I built a "home-made" plug-in hybrid using a 1995 Chevy Blazer that has an electric motor inserted into the drive train (behind the transmission). I have been driving it for ~3 years and have 30,000 miles on it... I thought this list might be interested...

It's a start! An idea that addresses existing vehicles - primarily fleet vehicles! Would it qualify for any state or federal tax credits? It is a "new hybrid vehicle"?

Around town fuel efficiency gain of ~26%. (dyno'd at 26% using NY Drive Cycle, but I can improve on that...) It runs on 4, 100 amp hr batteries located in the back, because I was too lazy to build racks along the frame rails... I get about 50 miles before the batteries need recharging, recharge takes ~2 hours (9 amps).

What's needed:
Series wound DC motor, $1700 (mine was smaller, 7" - rather than 9")
motor supports ($200)
motor controller, ($435)
contactor, ($125)
shortened drive shaft, ($150)
4 (or more) batteries, either 48 or 72 volts) + battery box) ($400)
microprocessor (EMIS) (a 5K pot doesn't work!!!) ($650)
charger ($300)
cables, wring, etc. ($~$100)

The lower the mileage a vehicle gets, and the more stop and go, the greater the benefit...

Enjoy,
George


Pictures available at: http://www.go-ev.com/S10-blazer.html