want the economy to grow. Get American businesses to do Green Business.
Heating in an electric car? I'll use something called... WOOL .. in the winter.
I'm still incredibly pissed that American car manufacturers keep taking our tax dollars for researching this that and Hydrogen, and yet still complain about making ALL their cars much much more efficient. We could be doing a lot more with the oil we are buying if we would use it more wisely.
Then there's George Bush... sitting in his happy little geothermal wonder ranch house, not saying a WORD about that technology. Eight years and the only time will have been a tour of the ranch in 2001. But hey! Let's all say "Switch Grass" a few thousand times!
Most people don't need to get a lot of milage from their commuter car. Toyota is making the Prius a plug in soon, but with only an 8 mile range? That isn't the number that commuters need.
I want a plug-in. I'm ready to go for a simple 4 seater electric car. They don't exist.. .yet. The solar cells on my roof will power it. Now, why isn't anyone pointing out to all the sunbelt folks that investing in solar cells is good for them and good for the economy?? Well over half of the cost of our system went into the pockets of American workers. You want the economy to grow. Get American businesses to do Green Business.
Heating in an electric car? I'll use something called... WOOL .. in the winter.
I'm still incredibly pissed that American car manufacturers keep taking our tax dollars for researching this that and Hydrogen, and yet still complain about making ALL their cars much much more efficient. We could be doing a lot more with the oil we are buying if we would use it more wisely.
Then there's George Bush... sitting in his happy little geothermal wonder ranch house, not saying a WORD about that technology. Eight years and the only time will have been a tour of the ranch in 2001. But hey! Let's all say "Switch Grass" a few thousand times!
I forgot about this!! More advanced thought in how to do the hybrid correctly!
TH!NK might have answers, but THIS one is AMERICAN!!
He just took an SUV... so it's heavy already... but it's four people. I'll buy it TODAY!!
Ahhhh but he can't get "Detroit" interested?
http://www.metaefficient.com/cars/hybrid-u...ets-150mpg.html
http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=k-cPHtQ0tTw
http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=v09_uTp08zg
Kind of reminds me of the movie "TUCKER"
Is it possible that there are huge bank accounts being created in Switzerland for CEO's of industries that do the oil companies bidding? I don't get it.
TH!NK might have answers, but THIS one is AMERICAN!!
He just took an SUV... so it's heavy already... but it's four people. I'll buy it TODAY!!
Ahhhh but he can't get "Detroit" interested?
http://www.metaefficient.com/cars/hybrid-u...ets-150mpg.html
http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=k-cPHtQ0tTw
http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=v09_uTp08zg
Kind of reminds me of the movie "TUCKER"
Is it possible that there are huge bank accounts being created in Switzerland for CEO's of industries that do the oil companies bidding? I don't get it.
QUOTE (TeachAmerica @ May 29 2008, 12:21 AM)
Odd... many of the arguments here are also in what "Who Killed the Electric Car". We need our politicians to push us to the right thing. Detroit and the oil companies won't get on board until it makes economic sense for them. Forget nationalism or patriotism... they are only thinking bottom line... and that won't get the rest of us very far. Capitalism is NOT about thinking about the future.
Most people don't need to get a lot of milage from their commuter car. Toyota is making the Prius a plug in soon, but with only an 8 mile range? That isn't the number that commuters need.
I want a plug-in. I'm ready to go for a simple 4 seater electric car. They don't exist.. .yet. The solar cells on my roof will power it. Now, why isn't anyone pointing out to all the sunbelt folks that investing in solar cells is good for them and good for the economy?? Well over half of the cost of our system went into the pockets of American workers. You want the economy to grow. Get American businesses to do Green Business.
Heating in an electric car? I'll use something called... WOOL .. in the winter.
I'm still incredibly pissed that American car manufacturers keep taking our tax dollars for researching this that and Hydrogen, and yet still complain about making ALL their cars much much more efficient. We could be doing a lot more with the oil we are buying if we would use it more wisely.
Then there's George Bush... sitting in his happy little geothermal wonder ranch house, not saying a WORD about that technology. Eight years and the only time will have been a tour of the ranch in 2001. But hey! Let's all say "Switch Grass" a few thousand times!
Hemp is the answer. and wind and solar!Most people don't need to get a lot of milage from their commuter car. Toyota is making the Prius a plug in soon, but with only an 8 mile range? That isn't the number that commuters need.
I want a plug-in. I'm ready to go for a simple 4 seater electric car. They don't exist.. .yet. The solar cells on my roof will power it. Now, why isn't anyone pointing out to all the sunbelt folks that investing in solar cells is good for them and good for the economy?? Well over half of the cost of our system went into the pockets of American workers. You want the economy to grow. Get American businesses to do Green Business.
Heating in an electric car? I'll use something called... WOOL .. in the winter.
I'm still incredibly pissed that American car manufacturers keep taking our tax dollars for researching this that and Hydrogen, and yet still complain about making ALL their cars much much more efficient. We could be doing a lot more with the oil we are buying if we would use it more wisely.
Then there's George Bush... sitting in his happy little geothermal wonder ranch house, not saying a WORD about that technology. Eight years and the only time will have been a tour of the ranch in 2001. But hey! Let's all say "Switch Grass" a few thousand times!
QUOTE (LilaTheGreat @ May 28 2008, 10:58 PM)
Hemp is the answer. and wind and solar!
I agree but after the party how are we going to get home?
QUOTE (RandiLover @ May 29 2008, 02:06 AM)
I agree but after the party how are we going to get home?
Hemp has no THC, so you'd be cool to drive! 
Phoenix motors will have a fully electric SUV/SUT available starting 2009.
http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/index.php
Miles Electric Vehicles have a few low speed vehicles already available, and should have a highway speed sedan available 'soon'.
http://www.milesev.com/
Tesla motors already produces a fully electric sports car that is roughly comparable in both performance and pricing to a Porsche 911. It's also an important demonstration that electric motors can be as fast and powerful as comparable gasoline engines. Tesla is also planning on producing a more affordable sedan. Unfortunately that project has been delayed by some criminal shenanigans involving one of the designers.
http://www.teslamotors.com/
There are also several kits available to convert the Prius into a plug in hybrid. Most of these kits involve removing the NiMH batteries and replacing them with Lithium ion battieries as well as some modification to the programming in order to rely on the batteries more. So if you already have a Prius and its batteries are nearing the end of their lifetime, one of these kits make for a great option. I wouldn't recommend it for newer Prius owners, as these kits typically cost around $10k USD, and you'd be replacing perfectly good NiMH batteries that account for a decent portion of the cost of the vehicle (~5-8k).
I'd love to see Toyota release an official Lithium plug-in option on new models. As it wouldn't be hideously more expensive (2-5k), but would get much, much better mileage.
Also, on the subject of solar panels, I wouldn't recommend putting them on vehicles. They add to the vehicle weight and will hardly ever be pointing in the correct direction to get the most efficiency out of them. Nor is it likely that the cost of the panels will be recouped by the energy generated (especially in cloudy regions with lots of tree/building cover). It is a much better option to have a residential unit tied into the grid to reduce your home usage to offset your costs.
Notably, electric vehicles aren't necessarily more green than a gasoline vehicle (one could argue the battery manufacture and disposal process is rather bad for the environment). They're important though for energy independence. Once you move the generation problem out of the vehicle, you can address it with any renewable or non-renewable energy source you prefer. People whom prefer green energy could use solar, hydro, thermal, wind, or human power to charge their vehicles. People less concerned with such things could use nuclear, coal, or whatever is cheapest at the moment. And people that need to drive long distances can always store a generator onboard the vehicle to charge it while you drive (like the Chevy Volt).
http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/index.php
Miles Electric Vehicles have a few low speed vehicles already available, and should have a highway speed sedan available 'soon'.
http://www.milesev.com/
Tesla motors already produces a fully electric sports car that is roughly comparable in both performance and pricing to a Porsche 911. It's also an important demonstration that electric motors can be as fast and powerful as comparable gasoline engines. Tesla is also planning on producing a more affordable sedan. Unfortunately that project has been delayed by some criminal shenanigans involving one of the designers.
http://www.teslamotors.com/
There are also several kits available to convert the Prius into a plug in hybrid. Most of these kits involve removing the NiMH batteries and replacing them with Lithium ion battieries as well as some modification to the programming in order to rely on the batteries more. So if you already have a Prius and its batteries are nearing the end of their lifetime, one of these kits make for a great option. I wouldn't recommend it for newer Prius owners, as these kits typically cost around $10k USD, and you'd be replacing perfectly good NiMH batteries that account for a decent portion of the cost of the vehicle (~5-8k).
I'd love to see Toyota release an official Lithium plug-in option on new models. As it wouldn't be hideously more expensive (2-5k), but would get much, much better mileage.
Also, on the subject of solar panels, I wouldn't recommend putting them on vehicles. They add to the vehicle weight and will hardly ever be pointing in the correct direction to get the most efficiency out of them. Nor is it likely that the cost of the panels will be recouped by the energy generated (especially in cloudy regions with lots of tree/building cover). It is a much better option to have a residential unit tied into the grid to reduce your home usage to offset your costs.
Notably, electric vehicles aren't necessarily more green than a gasoline vehicle (one could argue the battery manufacture and disposal process is rather bad for the environment). They're important though for energy independence. Once you move the generation problem out of the vehicle, you can address it with any renewable or non-renewable energy source you prefer. People whom prefer green energy could use solar, hydro, thermal, wind, or human power to charge their vehicles. People less concerned with such things could use nuclear, coal, or whatever is cheapest at the moment. And people that need to drive long distances can always store a generator onboard the vehicle to charge it while you drive (like the Chevy Volt).
QUOTE (Siro @ Jun 16 2008, 07:34 AM)
Also, on the subject of solar panels, I wouldn't recommend putting them on vehicles. They add to the vehicle weight and will hardly ever be pointing in the correct direction to get the most efficiency out of them. Nor is it likely that the cost of the panels will be recouped by the energy generated (especially in cloudy regions with lots of tree/building cover). It is a much better option to have a residential unit tied into the grid to reduce your home usage to offset your costs.
Unfortunately, some people like me live in apartment buildings. It would be very difficult to get plugged in. That is why I thought solar panels would be a good idea. I live in CA so lots of sunshine. If the weight of the solar panel is not that much, then I think it would be worth it.
The weight of a panel is not listed in the link below.
http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com/products.shtml
QUOTE (Rainbow2005 @ Jun 16 2008, 01:43 PM)
Unfortunately, some people like me live in apartment buildings. It would be very difficult to get plugged in. That is why I thought solar panels would be a good idea. I live in CA so lots of sunshine. If the weight of the solar panel is not that much, then I think it would be worth it.
The weight of a panel is not listed in the link below.
http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com/products.shtml
The weight of a panel is not listed in the link below.
http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com/products.shtml
It'd probably be possible to mount a few panels externally on an apartment building, in much the same way some apartments allow you to mount a mini dish. But unless you're separately metered from other units, there'd be little point. It'd be more of the kind of thing the owner of the building would handle.
As to solar on a vehicle, check out the whitepaper: http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com/art...ite-paper.shtml
The system, at current gas prices would save you around $2500-$3000 in gas. I couldn't find a price on the system, but if it is more than that, it simply isn't worth the investment (although for some, this is worth the 17-29% less pollution I suppose). This is what is called getting your return on investment.
Generally one can expect to see a decent return on investment for residential panels. The reason this is so is that they will pay for themselves before the end of their life. When you tie a solar panel to a vehicle, you are tying the panel's life to that of the vehicle. The estimated lifespan of the battery pack in a prius maxes out at about 10 years, whereas the panel is good for about 30 years. If you intend to replace your battery pack two or three times(about $6-12k per), you might expect to see full usage of the panel. Which is actually a somewhat viable option due to improved battery technology.
I personally might be more likely to replace my vehicle when the battery reaches the end of life, just to take advantage of features found only in new vehicles. But lacking any such, there'd also be the option of replacement of the battery and installation of a solar panel. But I'd hesitate to do that if gas prices looked like they were going to go down ever. They don't at the moment, but the electric vehicles coming out in the next couple years could substantially change that.
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