Real-world testing by Consumer Reports showed the best-selling plug-in conversion kit for the Toyota Prius did not come close to meeting its manufacturer's fuel-economy claim of a possible 100-plus miles per gallon, the magazine says in its February issue.
Moreover, "our Prius conversion to plug-in power cost more than you could ever expect to recoup in gas savings," the magazine said of A123 Systems' Hymotion L5 conversion kit, which retails for $10,000 to $11,000, including installation.
As reported two months ago, it didn't matter that Wall Street was spiking like an EKG and the global economy teeters on the brink of a magnitude-9 collapse, Prius owners couldn't hardly wait to plunk down the big bucks for the mileage-extending product.
And according to the half-dozen companies nationwide that sell and install the conversion kits for A123 Systems, sales remain brisk. Indeed, demand for the product -- a lithium-ion battery pack and collaborates with the Prius's factory-installed nickel-metal hydride battery pack -- continues to exceed supply.
But the Consumer Reports article, available only to subscribers and published online this week in advance of it February print edition, will likely give pause to many Prius owners who've placed hefty deposits on the kits but have yet to receive them.
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Moreover, "our Prius conversion to plug-in power cost more than you could ever expect to recoup in gas savings," the magazine said of A123 Systems' Hymotion L5 conversion kit, which retails for $10,000 to $11,000, including installation.
As reported two months ago, it didn't matter that Wall Street was spiking like an EKG and the global economy teeters on the brink of a magnitude-9 collapse, Prius owners couldn't hardly wait to plunk down the big bucks for the mileage-extending product.
And according to the half-dozen companies nationwide that sell and install the conversion kits for A123 Systems, sales remain brisk. Indeed, demand for the product -- a lithium-ion battery pack and collaborates with the Prius's factory-installed nickel-metal hydride battery pack -- continues to exceed supply.
But the Consumer Reports article, available only to subscribers and published online this week in advance of it February print edition, will likely give pause to many Prius owners who've placed hefty deposits on the kits but have yet to receive them.
Click HERE to read more
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