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Originally Posted by purplestripe66
I've been wondering about this for a while now. Asuming money was no object, could you convert a normal car into a hybrid?
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In a general case, no, but I would consider two variations:
A) Efficiency enhancements such as: throttle-by-wire; converting manual to by-computer control; auto-stop. These lightweight modifications won't cost much nor require significant re-engineering.
B) Chop-shop hybrid - putting a Prius front end on a Scion xB would be a challenge but practical. This would bring the first micro-van hybrid to the states.
But in real life, money and time are important. I've bought a NHW11,
03 Prius that I am reworking into the car I want. So far, I've added a
1 KW inverter for 120 VAC;
replaced transaxle oil with synthetic; replaced
transaxle vent plug with a breather tube; and added XM radio. I have plans that include: variable air inlet; transaxle radiator and heater; block heater; battery heater;
hybrid vehicle ECU 'wrapper'; semi-folding rear seat for large payloads; power passenger seat; exhaust heat capture; and a tow bar and utility trailer. Depending upon how some of these experiments come out, I may add a plug-in, commuting battery system and whole house UPS, 12-18 KW. Then there are some advanced EV modes and high-speed cruise improvements but my plate is already full.
Modifications to an existing hybrid, like my used 03 Prius, includes starting from a good base that you improve upon. Each change and modification is a single step so if there is a problem, you back it out. Finally, you have the advantage of other owners to identify 'low hanging fruit' and folks to ask questions about puzzles.
If I had to do it over again, I'd probably start with an 01 Prius instead of the 03 Prius. I'd have saved about $7k yet still have the base needed for all of my plans. But the 03 Prius has the advantage of residual hybrid warrantee and all of the previous engineering changes.
BTW, the same approach could be used with Honda hybrids. It just dependends upon which architecture you want to start with. There are many fine aspects to the Hondas and 'low hanging fruit.'
Bob Wilson