2010: Year of the plug-in hybrid conversion?

A Plug-in hybrid converted by A123Systems

In 2010 a number of plug-in hybrids will be hitting the streets of America. GM plans to launch both the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Chevy Volt, while Toyota will release a plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. A number of plug-ins from niche automakers might also become available in 2010. Unfortunately, GM plug-in hybrids will be available in very limited numbers the first few years and Toyota might only make their plug-ins available for fleet sales.

By 2010, however, a number of second generation Prius hybrids will be 6 plus years old. Obviously, these hybrid cars will still have a lot of life left in them, but what if the fuel economy of these hybrids could be more than doubled for less than $5,000?