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Hybrid car conversions getting 80 MPG right now


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SAN JOSE, CA (KGO) -- About a year ago, CEO's in Silicon Valley challenged one another to start driving electric. On the eve of a huge conference in San Jose, high tech leaders say the plug-in movement is well underway.

Last week Tom Hayse was getting 40 miles a gallon driving his hybrid Prius. That was before his plug-in conversion and a lithium battery packed in the back.

"With the plug-in hybrid, I'm getting actually getting close to 80 miles a gallon, so I'm pretty happy with that."

Tom is one of 30 Silicon Valley CEO's and community leaders who have pledged to be part of what they call the 'plug-in revolution'.

"If only ten percent of the million or so Prius owners converted their cars like we're doing, the price of the battery conversion would come down," says Sass Somekh, Ph.D of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
shroomfairy

11 responses // Hybrid car conversions getting 80 MPG right now

  • There is a video on the link listed in the story.
    shroomfairy
  • I wish I could afford to be economical... What a catch 22.
    onechance
  • I suppose it's the cost of the upfront investment in buying the car and converting vs. the cost of maintaining a standard model.

    It probably works out better in the long term but only if you can afford it at the start.

    It's mostly the same Catch-22 in renting an apartment vs. buying a house. Renting is a lot worse in the long term because you're at the mercy of the owner and don't build up any equity. But if you can't afford the upfront costs of buying a house then you're stuck with that option.
    Argon18
  • http://current.com/items/89124388_bmw_hydrogen_7_a_seda...
    I think this is a step in the right direction. Once these batteries become easier to produce, there should be a lot more of them on the road.

    Also, there are other hybrids out there, too. I think hydrogen is a very viable alternative to gasoline, and this BMW is able to burn gasoline AND hydrogen on the fly
    braaain
  • maybe it would be more environmentally friendly to not buy a new car in the first place.
    advertisehere
    1 response to this
  • What advertisehere said. It's the *production* of new cars that creates the most carbon. Want to reduce your footprint? Buy a used car.
    jennatar
  • My Scooter does 120mpg and 65mph,,,wikeeeed !!!
    Purdey
  • Once again, a step in the right direction, even though there are other ways to Go-Green. Along with the initial geographic blueprint of the suburban lifestyle, our public transportation systems need to improve.
    KrebstarSB
  • I totally understand the point of buying a used car to reduce carbon/waste. BUT, if you are going to buy a new car buy a hybrid or electric! Or if the used car you are looking at has horrible gas mileage get a hybrid or electric. Or get a biodiesel conversion kit, or a plug in kit for your current car. This is what I am considering for my current car. It is a hard decision to make.

    There are tons of options for us to use less gas which will pollute less and save our wallets!
    shroomfairy
  • It's time for American car companies to set an example and do something about it.

    Ohh an GM I'll never forgive you for killing the EV1. You'll get what you deserve sooner or later.
    alexhansen

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