The innovation of students at the University of Central Florida has converted a standard Toyota Prius hybrid into an all electric vehicle. Orlando's University Center for Energy and Sustainability converted a 2007 Prius to a plug-in hybrid. The car runs its factory electric motor on 20 rechargeable 12-volt batteries. Touch-screen monitors on the car's console track energy flow and battery levels.
This Prius still has its gasoline engine. It will run on its battery powered electric motor until the car reaches 35 mph, which is the posted speed limit on campus. Then, it switches to gasoline.
The team estimates that it spent about $5,000 for parts to convert the car, compared to about $15,000 for conversion do-it-yourself kits found online.
Although there are other plug-in hybrids in the US, this hybrid-hybrid might be the first one in Florida. Folks who attended FSU's Sustainability Conference in the Fall, got a chance to see this vehicle first hand.
11.20.2007
Make A Prius All Electric
*
0 comments:
Post a Comment