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.
"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 today’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,†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..."
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Plug-in Hybrid technology unsurpassed
There is no vehicle technology with as many potential advantages and benefits and practical applications as the Plug-in Hybrid. Bio-fuels combustion is most efficient in the hybrid drive-train. Similarly, hydrogen as a combustable fuel is most readily applicable in a hybrid. But, the Plug-in Hybrid goes furthest in the land-use considerations and development of neighborhoods and commercial districts to properly accommodate walking, bicycling and mass transit. The limited mileage on battery operation alone, creates an economic incentive for shorter rather than longer drives, to patronize local economies. Development patterns eventually create more destinations that are accessable without having to drive. The perfect car is the one that need be driven less.
This report is bogus.