Hybrids Plus takes immediate steps to strengthen and safeguard all PHEV systems.


We regret the recent failure of a Hybrids Plus PHEV 15 conversion for the Toyota Prius causing significant damage to the vehicle from a resulting upholstery file. Luckily, there were no injuries in the event, the car was fully insured, and Hybrids Plus is providing a replacement PHEV system to the customer. Safety is our foremost concern. After the incident we notified all owners of Hybrids Plus conversions, described to them the sequence of events in the incident, advising them not to drive until further information was available, and to call Hybrids Plus if there was any sign of a problem with their vehicle.

Over the past week we have conducted two extensive forensic examinations of the vehicle and of the battery pack using a team of experts that included Hybrids Plus technical staff, our cell manufacturer, and experts in electric vehicles. Though the group was unable to conclusively identify an initial fault point, their efforts were concentrated on identifying general areas that could be upgraded for higher safety and reliability. The study did establish with a high degree of confidence that the cells were not the cause of the incident, and that the vast majority of the cells were unaffected by the high temperature to which they were exposed. The Hybrids Plus PHEV system also was able to withstand the high temperatures in that incident, remaining largely intact. Chief Technical Officer for Hybrids Plus, Davide Andrea, extends gratitude to the
members of the study group for their efforts, the suggestions provided, and for their unbiased conclusions. As stated by Davide, “We are learning from this incident, reviewing all designs and methods, putting safety first. We are implementing measures that will fully address each and every one of the areas that the study group highlighted."

Hybrids Plus has begun a program to inspect and upgrade all PHEV systems currently in the field, with improvements that will result in increased safety and reliability. While we do not anticipate seeing similarities with the failed system, the first vehicles scheduled for immediate check up are the Prius PHEV 15 systems. The Prius PHEV 30 and then the Ford Escape will follow, although those systems have designs that minimize or eliminate most potential concerns. We will implement this upgrade at no cost to our clients, even for systems that are out of warranty.

Carl Lawrence, CEO of Hybrids Plus, adds, "we are hopeful that the quality and thoroughness of our response to this incident, and resultant improvements in overall system safety and reliability, will lead to increased confidence in the growing PHEV technologies and the industry as a whole."


Hybrids Plus is the second largest provider of PHEV systems, converting Prius and Escape HEVs to plug in hybrids through seamlessly integrated replacement batteries. Hybrids Plus is presently producing a small fleet of V2G (Vehicle To Grid) vehicles using its Inverger(tm) technology, and has recently been awarded an $85,000 grant from Colorado Governor's Energy Office for the commercialization of this technology.

06/18/08