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As the owner of a Toyota Prius, I would LOVE to be able to convert
it to a plug-in hybrid.  However, it seems like the CARB is missing
the larger picture regarding plug in hybrids. Aftermarket plug in
manufacturers and mechanics have the same missions as CARB with
regards to emissions.  Several years ago CARB killed the EV, and
now seems ready to put a stake in the heart of the PHEV.  There are
millions of vehicles in CA that are not started every 3 days. You
can ensure clean running PHEV by simply requiring the PHEVs to run
the IC until the CAT is operational upon start up.  While this is
not a perfect solution, it would eliminate most of the problem and
allow research to continue for a better solution.  This is a
critical time in the movement toward the production EVs, and
roadblocks are not needed or beneficial.

The California Air Resources Board is expected to adopt strict new
regulations based on the theory that the innovative technology sold
by 3Prong Power and other companies may be bad for the environment.
 This is misguided and, given the State's financial issues, harmful
in so many ways.  I believe these regulations will strangle a
promising approach to emissions reduction and energy independence
at birth.  Sherwood and Guzyk say that if the board adopts the
strict new rules at its January 22 and 23 meeting, it likely will
force them to shutter their business, which just had its grand
opening last month at Green Motors on San Pablo Avenue.  We need to
ENCOURAGE such business ventures, not force them to close.   I urge
you to work with the budding PHEV industry to discuss ways to use
the catalytic converters effectively, and to discharge vaporized
gasoline. Please allow waivers for the warranty requirements as
well as the testing, until you can find some more reasonable and
mission advancing warranty and testing requirements.