Twin City Hybrid

Our Conversion System for the Toyota Prius (2001-2008)

We offer 3 types of conversion kits for sale and installation. Each kit is different and will give the consumer a different product and price level.

The 10.2 kW Plug-In Supply system is the biggest battery pack that can fit into a Toyota Prius. It fits the Generation II vehicles (2004-2008).  The 10.2 kW Lithium Iron Phosphate  kit will completely transform the Toyota Prius into a fully electric vehicle for up to 40 miles. This type of conversion is great for those looking for the ultimate in a PHEV conversion and those who wanted to buy an electric car, but choose to have a more reasonable approach. The 10 kW system is also great for those who make frequent stops (such as a postal carrier) or commute in the city, but want an interstate car that can take them wherever they want to go and without stopping to charge up the battery. This system costs $11995 + shipping.

The 4 kW Plug-In Supply system (2004-2008 Prius) weighs significantly less and does not require a rear spring upgrade; this Lithium Iron Phosphate kit does not change the handling of the car that is often associated with a lot of weight behind the rear axle. This kit is more cost effective and still has the same consumer control features as the larger 10.2 kW system; such as engine run time control and system switching control. This system costs $7995+ shipping.

Both of the Plug-In Supply systems are purchased directly from the company and installed at our facility in Monticello, Minnesota with ASE certified and factory trained technicians. For details and a product comparison on the Plug-In Supply products, please refer to their website. The installation cost is $1000. The warranty period for Plug-In Supply conversion systems are as follows:

• 3 years parts and labor on installation, diagnostics, controls, and circuitry.
• 1 year parts and labor on batteries

We also offer a third, more economical option for the Toyota Prius. This system does not allow the consumer the full control and option of a totally electric vehicle, but it does have similar components that allow for more electric drive and less gas drive.

Our Conversion Systems for the Ford Escape

Currently, there are no readily available Plug-in conversion kits available for the Ford Escape (or any other hybrid besides the Toyota Prius for that manner). Twin City Hybrid is working with several companies that have conversion kits under development.  We hope to be able to offer a reasonably priced conversion kit for the Ford Escape and the Toyota Camry very soon. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to be notified when these are available.

The Conversion Process

After contacting a company technical representative, the consumer will be brought out to the installation facility to view the tools and equipment used in the process as well as to test drive a converted Prius. We want to make sure that each customer has the opportunity to fully explore their options and make an informed decision. We walk each customer through the process and answer any questions they may have.

Once the customer has decided that a PHEV conversion is for them, we arrange a drop off date. The installation and testing process can take as long as a few days. We schedule this very carefully so that the consumer is not inconvienced by the process.

Economics 101

The costs of converting a vehicle to a PHEV should not be taken lightly and without consideration. A PHEV conversion:

• Is a great investment in a vehicle
• Retains it’s value during a resale
• In many cases it is portable from an older vehicle to a newer model
• Will significantly decrease your fuel consumption
• Relies heavily on a more stable and domestically produced energy source – electricity
• Does not change the normal operation of your car if removed
• Does not interfere with the manufacture’s 8 year/80,000 mile emissions component warranty (high voltage battery pack and related components)
• Extends the time between oil changes
• Extends the life of the engine and brakes (as they are not used as much)

The payback period of the installation of a PHEV conversion system can vary from 3 to 6 years. The differences in kit choice, driver inputs, and vehicle usage are strong variations that will affect the timetable.

Twin City Hybrid offers plug-in conversions for existing hybrid electric vehicles. A plug-in conversion adds an extra battery pack to the vehicle. This extra battery pack is charged up by connecting it to a standard 110/120 volt household outlet.

Modifications

Twin City Hybrid offers a full line of  Plug-In Conversion services and modifications to your hybrid. Modifications include anything that you want to put into your hybrid. Americans love their cars. So do we. We understand this and offer a full line of aftermarket components and installation for everyone to enjoy! Please choose one of the below options to view and explore what you can do to your hybrid.

• Suspension
• Electronics
• Body

Please contact us with your specific requests for modifications.

FAQ’s

Confused about the operation of you hybrid? Tired of the silly quirks and noises that it makes? Thinking of buying a hybrid vehicle but aren’t for sure if it is for you? Get all of your questions answered by contacting us or contributing to our blog.

Twin City Hybrid can convert a Toyota Prius (and many other cars) to a right hand drive vehicle for a reasonable cost. The Prius (and other hybrids) makes a good choice for rural mail carriers because they were designed for heavy stop and go traffic. The fuel mileage on a hybrid is best when doing this. Twin City Hybrid can also install right hand drive conversion kits on other vehicles. We are a perferred dealer of Postal Things Incorperated and can get their kits shipped to us for installation.

Refer to their website for the most recent list of vehicles that can be converted.

Twin City Hybrid can perform repairs on alternative and Diesel vehicles.

Alternative Fuels

We can perform diagnostics, repairs, and conversions for most any type of alternative fuel out there. Before contacting us, please visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center website and check into the type of conversion and repairs you want performed. Some examples of our work include:

• E-85 flex fuel (factory) vehicle diagnostics and repairs
• E-85 conversions (aftermarket)
• Propane conversions, diagnostics, and service

Diesel

There are many Diesel vehicles out there. Twin City Hybrid only works on automotive sized Diesels, but does consider special requests. Services include:

• Diagnostics, repairs, and service
• Bio-Diesel conversions
• Gas to Diesel conversions

Electric Vehicles

Although there are not that many electric vehicles out there just yet, Twin City Hybrid has the capability, knowledge, and experience to handle all of the repairs.

Not owning a hybrid vehicle doesn’t mean that I cannot service your vehicle. After all, before we had hybrid vehicles, we had regular vehicles.

Every vehicle owner should be aware of what it takes to properly maintain their vehicle, weather they own one or have a fleet of them. Properly maintaining a vehicle will make it last longer. When you keep your vehicle lasting longer it saves you a lot of money and it is environmentally sound. Most vehicles, regardless of manufacture, will last beyond 200,000 miles if they are properly maintained and repaired. Sure things will break and they will need repairs on the way there, but those repairs and the maintance are less expensive than a new car payment.

Twin City Hybrid can maintain your fleet of vehicles. We have a 57 point checklist that will keep your car going and help you anticipate regular maintenance and repairs. One of the largest complaints we all hear about automotive repair is that it is expensive. Well, this is typically heard when someone neglects the small, more inexpensive, maintenance and repairs that eventually lead up to a larger breakdown that costs them a lot of their time and money. Twin City Hybrid is here to keep customers informed and help them by keeping their vehicles on the road, safe, and in good working condition. We can help every step of the way from pre-purchase inspections to full maintenance and repairs.

Right to Repair

Did you know that as a consumer you have certain rights? Did you know that it is your right to take your vehicle in for repair anywhere? There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to this topci. At Twin City Hybrid we have decided that it is best to inform and educate it’s customers on the issue.

It is your right to take your car where you want to for service and repairs. You are not required to take your vehicle to the dealership for repairs. Any vehicle sold in America cannot require the use of a specific brand of parts or a specific dealer to maintain the factory warranty. No matter what brand or type of vehicle you drive, we can help protect the warranty.

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act has been ciculating through congress since 1990. The first bill came from Minnesota’s Paul Wellstone in 2001. Since then the right to repair has been an uphill battle for independant repair shops. We urge our customer’s to support the Right to Repair act.

Do you own a repair shop and you don’t want to outsource your customer’s hybrid vehicle to an expensive dealership? Twin City Hybird can come to your repair facility and diagnose and repair your hybrid vehicle for a fraction of what it would cost at the dealership.

When you call us in to your facility you take the risk out of working with high voltage components, advanced and complex circuits, and new technologies. Twin City Hybrid will come into any repair shop and use state of the art scan tools and lab scopes to diagnose the problem. After diagnosis, your shop can choose to perform the repairs yourself or recieve a quote.

Your customer may be complaining of hard/no starting, low fuel mileage, braking issues, steering issues, and others. Some examples of previous customer requests for on-site service calls include:

• High voltage battery removal
• High voltage circuit diagnostics
• Hybrid drivetrain diagnosis and repair
• Hybrid air conditioning diagnosis and repair
• Hybrid brake diagnosis and repair
• Post-Collision diagnosis and repair

Please contact us with your name, shop name, phone number and we will return your email or call you back within 24 hours to set an appointment. Weekend and ice calls can be provided. for a different rate.

Rates and Service Areas

The standard service call diagnostic rate includes the following:

• Scan for DTC’s, record, and analyze
• Follow manufacture’s guidelines (diagnostic troubleshooting tree) to determine cause
• Perform scan tool bidirectional tests as directed
• Print out and explain invoice and problem
• Give customer option and estimate of next steps

Twin Cities Metro and St. Cloud (see map) = $150

Outside of Twin Cities Metro and St. Cloud Service Area = $150 + $1.00 per mile (one way calculation)

Hybrid vehicles are different and complex vehicles to work on.  Repairs can be long and expensive if the technician servicing the vehicle is not fully trained and prepared. Twin City Hybrid offers a complete line of services for hybrid vehicles.

Twin City Hybrid has a fully trained and insured staff that will diagnose and repair your hybrid vehicle. These services are offered either at the service center in Monticello, MN or on-site. Twin City Hybrid will travel to your location with the tools that are needed to diagnose and repair.

Maintenance

Our technicians are fully trained and certified to handle all of you maintenance needs. Your hybrid was designed to be a low maintenance vehicle. If you keep up with it, and perform the services recommended by the manufacture, you can enjoy a lot of years of enjoyment from your hybrid. We offer a full maintenance package as well as individual items. Each customer and vehicle is treated with the respect.

Diagnostics and Repairs

Twin City Hybrid is one of the leaders in hybrid diagnostics. Why take your hybrid vehicle to the dealership for repairs and diagnostics that are outside of warranty. They will charge a high labor rate and you will typically not be treated as an individual. At Twin City Hyrbid we pride ourselves on being a smaller repair facilty. We can take the time to focus on your needs and repair the vehicle properly the first time.

Twin City Hybrid is a fully equipped repair facility with the proper tools, equipment, and safety gear to handle any hybrid diagnostic and repair.

Right to Repair

Did you know that as a consumer you have certain rights? Did you know that it is your right to take your vehicle in for repair anywhere? There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to this topci. At Twin City Hybrid we have decided that it is best to inform and educate it’s customers on the issue.

It is your right to take your car where you want to for service and repairs. You are not required to take your vehicle to the dealership for repairs. Any vehicle sold in America cannot require the use of a specific brand of parts or a specific dealer to maintain the factory warranty. No matter what brand or type of vehicle you drive, we can help protect the warranty.

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act has been ciculating through congress since 1990. The first bill came from Minnesota’s Paul Wellstone in 2001. Since then the right to repair has been an uphill battle for independant repair shops. We urge our customer’s to support the Right to Repair act.