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How to Buy a Plug-in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid, also known as a PHEV, is a car that has been produced or converted to run for a significant distance on electric power alone, with gasoline used as a secondary fuel. As a result, proponents of these vehicles believe they will routinely get over 100 miles per gallon in normal driving.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research the possibilities for plug-in hybrid car conversion and production before investing your money. The conversion process for a Toyota Prius, for instance, requires a consumer to own or buy a Prius, and then spend significantly more than the cost of the Prius on the conversion kit.

    • 2

      Prepare for the transition to a plug-in hybrid by purchasing a current-model Toyota Prius hybrid car. If you buy a Prius, you will own the vehicle most commonly converted to a plug-in hybrid.

    • 3

      Buy a conversion kit to turn your Prius into a plug-in hybrid when you are convinced that the cost of the conversion kit is justified. Kits are expensive and have electricity-fueled ranges of 15 to 30 miles, depending on the kit.

    • 4

      Educate yourself, and stay informed about plug-in hybrid news and industry developments at the CalCars.org website (see Resources below).

    • 5

      Beware that the plug-in hybrid technology is experimental. As a result, companies that provide plug-in hybrid conversion kits generally do not offer warranties on the conversions. Additionally, an automobile that has been subjected to a conversion may lose some or all of its original manufacturer-warranty coverage. This could leave you with hefty bills to pay in the event of a problem.

    • 6

      Check with Toyota, General Motors and Ford regularly to assess the future of mass production of plug-in hybrid cars. Even if these companies are not ready to ramp up production, interested consumers may eventually be able to reserve spots in line to buy plug-in hybrid cars with pre-production deposits.

    • 7

      Don't overlook the cons of owning a plug-in hybrid because of your enthusiasm for the idea. One disadvantage involves the battery pack. It carries a somewhat expensive cost and is relatively heavy and large.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you cannot find a plug-in hybrid, consider buying a kit to modify the Prius or Escape as a plug-in hybrid.

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