Enginer wants to bring an affordable solution to converting your hybrid, HEV to a plug-in hybrid, PHEV. If the price is right, it can make sense.
The gist is that many startup are rising to fill the hybrid car segment market gap with plug-in hybrid, PHEV conversion kits. The Troy company Automation Tech sells Enginer’s systems, a joint ventured with Australian-Chinese owned manufacturers that have developed a PHEV kit that should achieve 100 mpg. Enginer, whom we met at the Plug In 2009 are converting hybrids by adding extra batteries to increase the vehicle’s range.
Technically Speaking. Enginer has two battery pack versions to chose from, a 2 kWh one at $1995 and a 4 kWh one for $2995. The kits can be installed by individuals but Electricnick HIGHLY recommends doing it by professionals. Did we make that point clear? The website maintains the system can be installed by a professional in 2-4 hours.
According to Jack Chen, President of Automation Tech, Enginer’s distributor, the Prius’ fuel efficiency is increased by 40-100%. One good point for Enginer’s system is that it is rather unobtrusive and does not alter the original car’s controls. One point of interest is that their system can qualify for a tax credit under the Recovery Act. The credit that applies gives the purchaser a $2500 tax credit from the federal government.
As we move on to the hybridization of cars and the introduction of reliable electric vehicles, EV, start ups continue to challenge car makers to embrace the PHEV revolution. But if it is one thing to convert a few cars, it is quite another to mass manufacture millions of them.