Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, like regular hybrid vehicles, combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery. However, the battery can be charged through operation of the vehicle and by plugging into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet. Plug-in hybrids contain a larger battery than standard hybrid vehicles. This allows daily driving to be almost entirely powered by stored electricity alone.
There are many economic and environmental benefits to driving plug-in hybrids. Because plug-in HEVs use electric power much of the time, they can significantly reduce fuel use, costs, and emissions. For example, according to the US Department of Energy, if electricity costs $0.08 per kilowatt-hour and gasoline costs $2.77 per gallon, a PHEV could drive on electric power for 3 cents per mile compared with 13 cents per mile for driving on gasoline. Combined operation might result in a cost of about 6 to 8 cents per mile. Furthermore, the less gasoline is used, the more our energy security increases and harmful emissions decrease.
General Motors' Chevrolet, Saturn, and Ford have all released or plan to release plug-in hybrids.
Links
- Electric Drive Transportation Association»
- The Electrification Coalition»
- Plug In America»
- To find out more about plug-in hybrid vehicles that are currently available, please see our Buyer's Guide.
- Alternative Fuels Data Center»
