Converting your existing car into a plug-in electric hybrid may not require a major overhaul if Ulrik Poulsen has anything to do with it. 

Poulsen, owner of Poulsen Hybrid and a long-time Toyota Prius hybrid owner, has developed what he says is an electric motor kit that can be outfitted to the wheels of any lightweight car, transforming the vehicle into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV.    

“The several attempts out there to convert traditional cars to either electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles require major surgeries on the car,’’ said Poulsen. “No matter how it’s done it’s a major surgery…and is not the cost effective way to go.” 

With the Poulsen Hybrid Power Assist System, Poulsen said he’s found a way that won’t cost more than $3,500 and won’t do any harm to the car. He’s so confident in his technology that he's entered into the Progressive Automotive XPrize, which is a contest to design and race a viable, clean and super-efficient cars that are actually desirable to consumers. The cross country stage race throughout the U.S. will kick off in September 2009 in New York City, with the winning team getting $10 million. The race is designed to test the concept cars in real world conditions. 

According to Poulsen, most hybrid conversions require fuel and engine systems to be replaced, which means a lot of parts have to been changed or moved around. That process can be costly and time consuming. 

Poulsen’s Hybrid Power Assist System is a disc shaped motor that attaches to the outside of a car’s rear wheels. Each motor, which weighs around 35 pounds, bolts on to the rear wheels of the car, taking only about two to three hours to install.  While the kit, which will be available in the fall, could in theory be installed on your own, the company will have authorized installers trained. Poulsen’s insurance company has warned him against offering self installation due to liability issues, but he said the company is confident it will find a solution to allow self installation since the system doesn’t alter the safety systems, steering, braking or suspension of the car.   

The Hybrid Power Assist System relies on gas to start the engine and get it going, but once the car is cruising the electric motor kicks in. The electric motor system adds power from the battery and reduces the amount of gas being consumed. It’s not in and of itself sufficient to do any hill climbing or fast acceleration, noted Poulsen, but is ideal for cruising along. 

“The electronic motor has fairly modest horsepower,” said Poulsen, noting the rate power is 7 HP per motor, giving it a total of 14 HP. Driving on a level road, the electric motor can do 60 mph, he said. “It saves the same amount of fuel whether it’s a heavy car or light car," he said. "You’re simply exchanging fuel with electric energy.”  Poulsen said a compact car would get around 20 gasoline free miles.  

With gasoline prices reaching record highs just about every day and predictions for it to get worse, consumers are clamoring for ways to save money on gas. Automakers are responding by developing hybrid and plug in electric cars. General Motors (GM) is gearing up to launch a plug in electric hybrid called the Chevrolet Volt in November of 2010. The car, which is expected to cost a minimum of $30,000, is targeting 40 city miles with the battery fully charged. Ford Motor (F) is designing the Escape PHEVs for testing in Los Angeles. Toyota (TM) is also working on a PHEV. 

According to the Electric Power Research Institute and the Natural Resources Defense Council, widespread adoption of PHEVs could be equal to removing 82.5 million passenger cars from the road in 2050. 

Poulsen said he’s gotten emails from all sorts of vehicle owners wondering if the system will work on their car, with a woman even inquiring about using it for her Hummer. While Poulsen said the first generation of the Poulsen Hybrid Power Assist System is for light, fuel-efficient cars, the company does intend to develop more powerful systems for SUVs and potentially for light trucks. Still with a vehicle like a Hummer, Poulsen said there’s one caveat:  “It’s a smaller contribution when you use a car with little economies to begin with.”