The program is called “Project ChargeCar”. Modifications include installing a supercapacitor to the car’s battery and motor, and adding a “smart power management” system that uses an artificial intelligence to manage the flow of electricity. The supercapacitor, which stores large amounts of energy, can be used instead of the battery. It will cut the charge/discharge cycle that shortens battery life and will also make the car more responsive.
Modifications made to the cars will save as much as 80% in energy costs, and at the cost of around $8,000 dollars per conversion. This price tag is a lot less than a brand new electric vehicle which is typically priced at around $50,000.
Our take? While this program does have its benefits such as reducing the amount of damage being done to the environment, the cost of the conversions may make people more reluctant to go through with it. If given the choice, we're sure most would prefer other alternatives such as biodiesel and vegetable fuel conversion kits which are available at a significantly lower price, while others would chose to forgo any conversions and continue driving unmodified gas-powered cars.
via Business Week