Recent News Items

Our Research Analysis

From our new research analysis, "Scrap or Retrofit Clunkers," here are two charts showing why we need to convert existing vehicles to plug in to get near-term energy security and CO2 benefits. For background and additional information, see the paper.

VIDEO: "Converting Gas Guzzlers"

"Converting Gas Guzzlers:" a 1 minute and 45 second video explaining the reason we're working to launch a major effort to build awareness for the opportunity to convert large internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to run entirely or partially on electricity. We describe a strategy for how to have a rapid impact on two great challenges that result from our dependence on fossil fuels: reducing greenhouse gases and increasing energy security. We explain how we can't simply wait for new plug-in cars from automakers -- they won't and can't deliver quickly enough. Retrofits to the hundreds of millions of vehicles already on the road enable us to do something few yet think is possible or achievable. Thanks to Chris Baldwin and Sustainability Media.

Emerging Entrepreneurs and New Conversions Companies

At the July 2008 Plug-In2008 Conference, San Jose, CA:
After former Intel CEO Andy Grove gave his keynote address, calling for converting 10 million PSVs (Pickups, SUVs and Vans) in four years, he posed with Prof. Ali Emadi, founder of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies and his Ford F-150 PHEV conversion, CalCars Founder Felix Kramer and Prof. Andy Frank, founder of Efficient Drivetrains Inc. and his Chevy Equinox PHEV conversion. Photo: Mike Kahn/Green Stock Media; contact them to purchase photo.

Via Motors, Orem, Utah has developed a series PHEV powertrain for pickup trucks, vans, SUVs and other large vehicles that can be used in new "gliders" from carmakers and in late-model fleet vehicles. Nick Zielinski, Chief Engineer during the development of the Chevy Volt, is their Chief of Technology, and Bob Lutz, a driving force behind the Volt, is an advisor. The company's predecessor, Raser Technologies, converted a Hummer 3 with GM's cooperation in 2009 (see CalCars Photos: Groups & Converters).
View or download a larger image.

ALTe Powertrain Technologies, Bloomfield, MI: series PHEV and EV modular conversions for fleet vehicles; company co-founded by former Tesla team members has ambitious plans and many accomplishments. See company's Brochure and CalCars-News posting, ALTe Gains Orders/Financing/Facilities for Combustion Engine Conversions.

AMP Electric Vehicles, Cincinnati, Ohio, converting GM Equinox, Sky, Solstice to EVs.

Electric Motor Werks is a Palo Alto, California company focused on developing all-electric conversion solutions for entry/mid-luxury segment cars (BMW 3/5 series, Audi, Mercedes). Its mission is to dramatically accelerate adoption of electric car conversions and raise the image of the affordable AND fun electric car solutions. EMW is a vertically integrated manufacturer building its own controllers and charging systems. Its BMW 3-series conversion solution will be available to the public in the first quarter of 2012. (Shown is an early prototype.) The company will be pursuing partnerships as well as cooperation with individual converters.

Liberty Electric Cars, Oxford, UK, converting Range Rovers to EVs.

Wrightspeed, Silicon Valley, California, drive system for medium- to heavy-duty trucks.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Chicago, IL: prototype F-150 PHEV retrofit, scales to transit buses, etc. Founded by Dr. Ali Emadi, high-power electronics expert. Flyer on pickup truck conversion [pdf]

Motiv Power Systems, San Mateo, CA electric drivetrains for new and retrofit tucks and buses.

Efficient Drivetrains, Dixon, CA: Engineering services by company co-founded by Dr. Andrew Frank.

Bharat Forge Limited, and KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited, India, joint venture for ReVOLO parallel PHEV conversions.

EV Power Systems, Rock Hill, SC: Ssupplementary drivetrains for pickup trucks; company co-founded by John Dabels formerly from EV1 team.

Linc Volt, Wichita, KS and Woodside, CA: Linc Volt -- Neil Young's team, including Jonathan Goodwin's H-Line Conversions, is "Repowering the American Dream" starting with a Lincoln Continental.

ElectraDrive, San Jose, CA: Modular system to add electric power to multiple vehicle types. Transportation Winner, 2008 California Clean Tech Open

Zero Sports (more English info at ZeroSports-America), Japan: integrator selected by Japan Post to fully electrify 25% of its 22,000 gasoline-powered vehicles, with support of ITOCHU Corp, and batterymaker EnderDel, using Think Global's EV drive system.

Poulsen Hybrid, Shelton, CT: Wheel motors provide partial power for sedans.

Potential Difference, Las Vegas, NV: can convert an Accura TL luxury sport sedan to a 70-100-mile all-electric range luxury EV for $85,385 (70-mile electric range) or $99,385 (100-mile range), including $42,000 sticker price for vehicle. Specs at http://www.potentialdifference.com/index.php/buy-all-electric-car and photos at http://www.potentialdifference.com/index.php/all-electric-demo-car.

Clean Vehicle Research Institute, Mexico City: 1,000 Nissans to become EV taxis.

Other small companies with programs in development include:

• ConVerdant Vehicles, Concord, NH: multiple vehicle types to PHEV and EV;
• HTC Racing, Whitman, MA: GM Explorer to EV.