Totonto-based FuelMaker Corp. unveiled the first working prototype of a home natural gas refilling appliance known as Phill. This device plugs into a 120-volt receptacle and will replenish a natural gas tank in four to five hours with one to two gallons of natural gas to power a commuter vehicle while parked in your garage.

FuelMaker plans to be ready to mass produce and market the device in the fall of 2003. It will target vehicles such as the Honda Civic GX for the model year 2004. A full tank should last about 220 miles. The Phill is about the size of a pay telephone and is expected to cost about $2,000. The company eventually hopes to get the cost down to around $1,000 per unit.