Hybrid Owners Electing for Electric

Numerous small start-ups are bringing back the electric car in the wake of extremely high gas prices. These companies are gutting the combustible engine parts and incorporating complete electric motor systems, or changing gas-electric hybrids into plug-in hybrids. The businesses claim that the plug-ins can run for 40 miles on the batteries and get on average of 100 miles to the gallon.

The cost to convert is around $10,000.00. That is a pretty expensive price tag, but Felix Kramer, the founder of CalCars believes it is worth every penny. The current batteries cover the average daily commute for most Americans, but the range will increase as battery makers make advances in that field. Kramer also believes that car makers will assimilate this process into their realm, but until then individual mechanics and dealers around the country will perform the service.

Plug-In Supply is seeking venture funding and already has a backlog of 75 orders for their kits around the country and a few external countries such as Australia, Canada and Germany.

The mass market for plug-ins is not predicted to come out until 2012. Toyota’s plug-in has a limited quantity available so the conversions will still be viable. They might even be viable if electric cars are even pricier than a hybrid.

More expensive alternatives are out there as well. A company in San Dimas, CA will convert a Scion xB to run for 150 miles per charge and up to 95 miles per hour. The price for that kind of efficiency is $55,000.00.

Some companies are focusing on the big gas guzzlers like trucks and SUVs to convert to plug-ins. One such venture took place at the Illinois Institute of Technology under the charge of Eli Emadi. They gutted a Ford F-150 and replaced it with a nickel metal hydride batteries in a plug-in system. The miles per gallon went from 16 to 41.

There are many steps to take before electric plug-ins are common place. The life of the battery as well as the price must change. Longer rides at a lower cost are more appealing, as well as more feasible to the average American driver.