Volkswagen HyMotion Enters The Fuel Cell Market

The future of automobiles is either electric or hydrogen powered cars. Or both. Volkswagen is working overtime on its line up of hybrid, plug in hybrid and electric vehicles but is keeping an eye on fuel cell technology. Just in case.

As proof that it intends to be ready for whatever the market demands in the future, Volkswagen brought a SportWagen and a Passat sedan powered by its HyMotion fuel cell system to the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. Both use the electric motor found in the eGolf rated at 134 hp

An on board lithium ion battery is kept charged by the fuel cell and by regenerative braking. Hydrogen is stored at 10,150 psi in 4 carbon fiber tanks mounted underneath. The Volkswagen HyMotion cars accelerate to 60 mph in under 10 seconds and have a range of more than 300 miles. Refueling takes just 3 minutes, according to the company.

Volkswagen has a fleet of HyMotion prototypes in operation around the country to test its fuel cell system but has no plans to market the cars until there is an adequate hydrogen infrastructure in place.  “Before the market launch, a hydrogen infrastructure would have to be created: not only a broad network of hydrogen fuel stations, but also the production of the hydrogen itself.”

That’s the thing with fuel cell vehicles. There are only a handful of refueling stations in existence and most of those are in Southern California. Companies like Toyota and Hyundai want the government to pay for the hydrogen infrastructure but the federal and state governments are reluctant to do so. Meanwhile, Elon Musk and other electric vehicles advocates are pushing ahead with plans to dot the countryside with recharging stations. We won’t know for a decade or more who will win the struggle between EVs and FCEVs. In 2024, will hydrogen cars still be in “the future”? Either way, Volkswagen will be ready.

Source: Autoblog

The Hymotion / A123 Systems Conversion Module for the Toyota Prius

Do you own a 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius? These are the models years that can be converted to plug-in capability using the kit sold by Hymotion / A123 Systems. Hymotion started this business and then were later bought by A123 Systems, makers of Nanophospate Lithium ion battery cells. Their product is now a drop-in 5 kWh Lithium ion battery pack that works in conjunction with the Toyota Hybrid Synergy drive and allows the operator to drive in an all EV mode.

During installation, an EV switch is installed that lets the driver operate entirely on electrical energy without the ICE starting. The Prius can then travel about 15 or so miles using the additional battery pack and also boasts 100 mpg over the course of 40 miles. The 40 mile number is significant as it represents the maximum number of miles traveled by the majority of US commuters.

The Hymotion unit costs $9995 installed and is really one of the best aftermarket kits available to make your Prius a plug-in. Here are some specifics from the Hymotion web site:

"A123 Hymotion L5 Plug-in Conversion Modules are designed to convert Toyota Prius HEVs into PHEVs that can achieve up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles*

Hymotion L5 animation here

Product Specifications

• Designed for Toyota Prius, model years 2004 – 2009
• ~ 5 kWh pack
• 5.5 hour charge time
• ~ 180 pounds
• Up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles within electrically assisted driving range

• Meets strictest emissions standards in U.S.
• Crash tested to federal new vehicle standards
• $9995 – includes 3 year standard warranty and installation"

Of course, the difficult part of this upgrade is coughing up the 10 grand, especially in the ultra depressed financial times in which we find ourselves. However, in my opinion this is the best bang for the buck of ANY plug-in kit on the market.

In the future, I will look at other manufacturer's solutions to converting a late model Prius into a plug-in Prius. There are several options avaialble.