Green Mountain Power has converted two 2006 Toyota Priuses into  plug-in hybrids by installing an additional battery pack in each trunk. This battery pack provides additional electric capacity to the vehicle, and plugs into a 120V outlet.
We have also installed a 4kw solar array that will provide the electricity to power the vehicles. This allows us to displace gasoline with sunshine to run our vehicle!

For more electric transportation at GMP, check out our Gem Cars!

How is a plug-in hybrid different than a regular hybrid?

 

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have a gasoline engine that is assisted by a battery-powered electric motor. The battery in a hybrid is charged by recapturing energy from braking and deceleration.
In a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) a lithium-ion battery is added to the HEV system. The additional battery is charged only from an external source – by plugging in. The lithium ion battery supplements the electrical storage capability of the original HEV battery.

After converting your hybrid into a PHEV, when you plug in your car, you are charging only the newly installed battery. The lithium ion battery drains while you drive, assisting the gas engine, often times replacing engine use entirely. Plug-in hybrids use more electric power from the battery for driving and therefore consume less gasoline.
After the plug-in battery is fully depleted, the PHEV behaves like the original factory hybrid until you charge the battery again by plugging it in.

Product Specifications: A123 Hymotion L5 PCM

 

Designed for Toyota Prius, Model years 2004-2008, installed in wheel well in the trunk.
Nanophosphate™ lithium ion battery pack
5kwh pack with 5.5 hr charge time
180 pounds     
Up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles     
Cost: $9995 including installation

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What happens after that 30 - 40 miles when the battery needs recharging? Can I get stranded?

Once the plug-in battery's electrical energy is depleted, your car reverts to its original hybrid mode of operation using the vehicle's factory battery and engine to drive the car. When you get a chance you can recharge the lithium ion battery pack.

 

 

Does the lithium ion battery pack take regenerative charge?

No. The lithium ion battery pack is charged only by plugging in to an outlet. It is not charged by braking, going downhill, or by the gasoline engine.

 

Do you remove the Prius' original NiMH battery?

No. We do not remove or disable the original Prius battery. The original battery continues to operate in tandem with the new lithium ion battery while the new battery has electric charge. When the charge is depleted, the Prius battery resumes operating alone as originally designed until the L5 PCM is recharged from an outlet.

 

 

Can I replace my current hybrid battery with this lithium ion battery?

No. The new lithium ion does not replace the OEM battery. It is designed to act only as a supplemental battery for your existing hybrid system and not as a replacement for your OEM battery.

 

 

How do I get one?

These are commercially available. There are several different options available for plug-in hybrid conversion. Green Mountain Power has chosen to work with A123 systems whose website is www.a123systems.com. The website provides more detailed information and information about how to purchase one.