Going Green: The San Diego Auto Show
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There’s definitely a growing buzz around green motoring. You could feel it in the air this week at the San Diego International Auto Show, which has four times more floor space devoted to green motoring than last year.
The 40,000-square foot Eco Center area had all the new hybrids, including some cartoonish-looking concept cars, as well as production models from several carmakers on display, and a half-dozen or so conversions – gas-powered production cars that tinkerers and garage mechanics have turned into hybrids or all-electrics.
In fact, everywhere throughout the Convention Center there was a much greater emphasis on ‘eco-motoring.’ Among the representatives we talked to, all seemed to have a canned response for a question they must be hearing often; “Do you guys have a hybrid in the works?”
- Mercedes-Benz: Will have an M Class hybrid in 2010
- Suzuki: No need to go hybrid, as their cars, specifically the Splash, which is huge in Europe, gets 45 miles per gallon
- Scion: No hybrids, their cars get good gas mileage already, and they are committed to keeping the sticker price below $20,000
- Hyundai: They will have a hybrid version of the Sonata in 2010, using what their rep called lithium polymer battery technology
- Volkswagen: No hybrids, they’re going with diesel
- Volvo: Hybrids on the way, check back in a year
The real question: Given the uncertain economic climate, how many average working people will be plunking down $20,000 to $30,000 and up for new cars over the next year – hybrid or not?
And the other great unknown: Where will the price of gas be by the end of 2009?
Hybrids can save fuel costs and the environment, and increase our national security.
Suppose there was a cheaper way to get behind the wheel of a hybrid?
Just suppose there was a way to convert your existing vehicle into a functional hybrid, at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one?
Would you go for it?
Let us know in the comments!
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Recycling/retrofitting an existing vehicle in this manner is obviously more eco-friendly than manufacturing a new Prius.
How may a person get on a waiting list for this product?
Thanks Bobbie — yes, we’re very excited about helping people turn liabilities into assets that they can drive efficiently for years to come! We will have a waiting list and newsletter signup soon.
Excellent concept! I love my car but not its mileage. Most of the hybrids aren’t too attractive looking to me, besides, I feel my car is still relatively new and would not want to take on the cost of buying something new. This is not only a way to improve gas mileage but also drive in the car you actually want to drive AND improve gas mileage!
Can any car be converted or are there particular limitations?
Hi Joost!
It’s true — not everyone wants to drive a tiny car, or one of the limited number of models that are currently offered as hybrids. By converting cars on the road today, we can effectively turn transportation liabilities into assets that will be viable for years to come — as the gasoline engine will have a longer life due to decreased use.
Initially we are creating prototypes for popular SUVs, pickups and vans, as converting those vehicles will have the most positive impact from an economic and environmental standpoint. We intend to expand the offering as we ramp up production and continue to evolve and refine the technology.
Thanks for your interest!
yeah. i would def be interested, depending on the cost and the green benefit. funny how the most literal name is ahead. but the name describes the product. problem will be if you want the concept to be bigger than this particular solution. great to see your name in my linked in list. sounds like things are spiffy.
Hi Margy! Great to hear from you! You’re right, we have a window of opportunity during which it makes a lot of sense to convert existing vehicles to hybrids. But five or seven years or whenever from now, there will likely be other options. So while Plug In Hybrid is descriptive of what we do today, ideally we’d create a brand that will be flexible enough to take us where our customers want to go… Thanks for your feedback!
I’d be interested in converting an existing car to a hybrid, especially if it makes financial sense to do so. I can’t wait to see details on pricing & installation. Also, are there any prototypes on the road? Any info on reliability? Looks like a great idea.
Thanks Tom — we have a Ford F150 prototype up and running, and we are working on others. We’ll be sharing info here on the blog, so plug us into your RSS feeder, or watch for the newsletter we’ll be putting together.