Hybrids Trick Out, Plug In

• SEE ALSO: EV-Motoring.Com
• SEE ALSO: Plug-in 2008 Exclusive Coverage
• SEE ALSO: Plug-in Buyers Guide
• SEE ALSO:350 Electric Vehicle Stories and Video

Washington DC October 1, 2008 - The AIADA newsletter reported that the owner of Luscious Garage is wondering whether the electric wall outlet will be the "gas tank" of the future.

Drivers of gas-sipping hybrid vehicles are increasingly interested in converting their vehicles from gasoline powered to electric, according to garage owner and lead technician Carolyn Coquillette.

While drivers of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles complain about higher fuel prices, clients of the San Francisco garage are investing big bucks to make their green cars even greener. That's being done through plug-in conversions and adding more powerful batteries to currently available gasoline/electric hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius.

A Toyota Prius hybrid, owned by Luscious Garage, has been converted to run on electricity, the plug-in conversion costs about $7,500. "Gas becomes optional," with this conversion.

Coquillette tells CNN. "If you want to drive a really long way, without recharging, yes, gas is required, but it gives you the flexibility of not having to burn gas anymore if you don't want to. And that's very liberating," she said.