Global Warming Solutions
Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles represent one of the most immediate, dramatic, and affordable solutions for reducing petroleum use and global warming pollution from vehicles.

Plug-ins are capable of achieving more than 100 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 60 percent in California. Even greater reductions are possible as we add more renewable power sources, such as solar and wind, to our electric grid.

Importantly, no new fueling, production, or transportation infrastructure is required to achieve these profound greenhouse gas reductions; an extension cord and a standard outlet is all that is necessary to refuel the car’s electric battery.

Bluewater is working at the state and national levels to make plug-ins a reality. You can add your voice to bring plug-ins to market.

Plug-In Hybrid Fact Sheet
What is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle?
A Plug-In hybrid electric vehicle (“Plug-in”) is a conventional hybrid car, such as a Toyota Prius, with a more powerful battery and a simple electric plug. Although the Plug-in looks and feels like a “regular” car, its battery can be plugged in and charged at any outlet at home or in a parking garage, allowing 20 to 60 miles of all electric driving. It’s like having an electric car with an insurance policy – you fill up at home from a standard outlet, at an equivalent cost of under $1/gallon, and when your battery runs out, your car operates as a regular fuel-efficient hybrid.
What are the benefits of a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle?
  • The Plug-in is fueled in part by cleaner, cheaper, domestically produced energy. This results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality, even on the national grid.
  • The consumer, charging the car with a standard extension cord, has dramatic fuel savings, reduced vehicle maintenance costs, and more free time (fewer trips to the gas station).
  • The nation benefits because fueling with electricity reduces our dependence on imported oil and reduces our trade deficit.
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    What is the electric range of a Plug-in?
    Electric range depends on the size of the battery in the vehicle. Demonstration Plug-ins currently have all-electric ranges between 25 and 60 miles. Plug-ins can also be configured to run on a mixed mode, switching automatically between electricity and gasoline (or other liquid fuel) to maximize fuel efficiency.
    How much more will a Plug-in cost versus a comparably sized conventional hybrid?
    The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) estimates that, with mass production, the cost of a Plug-in battery will add $2,000 to $3,000 to the cost of a conventional hybrid. After factoring in the lower costs of fuel and maintenance, mass-produced Plug-ins should provide better overall economics than the equivalent gasoline powered car.
    Aren’t you just moving the pollution from the car’s tailpipe to the coal powered electrical plant?
    No. Recent studies demonstrate that emissions of most pollutants and greenhouse gases are lowered by a shift from internal combustion engines to Plug-in vehicles, regardless of how the electricity is produced. Further, as grid electricity continues to get cleaner, incorporating renewable energy like solar and wind, the environmental benefits of Plug-ins only increase. If you have photovoltaics (solar panels) on your home, you can generate the energy to power your vehicle completely off the grid.

    Where can I get a Plug-in Vehicle?
    Despite public demand for Plug-ins, automakers are not yet making them available for commercial sale. Both Toyota and GM have publicly stated that they are on a course to bring Plug-Ins to the mass market. Some small companies and non-profits are converting conventional hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, into Plug-ins to demonstrate that these cars are a viable near-term transportation solution..

    What can I do?
    Tell automakers that you want to be able to purchase a Plug-in vehicle now and that you want choices in Plug-in vehicles! Visit www.pluginpartners.org to declare your support for these cars.
    What is Plug-In Bay Area?
    Plug-In Bay Area is a chapter of Plug-In Partners, a national grassroots initiative that is demonstrating to automakers, such as Ford, Toyota, General Motors and others, that a growing market is calling for the production of flexible-fuel Plug-In hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

    Plug-In Bay Area educates the public and decision-makers about the benefits of Plug-In hybrids and urges them to make concrete commitments to purchase cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

    Visit these websites to learn more:
    Plug-In Bay Area www.pluginbayarea.org
    Plug-In Partners www.pluginpartners.org
    CalCars Plug-In Hybrid Project www.calcars.org

    Take Action

    You can make a difference today!
    Urge auto makers to manufacture flexible fuel plug-in electric vehicles to increase fuel efficiency up to 100 mpg or more!

     

    Bluewater Network's mission is to champion innovative solutions and inspire individuals to protect the earth's finite and vulnerable ecosystems.
    Bluewater Network promotes critical policy changes in government and industry to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and eradicate other root causes
    of air and water pollution, global warming, and habitat destruction.
    Bluewater Network -- a division of Friends of the Earth • 311 California, Suite 510 • San Francisco, CA 94104
    phone: 415.544.0790 • fax: 415.544.0796 • email: bluewater@bluewaternetwork.org
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