Hymotion / A123 Sysytems Toyota Prius Conversion

Do you own a 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius? These are the models years that can be converted to plug-in capability using the kit sold by Hymotion / A123 Systems. Hymotion started this business and then were later bought by A123 Systems, makers of Nanophospate Lithium ion battery cells. Their product is now a drop-in 5 kWh Lithium ion battery pack that works in conjunction with the Toyota Hybrid Synergy drive and allows the operator to drive in an all EV mode.

During installation, an EV switch is installed that lets the driver operate entirely on electrical energy without the ICE starting. The Prius can then travel about 15 or so miles using the additional battery pack and also boasts 100 mpg over the course of 40 miles. The 40 mile number is significant as it represents the maximum number of miles traveled by the majority of US commuters.

The Hymotion unit costs $9995 installed and is really one of the best aftermarket kits available to make your Prius a plug-in. Here are some specifics from the Hymotion web site:

"A123 Hymotion L5 Plug-in Conversion Modules are designed to convert Toyota Prius HEVs into PHEVs that can achieve up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles*

Hymotion L5 animation here

Product Specifications

• Designed for Toyota Prius, model years 2004 – 2009
• ~ 5 kWh pack
• 5.5 hour charge time
• ~ 180 pounds
• Up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles within electrically assisted driving range

• Meets strictest emissions standards in U.S.
• Crash tested to federal new vehicle standards
• $9995 – includes 3 year standard warranty and installation"

Of course, the difficult part of this upgrade is coughing up the 10 grand, especially in the ultra depressed financial times in which we find ourselves. However, in my opinion this is the best bang for the buck of ANY plug-in kit on the market.

In the future, I will look at other manufacturer's solutions to converting a late model Prius into a plug-in Prius. There are several options avaialble.

Toyota Prius Plug-In kit

Yesterday, I talked about OEM plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are currently non-existent. Today, I would like to discuss something more tangible, namely after-market conversion kits for the 2004 to 2008 model year Toyota Prius. The initiative to convert a Prius for plug-in capability can be traced to Felix Kramer and Ron Gremban of the California Cars Initiative. Felix has been the spearhead, mouthpiece and advocate for the benefits of plug-in hybrid vehicles and Ron has been his more-than-capable technical lead. They are tireless and relentless in spreading the word and indeed, have made it all the way to Washington.

What Felix and Ron have proven is that it is possible to convert a stock Prius with extra batteries and control circuitry into a plug-in hybrid vehicle capable of 100 miles per gallon. Obviously, this is significant, especially in light of this past summer's sky high gas prices. At $4.00 per gallon, would you rather commute in a 33 mpg or a 100 mpg vehicle?

Felix and Ron also determined to keep the technology needed to convert the Prius "open sourced". This means it is non-proprietary and free to all. The result? A cottage industry has sprung up around the initiative to supply would be DIY'ers with everything they need to convert their Prius's to Plug-In Prius's. the bottom line is that for about 6 grand, you can convert your own Prius. For about 10 grand, you can convert it using Li ion technology. I am leaning towards my next car being a late model Prius converted to plug-in capability.

Here are a few of the websites involved in plug-in conversions:

Calcars.org
Plug In Conversions
Plug In Supply, Inc.
Hymotion
AutoBeYours.com
Go100MPG

There are many more out there if you look and many new converted Prius's being born all the time.