Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars

By Dave Rongey Summary: This article explains the important qualities of the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV's). The good news is that PHEV technology is already available and functioning. Fuel savings could be dramatic if plug-in technology is combined with already-existing flexible fuel technology.

The Economic Benefits of Flexible Fuel Plug-Ins

Spend Less Time and Money at the Pump
After a full battery charge the Plug-in hybrid vehicles range from 20 to 60 miles without using gasoline. Many commuters would be using little if any gasoline. By comparison if your gasoline powered car now gets 25 mpg and you switched to a Plug-in hybrid vehicle you would be getting 100 mpg.

Cost of Electric Fuel
A nightly battery charge would cost less than $1.00 at current electrical utility rates.

Initial Cost Worth Long-term Savings
While the initial cost of the plug-in vehicle would be more than a conventional car or one of the existing mass-produced hybrids, however a 2004 study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) found that plug-in hybrids can achieve life cycle costs parity with conventional gasoline vehicles – meaning that over the life of the car the cost will be equal or less despite the initial higher cost. The study calculated gasoline price as $1.75/gallon.

Rebates and Incentives Will Help
To help offset the initial cost of a PHEV, incentives are developing in local and city levels along with their public utility energy producers to address potential rebates to address the cost difference by making rebates available for energy customers when automakers begin manufacturing PHEV's. Additionally, bipartisan bills pending in the U.S. Senate and House would offer rebates and manufacturing incentives to help close the price gap.