driving your plug-in hybrid

How is a plug-in hybrid different?

Regular gas powered cars are driven entirely by a gasoline engine. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have a gasoline engine that is assisted by a battery-powered electric motor. The battery in a hybrid is charged by recapturing energy from braking and deceleration.

Hymotion™ plug-in hybrids have a gasoline engine and an electric motor that runs off a high capacity A123Systems battery that is charged from an external source – by plugging in. When the battery is fully depleted, the Hymotion plug-in then behaves like a factory hybrid until you charge it again. Plug-in hybrids use more electric power from the battery for driving and therefore consume much less gasoline.

What is the driving range/capacity on a single charge once a hybrid has been converted with your L5?

While driving range with electrical assistance from the L5 module will depend greatly on driving style and road conditions, under typical conditions the L5 module will provide electrical assistance during which you might see fuel economy of up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles in the city and on the highway.

What happens after that 30 – 40 miles when the L5 needs recharging?

Once the L5 modules's electrical energy is depleted, your car will still run like a regular hybrid using the vehicle's factory battery and engine to drive the car. When you get a chance you can recharge the L5. Until then, you'll never be stuck unless you run out of gas.

How long will it take for me to recharge my car?

The L5 will take approximately 5.5 hours on a standard 120V household outlet.

On average, what is the cost to recharge my car if the batteries are fully depleted?

This will depend upon local electricity pricing and delivery charges and whether or not you have variable metering. For example, if in your area, the cost per kilowatt hour is $0.10, then it will cost around $0.50 to fully charge the ~ 5 kwh pack, which is much less than a cup of coffee.