The Department of Energy recently released their findings on the Hymotion 8.5kWh battery pack conversion for a 2007 FEH. This battery pack contained the A123 lithium ion cells. The average mileage of 42.5 doesn't sound too impressive when compared to many of the hypermilers found at this site. But when compared to the 27 mpg average with DOE drivers, there is a difference. Note, this 8.5kWh battery pack is smaller than the Hybrid-Plus pack at 12kWh and the Ford PHEV "fleet" Escapes with a 10kWh pack size.

 

I'm wondering which one of us is going to buy the first PHEV FEH?

 

Ford says it will be ready for the 2012 model year. This could mean any time after March 2011. It could become even more interesting if Ford or a Third Party could offer a battery swap for our current vehicles at a "low" price tag.

 

Too much tech integration required, Bill.
Plus we've been through this before... the raw materials cost five figures!

 

It might be nice but don't hold your breath. Car manufacturers have never offered "upgrades" to older vehicles for newer technologies on their new models. Its not part of the product plan of "planned obsolecense". The whole idea is to create new things so someone will by the next car year before the old one wears out because its "better" Offereing upgrades goes completely against their nature.

Offering Sync, new navigation systems, flash upgrades to improve mileage, battery updates, upgrades to PHEV to older models.... its not going to happen from the car company(any car company). Its not how they do business, never have and I suspect never will. They want you to buy a new car every three years or more and upgrading your current car interfers with that model.

The only way this would happen if LARGE aftermarket community started that offered these upgrades and started cutting into new car sales, so manufacturers would be forced to get into the market to recoup losses. Even that effect is muted... even with the aftermarket on stereos, Ford still doesn't offer stereo upgrades for the most part once the vehicle leaves the shop.