PV Gap

Emma Said:

What company or resource will convert my 2001 Dodge Ram into a Plug in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) with solar power?

We Answered:

Yes it is possible. Many people have done it in some states. But the 300 mile range is a dream for a conversion and solar only extends your mileage slightly. You could leave parked for a week to charge up enough for a trip.

Before spending any money go to your DMV and ask how you would register such a vehicle. I looked into doing a conversion a couple of years ago here in Mass. I found out that modified vehicles need to go through a state police inspection. But that conversions (meaning to electric) would not be considered. Basically telling me flat out No Way. I also checked with the insurance company and they didn't have a clue on how to insure it even if I could get it registered in Mass.

Mass also has yearly emission inspections. The VIN indicates an internal combustion engine so how do you measure emissions on an electric vehicle when the automated inspection computer expects to "see" exhaust gas?


I also looked into getting a Zap Zebra. At the time Mass would not let me register a new one if I bought it in New hampshire. I would have to have NH plates. One reason for not registering the Zebra was it was a three wheeled two passenger vehicle. Being multi passenger was apparently the deal killer. The DMV would let me register a 50K single seat three wheeled car from Meyers Motors (the Nmg).

Mass has since allowed Zap Zebras to be registered.
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicle…


If you run into any of these issues with your DMV you can always repair an original electric car. Just buy an electric ford ranger and retro fit new batteries, motor and electronics. The VIN for such a vehicle indicates electric power so you as avoid inspection issues.

Although the Zebra is in my price range I haven't bough one as its top speed is 35 MPH with a 23 mile range. My commute is 13 miles one way and there are a couple of miles of raod where the speed limit is 45MPH. If the range were a little more I could avoid the 45MPH section but without being able to charge it at work I wouldn't be able to reliably do a round trip.

A pickup truck conversion is very doable and you can get much faster speeds and longer ranges using standard batteries.. If I could have put one on the road I would have converted my Sonoma a year ago.

Gary Said:

Is there a leading company currently in solar power?

We Answered:

SunWise Solar Comapny, the different State Solar Companies, and Solar Electric Company are some of the leading ones.