Hybrid power... as an option!

New plug-in hybrid conversion kit, could save motorists up to 61% on fuel costs and reduce emissions.

Auto Express Car Reviews

06th May 2008

Going green could soon be as simple as ticking the right box on your car’s options list.

That’s thanks to a new plug-in hybrid conversion kit, which could cost around £2,000 and be retro-fitted to any current model, according to its maker.

Automotive designers at vehicle testing centre MIRA say the technology, dubbed H4V, could potentially save motorists up to 61 per cent on fuel costs, and reduce emissions by as much as 39 per cent.

Converted cars would be partly powered by a removable battery that can be plugged into the mains and drives two in-board motors, plus a petrol engine. It’s already been tested on a Skoda Fabia at MIRA’s track facility in Nuneaton, Warks. A spokesman said: “One manufacturer is already interested in adding the hybrid system to its range.” He added that it could end up on car makers’ options lists as early as 2010.