[tt] A123Systems Launches Hymotion PHEV Conversion Module for Prius

[Brian Atkins]

Prius + $10k USD = 100 mpg car around town. This is a start, but there will be 
much better stuff in 2-3 years.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/04/a123systems-lau.html

A123Systems has fully launched the Hymotion L5 plug-in hybrid module designed to 
convert a Toyota Prius, model years 2004 – 2008, into a plug-in hybrid capable 
of achieving up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles within the electrically assisted 
driving range. A123Systems acquired Hymotion in February 2007. (Earlier post.)

The 5 kWh L5 Plug-in Conversion Module (PCM) is priced at $9,995, which includes 
a three-year standard warranty and installation. Currently, Hymotion is only 
conducting L5 installations in the United States through Certified Hymotion 
Installation Partners (Green CHIP dealers). Canadian vehicles can be brought to 
US installation locations.

A123Systems is currently establishing and certifying its CHIP dealer network in 
cities around the country. Initial Green CHIP dealers will be located in Boston, 
Washington, DC, Minneapolis, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In April 2008, in the absence of established PHEV certification procedures, the 
California Air Resources Board (ARB) outlined a path for conditional approval 
for A123Systems to sell up to 500 L5 PCMs in California as a means of initiating 
the rollout. The company is now in the process of finalizing that approval.

A123Systems and others are working with ARB to establish full certification 
procedures for PHEVs. Once those procedures are final, there would be no 
restriction on quantities sold (assuming the L5 meets certification).

The L5 module fits in the spare wheel well of the Prius, preserving trunk space.

-- 
Brian Atkins
Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence
http://www.singinst.org/