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Tests Show up to 120 Miles per Gallon. (http://www.zapworld.com/hybrids-plus-zap-PHEV)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/zap_plugin_prius_120_mpg_1.jpg A. Campbell - March 10, 2008

SANTA ROSA, CA -- Mar 10, 2008 -- Electric car pioneer ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB) is now offering plug-in hybrid conversion systems for the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid through a collaboration agreement with Hybrids Plus.

Hybrid vehicles retrofitted with systems from Hybrids Plus of Boulder, Colorado can achieve a significantly greater fuel economy. In tests these systems increased hybrid fuel economy up to 120 miles per gallon in the city and up to 90 mpg on the highway. The cost for the conversion ranges from $24,000 to $36,000 depending on the vehicle and size of battery pack.

All gasoline electric hybrids currently produced by major automakers today are essentially gasoline-powered vehicles. They reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency compared to conventional cars, however they are fueled exclusively by gasoline. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will allow the owner to charge their vehicle from a normal household wall outlet. By integrating a larger battery pack and a plug-in charging system, it becomes a new vehicle drawing energy from two fuel sources.

Hybrids Plus has sold PHEV systems to private individuals, fleets, power companies, and governmental entities. Deliveries can be provided in approximately four weeks from the initial order.

"This is a natural extension of our growth plans," said Hybrids Plus CEO Carl Lawrence. "ZAP has sold more city speed electric vehicles than any other company and has an established, growing dealer network that can provide sales and service for our vehicles."

"This collaboration allows more hybrid owners to have the most efficient vehicles on the road today," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "ZAP dealers are preparing to offer a new level of service in the coming years involving mass-market hybrid and electric cars from Detroit Electric, so experience with plug-in hybrids can accelerate this process"...http://www.zapworld.com/hybrids-plus-zap-PHEV

At the announced conversion price ($24,000 to $36,000), I doubt if there will be many takers. Too bad Toyota and Ford are not offering this capability on their own, because with mass production the cost could be lowered drastically.

ya i agree this is way to expensive its like the price of another car. I cant wait for this to get cheaper and reasonable for the average jo.

I dunno about ZAP. They put out a new press release or two every week, which just makes things smell fishy to me. Hopefully my worries won't translate into trouble, but ...

way too costly.

hello, mulad, i didn't notice we had another minnesotan on board. welcome!

We could buy a second Prius for the cost of the conversion

Funny. I first through what a bargin...PHEV converted prius only 24k, then I saw the 'conversion only, car not included'.

This might appeal to the very rich who want to show-off how green they are, but I doubt it. With people realizing that electric power can be, but isn't, all that green, I'm doubting they will even attract those customers.

For the performance they advertise, I might be willing to spend 6/8k on an upgrade, but only if,
1. They take over the warenty and guarentee to fix anything that Toyota won't because of the upgrade
2. The car industry doesn't have a PHEV or conversion for similar cost.

These guys need to learn the phrase...value for money.

Hi Shiba3420:

___One of our members had a Hybrid’s Plus Conversion performed on his and has done some spectacular things with it. Unfortunately, the cost of that system is over double what the HyMotion PHEV conversion solution is going to cost with further reductions in the future. That business model doesn’t make any sense to me but if they are making $’s doing it, to the highest bidder I guess?

___Good Luck

___Wayne