Plug-in feature could bolster hybrid models

The good old USA car manufacturers are going to be behind the curve again. They don't learn. They passed on hybrids originally. "Customers won't buy them." Until they saw customers buying Hondas and Toyotas, then Ford gets a first generation hybrid (purchased from japan) and puts it in the Escape, while we are all buying 2nd generation hybrids. Now domesetic manufacturers are saying the same thing about these plug in hybrids. They're missing the boat again. They have stupidity built into their infrastructure. End rant.

I'm hoping the 2008 Prius will have a plug-in feature. My mileage suffers only when I make the 3-mile trip to town, a trip that would then be all-electric. Now, I wonder if my power-co-op will let me wire an outlet to my off-peak panel.

only when I make the 3-mile trip to town, a trip that

an outlet to my off-peak panel.

Why not put a solar panel on top of your Prius:

As a retired electrical engineer I can't get several factors out of my mind:

1. It can't be justified by the cost/benefit ratio.
2. It would have to be insured separately.
3. I park my car inside and besides, the battery is often nearly "full" when I park it so even if this fellow had engineered his system to charge while parked (he didn't) the battery would reach maximum charge quickly.
4. I can't remember a summer when hail didn't fall where I live.

I do think this was an interesting project and hope it inspires more practical solutions like, for example, building the solar panels into the roof and developing batteries better suited to both hybrid and pure electric motivation. He's definitely on a good track.

I park it so even if this fellow had engineered his

charge quickly.

solutions like, for example, building the solar

pure electric motivation. He's definitely on a

Add more batteries:

Lynn

And that solves the insurance and cost/benefit issues how?

No insurance available for experimental projects !

Experimental stuff usually does not have a cost / benefit analysis done until the end of the project. If we weighed cost/benefit on everything, no one would have kids !

Besides that, you wanted to drive in to town on electric alone. No cost was mentioned. The solar panel and extra batteries get you there as long as you stay below 39 mph.

Lynn

Ok, you win.