$5,000 Rebate To Convert Normal Hybrid Cars To Plug-in Hybrids

(West Palm Beach) Our state is leading the charge in energy efficiency cars. Florida is now the first state to offer a $5,000 rebate as an incentive to convert Toyota Prius Hybrids into plug-in hybrids.

The electric conversion must be done at Foreign Affairs Auto on Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

"We take the Toyota Prius and convert it to a plug in Prius by using a lithium battery." The lithium battery has a life of 30-40 miles, and now the electric conversion is being offered to Floridian at a reduced rate thanks to a state incentive program from the Department of Energy.

"You have a $10,400 conversion," said Foreign Affairs Auto Business Development Director Jonathan Ortiz. "The state of Florida will now give the consumer $5,000 to subsidize that, and then the federal government will give just about $1,000 in additional incentives."

Ortiz, who owns a Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, says the perks include a reduced carbon offset, less consumption of oil, fuel and your money!

"A regular hybrid normally get miles per gallon in the 40s,this gets it in the 100+. I have had this car for about nine months and filled up three times."

The deal might not last long because the program only has enough money set aside for 100 cars to be converted.

Only 2004-2009 models are eligible for the rebate program.