After market PHEV conversions are not economical at this point unless you can offset the cost of conversion with a cheaply-priced used chassis. Just try to find a cheap used Prius; ain't any. Conclusion: not economically feasible yet.

When it comes to 99% of automotive after-market parts, "economic feasibility" is hardly ever the main thrust here. Intake/exhaust upgrades, suspension tuning, lightweight wheels, etc. etc. None of these makes any economic sense.

If we are to focus strictly on being an enthusiast, then I'd rank Plug-In Upgrades higher than any of those frivolous speed/performance tweaks. I see gaining the ability to use alternate fuel source as worthy endeavor. If we really want to count the pennies, this upgrade certainly has a quantifiable payback over other after-market parts, and under certain circumstances, it may possibly pay for itself, too.

I'm glad that people who have the expertise and motivations are participating in such projects. Such enthusiasts are the force that keeps the momentum forward. Without the pressure of such groups coming up with their own designs, GM and Toyota would probably drag their feet on their own Plug-In projects.

@Charles:
What I have seen over time is in our society, money drives perceived innovation for the masses and advertisement paints the dreams necessary for acceptance. The auto business is a prime example, where else could a business sell obsoleted technology for such a long time; push rod V-8 engines invented in 1955 running at 20-25% efficiency, really!

I agree that the idealistic factors you identify are all welcome qualities; but, economics is still the most influential factor for radical changes in the auto industry. Big Auto must watch the bottom line because everybody from stockholders to union workers are watching them.

The increase in innovation toward electric drive vehicles is directly proportioned to the increase of gasoline to $3 a gallon. The defense rests!

"push rod V-8 engines invented in 1955"

You may want to fact-check that...

To be totally correct: Push rod V-8 engines introduced in the 1955 model year by Chevolet. My fact, I was there!

might as well do it yourself , doesnt look like any of the major manufacturers including toyota are going to get there at any time soon !

Lad,

Sorry, you weren't there: Chevrolet, to give just one example, first produced a pushrod V8 in 1917. I would wager that someone else did it before then, as well.

@ashtanga:
OK you win, I give up (ha), I have to admit I wasn't around for the intro of the 1917 V8; but, I was around when they offered the V8 to car buyers in 1955 after only offering the Blue Flame six for many years...will that work? However, my point is money drives the decisions...and there are many facts to support that conclusion.