Menasha Utilities Member of Plug-In Partners

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) would combine today's new gas-electric hybrid technology with larger batteries that could provide an all-electric operating range of 25 to 35 miles or more. The result is an 80+ mile-per-gallon vehicle - with even greater fuel economy possible utilizing bio-fuels.

Since 78% of Americans live within 20 miles of their jobs, drivers of plug-in cars would only need to fill up with gasoline a few times a year, versus the current 24 - 36 times a year on average. Instead of paying the $2.33 per gallon for gasoline, and "electric" gallon of energy would cost less than $1.00.

Along with reducing fuel costs for consumers and businesses, plug-in hybrids would decrease dependence on foreign oil and significantly reduce automobile emissions. Air pollution is easier to manage at a central point such as a power plant, rather than from millions of vehicle tail pipes. Also, because charging occurs at night when consumption is lowest, no additional power plants need to be built. And when electricity is produced by renewable energy such as hydropower or wind, you use pollution-free energy to deliver pollution-free transportation.

There are currently no commercially produced PHEVs. However, many prototypes have proven their practicality. The Electric Power Research Institute and DaimlerChrysler have built a Dodge Sprinter PHEV delivery van and plan to test 30 of the vehicles in cities across America by the end of 2006.

The nationwide Plug-In Partner campaign officially began with a kick-off in Washington, DC on January 24, 2006. For more information, visit Plug-In Partners.