Converting Hybrid to a plug in hybrid...

[Automate]

It's not really that computationally intensive. The motor control is fundamentally just a variable frequency three-phase motor controller. The aftermarket is already stepping up with AEM providing EV conversion kits. And if anything EV swapping a modern vehicle is easier than dumping a different motor in in that you don't need to deal with emissions laws.

That's to say nothing of less sophisticated EV conversions which predate even your dino-burners.

Yep, where there is a will, there is a way.

Honda Insight (hybrid) owners are using an under $100 hack to get 40% more power out of their electric motor.
https://www.theautopian.com/honda-i...s-for-more-power-with-super-cheap-components/

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[AutobahnSHO]

Yep, where there is a will, there is a way.

Honda Insight (hybrid) owners are using an under $100 hack to get 40% more power out of their electric motor.
https://www.theautopian.com/honda-i...s-for-more-power-with-super-cheap-components/

LOL article NEVER addresses the fact that the electric motor might be able to work harder- but it's going to drain the battery that much faster....

 

[Automate]

LOL article NEVER addresses the fact that the electric motor might be able to work harder- but it's going to drain the battery that much faster....

You did not read it very well. They certainly say some of the users upgraded their nickel metal-hydride to larger lithium batteries.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

I could be getting the details wrong here, but I know there is one eCVT (Prius Prime, maybe) where there is a sprag clutch on the gas engine input to the eCVT that allows both electric motors to work together to power the vehicle forward. In our trucks, only one (the traction motor) can power the vehicle forward while the gas engine is off.

I don't believe that's correct, I believe both electric motors can provide power. MG2 actually works as an alternator when the ICE is running.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

You did not read it very well. They certainly say some of the users upgraded their nickel metal-hydride to larger lithium batteries.

I read it very well. They never talked about shorter range.

 

[BlueSpec1]

I was looking at the Escape PHEV's HVB as someone's had a broken cooling fitting that's on the front of the HVB pack. New 14.4kWh Drive Motor Battery Pack ~$8300.

Escape PHEV's HVB goes just in between unibody from side to side.
Pict is w/o the splash shield.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

Pictures like that are why my Mav isn't off-roading....

I knew a guy in a small car that hit a rock and poked a hole in the gas tank. Sure Maverick sits higher, but it scares me to think about possible damage to the HVB...

 

[Automate]

I read it very well. They never talked about shorter range.

If you upgraded your battery you could have a longer range.

I'm sure they assumed their audience is smart enough to know if you use the battery energy faster, you will run it down faster.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

But I would assume if converting to a phev one would need more battery anyway. Wouldn't that be part of some phev conversation kit?

Yep probably take up 7-8" of the bed floor.

 

[todd92]

I've read this is possible with some hybrids but wondering if anyone has heard of it done with a maverick. Since I drive mostly locally I'd love to be able to get 20-30 miles without the ICE kicking in.

Anyone?

Where did you read this is possible with any hybrid? I’ve never heard of it, requires a substantially larger battery and charging controls.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

You would need a Huge battery for the high voltage system. Battery alone is probably $5-10K easy. Then you would need to add the PHEV connector, and rewrite the entire Hybrid strategy in the computer. Better to wait for Ford. PHEV Maverick Should be coming by 2028, could be here next year.

It may be possible earlier if Ford has enough lithium they can transfer to maverick from the EV production cutbacks.

 

[The Real Maverick]

I helped beta test an Escape Hybrid to PHEV conversion way back in 2007.

We ended up doing only about 10 cars.

I know more than most on MTC about PHEV converisons.
Ask away.

Short version:
It's easier than you think.
It's 10x more expensive than you think.
It doesn't do what you think it would do.

What it did for the Escape was NOT add 40 miles of EV range.

What it did do is boost the 36 MPG to 60 MPG tor the first 40 miles.

 

[Vmontello]

Where did you read this is possible with any hybrid? I’ve never heard of it, requires a substantially larger battery and charging controls.

Somewhere online. I also watched a video on YouTube of a company in England that does it.

 

[Vmontello]

Okay, I'll ask. Did it work? How well did it work? How much would it cost theoretically?

I helped beta test an Escape Hybrid to PHEV conversion way back in 2007.

We ended up doing only about 10 cars.

I know more than most on MTC about PHEV converisons.
Ask away.

I helped beta test an Escape Hybrid to PHEV conversion way back in 2007.

We ended up doing only about 10 cars.

I know more than most on MTC about PHEV converisons.
Ask away.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Short version:
It's easier than you think.
It's 10x more expensive than you think.
It doesn't do what you think it would do.

What it did for the Escape was NOT add 40 miles of EV range.

What it did do is boost the 36 MPG to 60 MPG tor the first 40 miles.

Basically the car's behavior remained the same. But the second battery would constantly recharge the stock one, instead of the engine. So it was like going downhill for 40 miles.

Without rebuilding EVERYTHING, by using the same software, same wires, same motor, same transmission, with a second battery the amount of amps; the amount of boost, the amount of EV horsepower remains the same. If you have to granny it in a parking lot now to stay in EV you'll have to granny it with more battery.

Just the length of time you can granny it gets longer.

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