Jackson EMC Participates in Plug-In Hybrid Study

[Zydecobill1]

Ok, great. When can we have this done to our Prius right here in Georgia?!

[ACShedd]

After a year of driving this car everyday, I'm hopeful that the idea can advance quickly from lab experiment to production. It works too well and has too much potential to delay.

Right now there are several companies doing aftermarket conversions of Prius and Escape hybrids. The costs have come down in the year since we did our car. For the skilled do-it-yourselfer, there are plans online. Most of the auto manufacturers have announced that they will have PHEVs on the road by 2010. -Alan

[Trayton93]

wonderful, now make it for the rest of us.

[zerrath]

In an emergency, will the gas engine fully recharge the new batteries to capacity?

I really wish Cobb EMC was putting our money to better use.

[kdbryantgraham]

Hello Zerrath. I spoke with our engineer Alan Shedd. He's not sure what type of emergency you're referring to; however, in most situations, the engine will not recharge the battery all the way to 100%.

It will only charge to about 35% capacity. At this level there is still more electicity available for driving than even a fully charged stock Toyota pack and the car drives normally.