Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) retrofitted a Toyota Prius to get more than 125 miles per gallon using its lithium iron phosphate batteries. LTC says it has better controls for monitoring the voltage of the batteries that prevents malfunctioning and keeps the battery from running out, according to Gizmag.
Doubling the gas mileage of an already fuel-efficient hybrid is impressive, but the big question is at what cost. A 125 mpg Prius would cost drivers less than $400 per year in gas (at $3.25), while a standard Prius' annual bill is around $1,000. So $3,000 would be a premium that many drivers would be willing to pay, equal to the savings over 5 years.
Toronto is on board with plug-in hybridsas well, planning to convert some of the city's fleet itself.
What more of sign do automakers need to realize that PHEV's are a huge opportunity? Fleet owners will pay someone to modify a car because automakers haven't filled the need yet. Hello?
Source:Gizmag
Image: Hybrids Plus
