Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Introducing Electricity as Fuel is Challenging but Beneficial
Nov 13, 2008
The Spring 2008 issue of the Journal of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) includes a cover story about their recent research conducted to encourage the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). There are challenges to developing widespread use of PHEVs, including the specification of a convenient grid interface and a two-way communication system to enhance savings. It will also be necessary to develop a mass market for PHEVs in order to lower battery costs. To overcome these challenges the utility companies will be required to get involved.
Decreases Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The first question that comes to mind is: by charging car batteries with electricity, are we just trading one source of pollution (gasoline) for another (power plants)? EPRI conducted the most comprehensive assessment of electric transportation to date. They modeled the likely environmental impacts of bringing a large number of PHEVs online over the next 50 years. They projected low, medium, and high usage and found that in all cases greenhouse gases were reduced significantly. Greenhouse gases would be reduced by 3.4 to 10.3 billion metric tons.
EPRI studies also revealed that if there were more PHEVs on the road instead of all gas-powered vehicles there would be a “modest but significant" improvement in air quality as well as a reduction of deposition of particulate pollutants. Ozone levels would decrease substantially for most regions of the county.
“Even in the worst-case scenario, assuming only limited introduction of new power plant technology, we see an overall reduction in emissions related to both air quality and global warming, ” said Mark Duvall, manager of technology development for EPRI’s Electric Transportation program.
Lower Cost Alternative to Gasoline
Next, ERPI studied the economic benefits of plug-in hybrids. The cost per mile of electricity would be only one-fourth to one-third the cost of running a vehicle on gasoline alone. This would boost regional economic activity and job growth.
The ERPI study modeled the economic impacts of this green technology on six major urban areas in the U.S. The projected worst to best case scenarios all showed increases in household incomes due to the transition to PHEVs. Cities that promoted the use of PHEVs could see significant regional economic payback.
Additional savings would result from utilities working with cities and vehicle owners to serve and encourage recharging during off-peak utility consumption hours. The leveling of their load would allow utilities to operate more efficiently. Making the transition, however, might require rate incentives and controls.
Reduces Dependence on Imported Petroleum
The auto industry has long recognized the advantages and potential of electric cars and attempts have been made to introduce them in the past. Earlier, battery technology lagged behind. Today, however, batteries are smaller and lighter.
Toyota is currently gaining experience by using a modified version of their Prius vehicle. The Chevrolet Volt concept car was introduced in 2007. The Volt can be fully charged in 6 hours and deliver 40 miles of city driving on its lithium ion battery. After 40 miles, a three-cylinder engine recharges the battery to run the car’s electric motor. GM plans to market the Volt in 2010 as well as a Saturn PHEV model.
ERPI plans to encourage the use of PHEVs by placing early production prototypes into utility company fleets. Some of the utility companies may also encourage their large customers to use fleets of PHEVs. This coordination can provide the data and synergy necessary to launch plug-in hybrid vehicles to the mass market.
