Modded Toyota hybrid pushes boundaries in fuel economy: 250 MPG

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via Treehugger

With energy costs soaring on an almost daily basis, car manufacturer Toyota has released news that the production model of a hybrid Toyota Prius can achieve 110 miles per gallon. That is not the crowning glory, however, as such efficiency can be boosted further with a few modifications. It seems that electrical engineer Ron Gembam has modified the current Toyota Prius by adding a stack of 18 brick-sized batteries that takes a huge load off the gas tank whenever you step on the accelerator.

Spending around $3,000 for modifications, Gembam’s extra batteries allows him to squeeze out an extra 20 miles when running on a 50-50 mix of gas and electricity. Although the numbers fall short of the carefully controlled test conditions of 110 mpg, it is confirmed that plug-in hybrids can dramatically reduce gasoline usage when used properly. Technologically available, it is not yet cost-effective as manufacturers have their reservations about the added cost of producing plug-in hybrids. It is believed that one day, automakers can mass-produce plug-in hybrids by topping up an extra $6,000 to each vehicle’s price tag in the race for a cleaner environment.