Day 2 page 2

Now that the kids are gone, let’s see some more TdS goodies that were on display.

Details of the Hy-Motion plug-in module.

This is the module itself. Weighing in at just over 150 pounds, the module fills the space where the spare tire and acccessory tray above the tire would normall go.

The president of Hy-Motion discussing their system.

I spoke with him briefly about a few things including the all-important question for most of us, “When?”. The answer was, next year. This year they are focusing on building interest and in fleet and government sales. It is their hope that by building the business in this manner and given the cost reduction of the components over the next year, the plug-in module they sell will go from a currrent price of about $18k to a more consumer friendly price of $6500. While this is still a lot, the real issue is, this price will only go down. And what this upgrade offers is extended use. Although Hy-Motion has yet to resolve the issue of warranty coverage through Toyota, they hope to change Toyota’s current position via the experience they’ll gain with the fleet/government sales.

The other that struck me, although he didn’t say it directly, was that this is really an add-on being headed towards the longer term Prius owner, rather than the new owner. Once warranty coverage from Toyota wanes, Hy-Motion can step in and sell this upgrade and add their own warrranty coverage (which is currently five years). It’s an approach that has merit over and above the added functionality of the product itself.

I want one…

This is the VogelBilt all electric motorcycle. It’s styled like a classic cruiser and built from the ground up. I spoke with Vogel president Carl Vogel and he’s willing and ready to build these in any configuration for a mere $18k. For that you get the bike with a sixty range and a top speed of 100 mph.

I saw him ride this bike and it was very cool. Sure, I’ve always had a thing for a nearly silent motorcycle but this moves like a big cat. I’d love more range but given how pleasant those sixty miles must be, I might live with it.

This is the reverse switch for the bike. Yes, the bike goes in reverse. Handy for parking a heavy bike, I’m sure.

A very cool Insight, resting between events.

The new hybrid Camry has “that” look about it in a big way.

Great sticker on a Prius.

Click here to go to Page three of this report.