Convert your car into a car with hybrid technology

With $ 7,000 for third-party switch, customers can turn their cars become more fuel-efficient vehicles like hybrid.

Many companies, notably Toyota, it takes at least two years away can launch the second generation of hybrid technology, also known as plug-in hybrid. Plug-in system allows users with electrical charging (plugged directly into an outlet at home) without having to replace the current.

But a few months, the company will introduce battery pack accessories to help turn hybrid cars hybrid vehicles generally.

A123Systems, accessory suppliers and automotive batteries in Watertown, the U.S. has launched products called Hymotion L5, which became the Prius plug-in hybrid model planned by Toyota earlier. Hymotion L5 is compatible with versions from 2004 to 2008 Prius, but it will add a new lithium-ion transmission is the Prius.

Toyota Prius can halve fuel consumption if you use third-party products. Photo: ForbesAuto.

A123 system can reduce fuel consumption average of 5.1 liters to 2.4 liters of the Prius for 100 km. Also, the distance traveled by the vehicle is further equipped with new batteries.

Hymotion L5 adapter costs $ 9,995, plus 400 USD shipping fee, 3 year warranty and is installed at the airline agent. Customers who booked $ 1,000 on the official website of this company, then travel to get installed at the dealer, including the Toyota dealer.

In addition to A123, in August to its Poulsen Hybrid, based in Shelton will release the converter common to all types of hybrid vehicles. The price of this product in about $ 7,000.

Poulsen Hybrid's products use a small electric motor, mounted on the rear wheels and lithium-ion battery power. Thus, the fuel consumption is published halved compared to normal.

However, Poulsen did not say how long the car is going to be charged but claims the price is lower than 1 USD will be loaded each time. Installation time of Poulsen Hybrid product takes about 3-4 hours at the authorized dealer. Installation fee of 500 USD to 600 USD.

To compete with rivals, VS Composites company plans to introduce electronic booster Electrocharger in 2009, with $ 4,000. Electrocharger can be mounted on vehicles equipped with turbocharged or supercharged turbine. This is good news for believers with cars, people always want to increase capacity and loading rate.

VS Composites ad Electrocharger improve fuel consumption in the city about 60%. The technician can normally installed by the cable Electrocharger be colored, very hard to mistake.

Commenting on the future of these products, Philip Gott, director at consultancy Global Insight car analysis, each vehicle is fitted switching system plug-in hybrid costs about 2 cents per mile (1 , 6 km). While hybrid vehicles normally takes about 10 cents per mile.

So it took eight years, averaging 40 miles per day, customers can offset the $ 10,000 they spend. 8 years is too long compared to the time ownership of the average American. But Philip Gott for the benefit here is that environmental issues and fuel prices increasing.

However, consumers remain cautious with products of third parties, due to potential risks. Anyway, plug-in hybrid systems by automobile manufacturers to develop safer definitely.

Toyota, the manufacturer announced it would commercialize the plug-in hybrid technology in 2010, expressed doubt that the above transducers. "If the results of the A123 is correct, there are still potential risks when devices added to affect the general design of the vehicles and damage other systems," said Bill Kwong, a Toyota spokesman said.

Analyst Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon firm that announced a half-products converted to hybrid vehicles have problems. While technology changes rapidly.

"Look at the computer industry. Now we just have to spend 349 USD for a machine that previously cost $ 3,000. So can the initial customers will buy the converter, but then they will certainly transferred to the genuine product. "

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Some misconceptions about hybrid car engines

Deemed to be small, and bring the most dangerous time, but hybrids still are the number 1 choice of energy researchers in the coming decades. They say the hybrid is the transitional period before the auto industry switch to fuel cells.

Lexus LF-Sh Concept at Tokyo exhibition. (AutoWeek)

Hybrid small, low power

Honda Accord Hybrid sedan is the fastest family on the market. Lexus RX400h and Toyota Highlander hybrid has a capacity of 270 horsepower. Lexus GS 450h will debut in late 2006 with a capacity of over 300 horsepower with time acceleration 0-100 km / h in 6 seconds. Even Toyota is also expected to set the capacity of the Volta concept car at 408 horsepower.

These models demonstrate that more electric motors and batteries in the transmission system does not reduce the features of the car. Combined electric and gasoline engine enabling engineers to control the level of fuel consumption and greater speed. If Americans lament for her hybrids, Chevy Tahoe with General Motors to satisfy their habit.

Only famous people bought hybrid

There are many stars driving the Prius as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Larry David made many people believe only they can ride a hybrid. In fact, for many years, America and the world must be under pressure from high oil prices a fuel-efficient vehicles will naturally attract the attention of everyone. Moreover, environmental protection as well as topics of interest and the hybrid is "way" which stars their beauty in the eyes of everyone. But environmental protection is not only their own but of all mankind. So do not think that hybrid is not for you.


Lexus GS 350h hybrid use. (Netcarshow)

Hybrid is more dangerous

Now, with that hundreds of hybrid vehicles on the road, opponents think the hybrid batteries and electric motors Situation burnt due to high voltage, causing a series of Accidents. Tuy nhiên, "Customers should not worry about it just vì cần learn more about hybrids, You'll see how it's safe. All wires are color nhãn voltage and Confusion is something rare.

Hybrid Will solve traffic problems, energy and environment

Growing hybrid market. In 2000, with 9.500 hybrids sold in America. But five years later, that number increased to 200,000 vehicles. Even so, only 200,000 vehicles accounted for 1.2% of the total 17 million units sold last year. If each hybrid saves 1 gallon (3785 liters) in a number of hybrid vehicles on the private saving an average 100,000 gallons. But that figure did not go far so sánh to 400 million gallons that Americans consume a day.

Therefore, the hybrid is just one part of the Overall Solution.


Ford Escape hybrid 2006. (Theautochannel)

Hybrid technology is only temporary

Hybrid technology is often compared with the fuel cell, diesel and hydrogen. Greatest dream and investments are often people put the fuel cell. However, on 1/12/2005, the International Energy Agency concluded that even the most favorable conditions, hydrogen fuel vehicles to also have a new 2050 can become a reality. The debate about the future of car technology is back with the combined method combine systems and fuels in the same car. Experience when mass-produced hybrid has taken the idea to engineers need to develop complex systems and combine them with other energy sources.

Jason Mark, clean vehicles program director of the Association of Scientists, told the Journal Hybridcars.com: "Hybrid is the bridge between conventional vehicles with fuel cell vehicles." In an Associated Press interview, Jim Press, CEO TMS (Toyota Motor Sales), said: "I think everything will be hybrid technology. It may be a petrol hybrid, diesel hybrid or fuel cell hybrid. "

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