Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles can be converted?
The only vehicle that can be converted at this time is the 2004–2009 Toyota Prius.
What is added to the vehicle in a conversion?
The Plug In Solutions PHEV conversion adds an additional battery pack, along with all the necessary electronics, to allow the Prius to drive on electricity for 20–50 miles (depending on battery size and chemistry). Once the auxiliary battery has been depleted, the vehicle reverts to standard Prius hybrid driving mode.
What are the driving modes of the converted vehicle?
The Plug In Solutions PHEV conversion has three modes of operation:
- Standard Mode
- Blended Mode (Enhanced Mode)
- Electric Vehicle Mode
See PHEV System Operation for a more detailed explanation of these modes.
How far will the vehicle drive in Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode?
The EV range depends on the battery pack of the system, as well as driving conditions and driving style. The 4 kW-hr system will propel the vehicle 20 miles while the 12 kW-hr system will last 50 miles. Consult the products page for a comparison of the systems.
What is the maximum speed of the vehicle in EV Mode?
52 MPH. Plug In Solutions offers the only plug-in conversion systems that allow you to exceed 34 MPH in EV mode.
Does the converted vehicle really get 100+ MPG?
Yes! The PHEV uses the electric motor more than a conventional hybrid, powered by the auxiliary battery pack. This reduces the vehicle's gasoline consumption.
The table below shows the estimated gas mileage of a fully-charged PHEV Prius with a 10-mile, 15-mile, or 20-mile EV range:
| Miles | Estimated MPG | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Mile EV Range | 15-Mile EV Range | 20-Mile EV Range | |
| 5 | — | — | — |
| 10 | — | — | — |
| 15 | 150 | — | — |
| 20 | 100 | 200 | — |
| 25 | 83 | 125 | 250 |
| 30 | 75 | 100 | 150 |
| 35 | 70 | 88 | 117 |
| 40 | 67 | 80 | 100 |
| 50 | 63 | 71 | 83 |
| 75 | 58 | 63 | 68 |
| 100 | 56 | 59 | 63 |
This table is based on low-speed driving and a standard Prius gas mileage of 50 MPG. The shorter your trips between recharges, the better your gas mileage. In addition to the gas usage noted above, you will also use 1 cent/mile of electricity.
How does EV Mode operation affect the vehicle's heating and air conditioning?
Heating the interior of the vehicle requires engine operation. The air conditioning system is completely electric and can be used in EV Mode.
How do I recharge the battery pack?
To recharge the auxiliary battery pack, plug the vehicle into any standard 110 volt, 15 amp AC outlet using a 3 wire, 14 gauge extension cord. During the conversion process an electrical receptacle is added to the rear bumper.
Can I use public charging stations to charge the vehicle?
Public charging stations often have a variety of charging options. You can use any standard 110 volt, 15 amp AC outlet.
How long does the battery pack take to recharge?
Recharge time depends on the size and chemistry of the battery pack. Consult the products page for the recharging time of each system.
Do your conversion systems have a battery management system (BMS)?
The lithium iron phosphate systems include a BMS.
Where is the conversion system installed in the vehicle?
The conversion system is installed underneath the rear cargo deck and does not infringe on the rear cargo area.
Can I access the spare tire?
The 4 kW-hr system is housed in a steel enclosure that can rotate upwards on gas springs to allow access to the spare tire. The 12 kW-hr system requires a larger steel enclosure that covers the spare tire well. With the 12 kW-hr system, there is no access to the spare tire in its original location.
How do I buy a conversion system?
Call or email us. See the order page for more information.
I do not live near one of your dealers, can I still buy a conversion system?
Yes. We can send a Plug In Solutions team to your residence to install the conversion system in your vehicle.
How many vehicles have been converted using Plug In Solutions systems?
There are currently 110 vehicles using Plug In Solutions conversion systems.
Which system is right for me?
Consult the products page for a comparison of the systems.
I drive long distances almost exclusively on the highway, is there a benefit to having a plug-in conversion?
Yes. Even if you do not use EV Mode, having the extra battery pack will contribute more electricity during Blended Mode, increasing your gas mileage until the auxiliary battery is depleted.
How long does the conversion process take?
The conversion process takes 1 day to complete.
I already own a Plug In Solutions lead acid system, can I upgrade to the lithium iron phosphate batteries?
Yes. The lead acid and 4 kW-hr lithium iron phosphate systems use the same enclosure. If you already own a lead acid system you can upgrade without replacing the entire system.
What do all these acronyms mean?
- EV: Electric Vehicle
- HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- LiFePO4: Lithium Iron Phosphate
- kW-hr: Kilowatt-Hour
Where can I find information about different battery chemistries?
How can I ask a question that is not answered here?
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