I am actually planning on trying this in a full size 2004 Chevy Avalanche.
I already have the batteries mounted and the charging system in place. I am
working with NetGain and will install the EMIS module due to arrive this
week. I am getting a special ADC 8: motor with a larger comm end so I can
connect it to the transmission and then attach the output shaft to a
shortened driveshaft. The motor should be here by the end of the month so
hopefully I can have the vehicle running by the end of the year.
In my 6000lb vehicle I was not able to tell any MPG drop due to the first
300lb of batteries. I now have all 12 installed so I am carry and extra 600
lbs which will grow to 800 with the motor. Time will tell if I can get a
noticeable boost in MPG. In the test done by NetGain they have seen a
25-30% improvement in in-town driving.
It all just underlines the unfortunate fact that "low tech" hybrid retrofits (where the ICE is left intact) are going to be heavy and take up lots of space.
Which means you need a fairly big RWD vehicle to pull it off. Pun intended.
