Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question for us?  Send to info@evpowersystems.com.

Q: Can I convert my car to plug-in hybrid? 
A: Not using our system.  Cars have little extra room and not enough room for installing the electric motors, controller and battery pack.

Q: Where is conversion available in the US? 
A: For 2008, EVPS focusing on customers in South Carolina and the southeast US.  In 2009, we'll expand coverage, including California.  We are working with specific fleets in some areas.  Please call for more details.

Q: Why does the system use lead-acid batteries vs. advanced batteries?
A: Lead-acid batteries are affordable, readily available and provide range of 100+ miles as a hybrid on a Chevrolet Colorado driven in start/stop traffic. 

Q: Will upgraded batteries be available?
A: Yes.  We are working toward offering lithium-ion batteries and possibly supercapacitors for larger vehicles.

Q: Do batteries pollute more than gasoline or diesel, thereby making the hybrid harmful to the environment?
A: About 90% of batteries used in automotive applications are recycled.  We anticipate nearly 100% recycling of batteries in EVPS retrofit hybrids since most installed on fleet vehicles, which tend to recycle more than individual consumers do.  More on recycling, http://www.epa.gov/garbage/battery.htm

Q: Will recharging my plug-in hybrid cause utilities to burn more coal?
A: No.  Most peak loads are during afternoon and early evening.  Most fleet vehicles will be recharged during off-peak hours when surplus demand exists.  The net effect is lower emissions from less fuel use and no additional electricity required.

Q: When will plug-ins cause the utilities to add generating capacity?
A: Some forecasts indicate when PHEV’s equal 10-15% of vehicles in use, utilities will need to add generating capacity.  In the US, there are approximately 250,000,000 cars and trucks in use.  To achieve 10-15% vehicles-in-use requires 25-35,000,000 PHEV’s cars and trucks are sold.  Even under the most optimistic sales scenarios, it will be 15-20 years before any impact on generating capacity.

Q: Do batteries in the PHEV need to be charged using the utility grid?
A: No.  Batteries can be recharged using localized renewable energy, such as solar or wind.        

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