GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars - View Single Post - Benefits of plug-in vehicles weighed

bwilson4web · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 05:56 AM

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...014/BUSINESS01

Quote:

Questions arise on fuel economy, global warming
BY JUSTIN HYDE • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • March 9, 2008

There's no doubt among automakers that plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt will burn less gas. But there are many questions about how much money such vehicles could save consumers, and how much they can reduce global warming gases -- if at all.

The key for their future in the United States may hinge on where the electricity comes from and whether automakers give those vehicles enough electric-only range -- roughly 40 miles -- to cover a typical commute.

The calling card of the plug-in hybrid movement -- started in California by academic researchers -- has been massive gains in fuel economy. Several demonstration vehicles have shown fuel economy of 150 miles per gallon of gasoline or more.

But those figures can be misleading because mileage suffers from a law of diminishing returns as it increases. For a typical vehicle driven 15,000 miles a year, improving fuel economy from 25 m.p.g. to 45 m.p.g. saves 267 gallons of fuel a year; going from 45 m.p.g. to 100 m.p.g. saves only 183 gallons.

At $3 a gallon for gasoline, many hybrids can recover their roughly $3,000 premium over regular vehicles for their owners. No automakers have made plug-ins yet, but conversion companies today charge $10,000 to $12,000 -- a much higher hurdle.
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I find it curious that the same arguments were so seldom applied against the 'fool cell' vehicles. Of course you must first have one to be able to make the argument. But where there are electric vehicles, there appears to be a fundamental presumption against them being practical . . . all but dismissive. Yet here is a Washington DC resident reporter making this claim.

You know sometimes even paranoids have enemies. <grins>

Bob Wilson