What is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
A PHEV allows you to drive your car on gas or electricity. It’s like your car has two fuel tanks: one for gas and one for electric energy. You can fill your gas tank at any gas station like you would for a regular car and you can fill your electric tank by plugging your car into a standard electric outlet. Using the electric tank is much less expensive and better for the environment.
How much does it cost?
3Prong Power will install a PHEV upgrade into your existing hybrid starting at $3,499 installed depending on system/battery option.
How does it work?
A Prius can easily be made to run in electric vehicle or EV mode. In fact, a Prius sold in Europe and Japan comes with an EV mode switch installed at the factory. The downside? The factory Prius only has a range of a few blocks. Our PHEV upgrade includes a significantly larger battery pack that allows for up to 10-35 miles of EV mode range depending on system/battery option.
I've heard claims of 100MPG. Is that really true?
The short answer is, "It depends". When you travel on battery power alone, you are actually getting infinity miles per gallon since no gas is being burned. The Prius screen will only display a maximum of 99.9MPG, even though you may actually be getting higher than 100 MPG.
However, most trips require some gas. An average driver who drives 20-40 miles per day will typically see 60-85 MPG overall performance which is a significant improvement over a normal car. Of course, your actual mileage may vary (based on terrain, driving style, speed, how often you plug in, AC/heater use, etc).
Which Hybrids do you currently support? Which is the best car to upgrade?
2001-2003 Prius (Gen1)
2004-2009 Prius (Gen2)
2010- Prius (Gen3)
While we can upgrade any Prius, results are best with the 2004 and newer Prius. Contact us for details if you own a Gen1 Prius and are thinking of installing a PHEV upgrade. In 2010 we expect to offer a system for the Ford Escape Hybrid, and other Hybrids if we see sufficient demand.
Why is a PHEV better than a BEV?
If we have to drive a private vehicle, we should all be driving Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). BEVs run 100% on electric power and do not even have a gasoline engine. However, at this time there are very few BEVs that meet the needs of consumers. Freeway speed capable BEVs like the Tesla Roadster, are too expensive for the average consumer and there are currently few public places to charge up the battery on older BEVs like the Toyota RAV4 EV.
In the future, there will be more affordable BEVs with greater range and more places to plug into. Until then, people are concerned about BEVs "running out of power" away from home aka "Range Anxiety". With a PHEV, you get BEV functionality for short trips and Gasoline Hybrid functionality for longer trips. You will never get stranded in a PHEV as long as gasoline is available. Also, when you burn gasoline in a Prius, it burns less than any car on the road and has exceptionally clean tailpipe emissions. A PHEV is the best solution for the next 5-10 years.
If I plug in my car at home, aren't I just shifting my energy from foreign oil to dirty coal for electricity generation?
Not in California. Most grid power in California comes from clean sources. PG&E customers can specify to purchase only clean/renewable energy. Many of our customers have PV (solar systems) on their homes and use electricity they captured to charge their vehicle. Remember, electricity can come from a variety of sources (solar/wind/hydro/natural gas/geothermal/etc) and is always domestically produced.
Powering your car with electricity is always better than powering it with foreign oil.
What if millions of people buy PHEVs, won't the power grid collapse?
Studies have shown that the existing power grid can accommodate tens of Millions of PHEVs during the overnight hours, when most people charge. The grid is engineered for peak daytime use and utilities have plenty of existing overnight capacity. Additionally, PHEVs take much less energy to charge than BEVs because they have smaller battery packs.
How long is the Return on Investment (ROI) if I install a PHEV upgrade?
A long time. Even though electricity for PHEVs costs less than $1.00 per gallon equivalent, it will still take years to save enough money on gasoline to pay for your installation. However, you will be helping the nation get off of foreign oil, reduce your Co2 (global warming) emissions, and be setting an example for your friends, children, grandchildren etc.
Can I control when to use the PHEV system?
Yes, our system includes a dashboard switch. You can decide when to use the PHEV mode. When our system is off, the Prius functions as a normal Prius.
What does your installation entail?
WE DO NOT REMOVE ANY FACTORY HYBRID TECHNOLOGY from the car. We do not cut any wires. We don't even open the hood/engine compartment.
We only add technology. We add extra batteries and related equipment into the rear of the vehicle and connect into the electrical system and add our switch panel. We also install a "bumper plug" for your extension cord to plug into.
Does it void my warranty?
Absolutely not.The Magneson-Moss Warranty Act
prohibits Toyota from voiding your entire warranty. If the Toyota dealer says it does, they are breaking the law or just ignorant of Magenson-Moss. The manufacturer can only dispute warranty service if they can prove a PHEV component damaged a directly related part of your car. Unlike aftermarket systems in the gasoline world (superchargers etc), Our PHEV systems are designed to be very benign. Read this link for other information about after market enhancements to vehicles.
How long does it take to charge the additional batteries?
The 2kw and 4kwh systems take 2-5 hours to charge. Our 10kwh system takes about 7 hours if completely discharged. Plug in more than once a day if you can (i.e. at work and at home). The cost is nominal, less than a dollar for a full charge.
What kind of plug/receptacle is required for charging?
A standard 110V, 15amp, "3Prong" receptacle is all that is required. If you can plug in a toaster, the receptacle is good enough for charging the PHEV. Carry an extension cord to plug in while away from home.
I want a PHEV but don't yet own a Prius, nor do I want to buy an expensive new Prius. Can you help me find a good deal on a used Prius?
Yes. We've helped many people find and/or inspect pre-owned Priuses, usually from private sellers so prices are better than buying from a used car dealer. Contact us for more details regarding this service.
I drive over 100 miles a day, is it worth getting a PHEV upgrade?
Probably not, unless you can plug in and charge your vehicle more than once a day. At freeway speeds, the gasoline engine is going to be running and doing most of the work. You will see an improvement on MPG, but not as much as someone who drives under 40 miles each day. PHEV systems are best suited for people who drive less than 40 miles per day. The more non-freeway driving you do, the better your results will be.
What happens when I run out of battery power?
If your driving patterns are modest, you will rarely visit a gas station. If your batteries get depleted, the traditional Prius gas engine becomes your backup system for longer trips so you are never stranded.
How soon can I get the upgrade installed? How long does installation take?
We are currently taking orders for installations. Our Enginer based systems can usually be installed at our Berkeley shop within a few days of ordering. Our Plug In Supply based system takes 2-3 weeks lead time. We require your car for less than a day to perform the upgrade.
Can I access my spare tire?
Yes, with our Enginer based system. You have to remove a few locking bolts (tool included) then lift the battery box out of the way to get to your factory spare tire. Many of our customers use AAA to assist with tire situations.
Does the battery weight affect safety?
The upgrade adds between 110 and 260 pounds to your vehicle depending on battery options. If required, we install a rear suspension upgrade to negate the effects of the added vehicle weight. None of our customers have noticed a large difference in handling. If you are concerned, we encourage you to call us to set up a test drive.
I heard that Toyota is coming out with a PHEV. Why don’t I just wait for their product?
Both Toyota and General Motors have announced plans to build PHEV vehicles. General Motors has a target date of November 2010 for their initial PHEV model to be on the road. Toyota has declared that they will only build 400 test vehicles in 2010 with a consumer product to follow based on market research. History has shown that product release dates often slip. At 3Prong Power, we feel this is too long to wait to do something about oil addiction. Many customers will not want to purchase an expensive brand new car to get PHEV features, they'd rather upgrade the car they already own.
Who is 3Prong Power Inc?
3Prong Power is a Berkeley, California startup founded by a solar engineer/Prius owner and an experienced "dot.com" entrepreneur in early 2008. Other successful entrepreneurs have joined the company. Ask us about investment and employment opportunities.
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
Send questions by email (preferred) to info@3prongpower.com or call us at (510) 868-4133.
