operating your plug-in hybrid

How is a Hymotion plug-in hybrid different than a regular hybrid?

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.

In a Hymotion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) our L5 PCM battery is added to the HEV system. The L5 PCM is charged only from an external source – by plugging in. The L5 PCM supplements the electrical storage capability of the original HEV battery.

After converting your hybrid into a Hymotion PHEV, when you plug in your car, you are charging only the newly installed L5 PCM. The L5 PCM drains while you drive, assisting the gas engine, often times replacing engine use entirely. Hymotion plug-in hybrids use more electric power from the L5 PCM for driving and therefore consume less gasoline.

After the L5 PCM is fully depleted, the Hymotion PHEV behaves like the original factory HEV until you charge the L5 PCM again by plugging it in.

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

Under typical driving and road conditions the L5 PCM will provide electrical driving assistance for 30-40 miles from a single charge. Over those 30 – 40 miles you may see fuel economy of up to 100 mpg in either the city or on the highway, depending greatly on your driving style, terrain and road conditions.

What happens after that 30 – 40 miles when the L5 needs recharging? Can I get stranded?

Once the L5 PCM's electrical energy is depleted, your car reverts to its original hybrid mode of operation using the vehicle's factory battery and engine to drive the car. When you get a chance you can recharge the L5 PCM.

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

The L5 PCM will take approximately 5 hours to recharge on 120V GFCI rated outlet using a 3 prong grounded cord.

What is the cost to recharge my car if the batteries are fully depleted?

This will depend upon your local electricity pricing and delivery charges and whether or not you have variable metering. On average across the U.S., the L5 PCM will cost about $0.50 for a full charge. 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.

Does the L5 take regenerative charge?

No. The L5 PCM is charged only by plugging in to an outlet. The L5 PCM is not charged by braking, going downhill, or by the gasoline engine.

Can I charge the L5 with other options besides 120V?

The L5 PCM is designed to be charged from a 120V outlet only. Charging by other means may be unsafe and may void the warranty on the L5.