Hybrid Fest VIDEO 5: Horacio Calvento and his 88 mpg plug-in Prius
Now here's a guy that knows how to build a plug-in Prius. I don't mean he just has the technical expertise, which Horacio seems to have in spades, I mean he knows how to build one for only $4000.
I met Horacio at HybridFest. He doesn't consider himself a hypermiler, but he is concerned about the environment and tries to be as ecologically friendly as possible. As a member of the Long Island Prius Owners Group, he and many other members enjoy trading ideas and implementing ways of improving the Prius in one way or another. Thus, adding a heap of batteries, some multimedia extras and a plug in the bumper became a popular idea and was made a reality by Horacio Calvento. Fortunately for him, he is in the retail electronics business, which means he has working relationships with companies like Panasonic, Jayso Electronics and Manzanita Micro (previously seen here). With batteries donated by Panasonic, he instantly saved thousands of dollars. Since he did it himself or with the help of the occasional friend/hobbyist/enthusiast, there were no labor costs involved either except for time. And it only took him a few months. The result is a clean, crisp-looking Prius that gets a cool 88 mpg every day. Imagine what it could do in the hands of a hypermiler.
For those of you not gifted with a friendship with Panasonic, your task is made easier if not less expensive by Horacio's online instructions on the Owners Group website at the Read link. A brief gallery is below, and there are many more in-depth pictures at the aforementioned site.
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Reader Comments
(Page 1)4. Gracias!
I would quiblle with the slant to the question at the end of interview, e.g., E85 over hydrogen or electricity. The engineer handles it well; he gave the practical answer.
Although electricity is more efficient and the better alternative, a greater environmental impact could be made immediately by existing flex-fuel capable automobiles using cellulosic ethanol.
With the extent of our transportation sector it would be impossible for the United States to switch to ethanol in the way that Brazil has.
On the other hand, Plug-in Partners advocate the use of flex-fuel, plug-in hybrid. And, with Enova retrofit kits, one escapes the limitation of HEV-only convertions. Any taxi in NYC could be a flex-fuel, plug-in hybrid. Hopefully, the design of the NYC congestion law will allow for existing technology with an eye to future improvments.
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1. how much would it cost if you buy the batteries?
Posted at 1:55PM on Sep 27th 2007 by Golden Boy