Conversion Kits--are they worth it?

While automakers continue to toil for the next best thing in terms of getting the hybrid technology out on the commercial end of things in a couple of years, plug-in electric vehicles seem to be the kind that are getting the biggest pop overall, although hydrogen fuel cells and the totally decreasing nature of emissions with this are gaining momentum.

However, even with these technologies on a mass scale being a ways off, conversion kits are being talked about in terms of being offered in the next few months. There are ones specifically designed for Toyota Prius that when paired with the existing drivetrain can get up to 100 MPG. Wow!!And then theres a couple for conventional cars due out in a few months that have been said to be able to double the gas mileage of any car. While they have different ways of doing this (for example, the Poulsen Hybrid utilizes small motors mounted on the back of the rear wheels), they still obviously are getting drivers what they want--better gas economy.

However, the price tag with these are borderline highway robbery--10K for the Prius conversion, and the range of the conventional car kits goes from 4000-7000 plus installation fees for all. So-are they worth it? The short answer is of course yes, as the kits basically average out to cost about 2 cents a mile, whereas the common car now averages about 10 cents a mile. However, with the overhead up front, for the Prius owner it would take 8 years to pay off the premium driving 40 miles a day, which of course is longer than what most people own any car. My opinion--if you are going to plunk down the money for a conventional car, it only makes sense if the car is paid off or close to being so and you know that you are going to keep it for an extended period of time. If this isn't in the cards, just order a brand spankin' new hybrid tech car in a couple of years. And for Prius owners, dont be greedy--you already have the top of the class anyways for the most part!! :)

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Conversion Kits--are they worth it?

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