Re: Anyone know release date of the plug in FEH?
There are no current plans to release a PHEV FEH. The small fleet is for real world usage testing for further development, similarly to the fleet of Fuel Cell Focus' that are out there. The E85 FEH has no production plans either that I'm aware of.
The PHEV Saturn Vue 2-mode, last I heard, would have a disapointing 15 mile EV range, and is targeted for release in early 2010.
The Volt has a target date of 2010.
The PHEV Prius is constantly on the horizon, but it's unlikely to be out until 2010, and the EV range is a great big question mark, especially as all their test vehicles are still using NiMH and not Li-Ion batteries.
Now, you could decide to wait for one of these. But let's face it, if you want to wait for a better vehicle, you'll never buy one. The next years model will always have greater range, better software, or something else that makes it a more refined product.
Personally, I'm more interested in conversion packages, as more companies make them, and new ways are found to produce them, the cost is likely to come down or stay the same but boast far greater range. As mentioned, Hybrids Plus! is one such company. Hymotion will likely have a product as will other new companies. Additionally, there's always the chance that Ford may step in and acquire or add their own conversion kits to the fold as well. If some company offered me a conversion to a PHEV with a 50 mile EV range for ~$10,000, I'd go for it.
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