Benefits Of Plug-In Hybrids Overrated

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles have been promoted as achieving over 100 mpg. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy reports on the energy and emissions benefits of this new technology, showing it varies on geography and technology.

1 minute read

September 25, 2006, 5:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid

"According to report co-author James Kliesch, the "electric-then-gasoline" depiction of plug-in operation is not realistic and has contributed to overstatements of the fuel savings potential of plug-ins in the popular media... The ACEEE report estimates fuel savings relative to today's hybrids of 30% for a plug-in with a 20-mile electric-only range and 50% for a 40-mile range."

"(The report) finds that greenhouse gas emissions reductions associated with a plug-in powered by todayâ€™s electric grid would be about 15% on average across the nation, ranging from 32% using California electricity to zero using Upper Midwest electricity."

"With high volumes and a drop in nickel prices, the cost of the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrids at present could fall quite dramatically. To reach an appropriate balance of size, weight, and power for a long-range plug-in, however, researchers' bets are on lithium-ion batteries, which still need technological breakthroughs to reach commercial production for plug-in applications."

"Plug-ins represent a major step toward the electrification of the transportation sector, a transition that has tremendous potential to help solve some big problems,â€ said report co-author Therese Langer. "But realizing this potential means maintaining an all-out effort on advanced batteries and cleaning up electric power generators..."

Thanks to Ned Ford via Sierra Club Energy Forum

FULL STORY: Plug-Ins Promising--But Better Batteries, Cleaner Power Plants Essential

Thursday, September 21, 2006 in American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy News Release

Energy Environment Technology Transportation United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.