New 100 MPG Prius Shown Off To House Subcommittee

A team of Northern California promoters of "plug-in hybrids" demonstrated their technology to a House science team. While receiving bi-partisan endorsement, success may be in the hands of the auto industry.

1 minute read

May 19, 2006, 7:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


On May 17, San Francisco Bay Area researchers and entrepreneurs brought their plug-in hybrid vehicle technology to show off for a House science subcommittee.

"'I brought my infrastructure with me,' said Felix Kramer, founder of the Redwood City-based nonprofit California Cars Initiative, known as CalCars, holding up a foot-long three-pronged extension cord for plugging his souped-up Toyota Prius hybrid models into household electric sockets for recharging.

CalCars has altered two Prius cars to fit expensive nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries and recharging devices that allow the cars to be plugged in to many household outlets for overnight recharging. The result, Kramer said, is fuel economy approaching 100 mpg, and the ability to run for 30 to 50 miles solely on the batteries."

"Advocates say the key is getting an automaker to adopt the technology for a small fleet that could be tested under real-life conditions. CalCars is in talks with Ford Motor Co., which already has moved into hybrids and ethanol vehicles."

Members of Congress say they realize that no single technology will solve America's oil addiction. They hope to move on several fronts by fostering research and offering incentives.

Thanks to Ralph Borrmann

Thursday, May 18, 2006 in The San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

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

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Close-up of smartphone with Zoox logo and screen with blurred image of Zoox autonomous vehicle in background.

Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA

Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.

45 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

NYC MTA train on elevated rail with Manhattan skyline visible in background.

New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead

The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.

2 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Tree-lined street with large old trees and full parking lane and one-way driving lane in Spain.

Research: More Complex Streets Are Safer

Streets that offer more perceived obstacles and distractions can force drivers to slow down and drive more carefully.

4 hours ago - State Smart Transportation Initiative

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.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO