Poulsen hybrid kit- turns your car into a PHEV for under $4,000.

[srschrier]

http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/index.html

An interesting idea, has anyone seen or driven one?

[calgaryvolt]

Interesting concept and set up. I wonder if this retro-fit works and how well. Could be a good thing to invest in if the price of new electric vehicles it too much.

It would be nice if the system could somehow be mounted with the wheel rim or behind the brake caliper as opposed to outside the wheel. This would eliminate the extra width of the unit and prevent accidental run-ins with garage door frames or what not.

[Texas]

Very original idea! There are no YouTube videos out yet. I would love to see this independently tested so we can see the actual savings. One big issue is changing the tire as well as people stealing it or bumping into it.

Regardless, if it worked well it would be an easy way to retrofit existing vehicles, save a little gas and to start the culture shift to plugging in. Let's see this sucker work!

1) Videos
2) Independent testing

[jjski78]

Looks pretty cool to me. And it looks like I already own a vehicle they've done research on, 2003 Jetta! Except mines a 1.8T, but aside from the engine, everything else is the same. Where do I sign up??!!

[srschrier]

A new FAQ page from Poulsen Hybrid.

http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/FAQ.html

Go Volt!!!

[Tom]

In general, it seems to be an great concept. During the EPA City Cycle, 25% of the energy goes into (accelerating - Regen*Decelerating). So this Poulsen cruise only concept can save only 75% on gas consumption. The crusie range only (wind, tire, and road) losses are dependent of the weight of the vehicle. So relative to the Volt, cruise saving drop proportionately to the weight of this vehicle relative to the Volt. Range is then proportional by this amount to the battery Energy, 4kWhr, which is 1/4 of the Volt's.

What fraction of the 4 kWhr charge is available to range?
What happens to the torque bar fittings when you hit a pot hole?
How does the controller accommodate braking?
Bye bye trunk space.
What is the fatigue life of the motor connections?

[srschrier]

There are many as yet unanswered durability questions about the Poulsen system, bumping into curbs while parking, potholes, and changes to vehicle warranty issues, etc.

The Volt is a dynamic integrated PHEV engineered from the ground up and should be a much better investment. Even Mitsubishi's Imiev all-electric (BEV) might find a market for those who want a second all-electric city car the size of the Smart ForTwo for errands around town.

And remember the Japanese Ellica? http://www.eliica.com/

[omegaman66]

The Volt is a dynamic integrated PHEV engineered from the ground up and should be a much better investment.

Yes but IF this system works as they say then for a relatively small amount of money I can convert my current truck to a hybrid. Who knows how long it will be before Chevy has a e-flex silverado.

I can't wait to read some feed back on this systems from people that install the system once it becomes available.

[mwalsh]

I can convert my current truck to a hybrid.

I'd have to find it again, but I think they say on their web site someplace that the retrofit is not suitable for larger vehicles.

[srschrier]

The updated "Frequently Asked Questions" on Poulsen System's web site says they are considering a larger version of their in-wheel motor system for trucks.

http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/FAQ.html

Hope they eventually add some videos and information about mileage and performance improvements.