http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9903014-54.html
Quote:
March 26, 2008 4:00 AM PDT
The payoff for plug-in hybrids: 95 years?
Posted by Michael Kanellos
Plug-in hybrids get far better mileage than standard cars or regular hybrids--and emit far less pollution.
But they are also tough to justify economically at the moment with existing technology, according to the first several months of data from RechargeIT.org, which is studying how well plug-in hybrids work in real-world circumstances.
Plug-ins, in fact, only cut gas consumption by about 88 gallons a year over regular Priuses in urban driving. That comes to an annual savings of $158 to $250 (when you factor in the cost of electricity too). With the conversion running around $15,000, the payoff would take decades.
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This shows the conundrum of tweaking an already fuel efficient vehicle. In absolute terms, it doesn't save a lot. But as an architecture, a map for inefficient vehicles, it makes a lot of sense.
My personal belief is a plug-in makes more sense if we just "tickle charge" the existing batteries. What I'm suggesting is the Prius control laws and bringing the battery to a maximum charge, slowly, safely, would make sense. It won't give a terrific improvement but it wouldn't cost much either. But over time, the savings would add up and it would become cost effective quickly.
Bob Wilson