Working to Build a Market for PHEVs
In a commitment to help our community reduce its environmentally harmful exhaust emissions, Stoughton Utilities became a member of the nationwide Plug-In Partners campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to demonstrate to automakers that a market exists for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs combine today’s gas-electric hybrid technology with larger batteries that could provide an all-electric operating range of 25 to 35 miles or more before switching over to gasoline mode. The result is an 80+ mile-per-gallon vehicle. There currently are no commercially produced PHEVs on the market; however, PHEV prototypes and after-market modifications to existing hybrid vehicles already have proven their practicality.

PHEVs provide economic benefits.
The cost of oil has risen dramatically in recent years, directly affecting the price of gasoline for motorists. PHEVs offer relief from the pain at the pump because their batteries can be recharged by plugging into a standard wall socket, delivering “electric” gallons of gas for about 75 cents a gallon. Such a vehicle could reduce gasoline consumption for the average American by 50% – 70%.

PHEVs would help improve national security.
Because PHEVs can run primarily on domestically-produced electric energy, this technology would significantly decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

PHEVS can help protect the environment.
Charging PHEVs with electric power would reduce emissions because air pollution is easier to manage a central point such as a power plant rather than from millions of vehicle tail pipes. No additional power plants would be needed to support the use of PHEVs, however, because charging occurs at night when consumption is lowest. And, when electricity is produced by renewable energy such as hydropower or wind, PHEV users would be using pollution-free energy to deliver pollution-free transportation.

Are Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) available today?
There are prototypes in operation today, but there are no commercially available PHEVs on the market. There are also many conventional hybrids, from sedans to SUVs, that have been converted to plug-ins. Some are getting up to 60 all-electric miles per charge.

How much gasoline would a PHEV use?
According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), half the cars on U.S. roads are driven 25 miles a day or less. Consequently, a plug-in with a 25-mile all electric range could eliminate gasoline use in the daily commute of tens of millions of Americans. Furthermore drivers of PHEVs would only need to fill up with fuel a few times a year, versus the current 24-36 times a year on average.

Will PHEVs be slow?
No. A Toyota Prius, modified with a larger plug-in battery, has essentially the same accelerating power and speed capability of a current hybrid.

How much more will a PHEV cost than a conventional hybrid?
EPRI estimates that, with mass production, the cost of a PHEV battery will add $2,000 to $3,000 to the cost of a conventional hybrid. Battery costs are likely to fall with increased production.

Individuals
Community members wishing to voice support for the development of Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) can sign an online petition at the Plug-In Partners web site.

Businesses and Nonprofits
Businesses and organizations such as civic, neighborhood, environmental and other nonprofits are critical to the education of their communities regarding PHEVs. Resources in the Plug-In Partners Packet can be a springboard for your involvement.

For more information on the Plug-In Partners national campaign, please visit www.pluginpartners.org or contact us.