Aug 5, 2008

Giving Plug-in Vehicles a Jump Start

Around the year 1900, electric vehicles were all the rage, especially in the urban areas of the world. Now, a hundred years later, we might see a significant revival of the electric vehicle, but with a twist. These new electrics will also use some other powerplant to recharge their batteries and keep them going when otherwise they might run out of juice. These revolutionary vehicles are expected to gain popularity because they can simultaneously reduce Americans’ dependence on petroleum and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The added benefit: They might dramatically lower the cost per mile to the driver.

General Motors has just announced that it will collaborate with the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), which consists of 30 of the top electric utilities in the U.S. and Canada, to accelerate the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles. GM will work with the companies on everything from codes and standards to grid capability. This will ensure that when plug-ins like the Chevrolet Volt hit the market, they will be ready to realize their full potential.

Among the issues the coalition will address are the following: ensuring safe and convenient vehicle charging, raising public awareness and understanding of plug-in electric vehicles and working with public policy leaders to enable a transition from petroleum to electricity as a fuel source. The overall goal is to create affordable, desirable vehicles that will take advantage of the existing electrical grid and provide accessible, reliable, low-cost transportation.