- What is a plug-in hybrid?
- How is a PHEV different from a conventional hybrid?
- When will I be able to buy one?
- Why is CenterPoint Energy promoting this technology? Will CNP be selling PHEVs?
- Aren't we just trading pollution from cars for pollution from power generators?
- Won't I spend just as much on electricity as I did on gas?
- How long does it take to charge the battery?
- Will I be stranded when a PHEV exhausts its batteries?
- Where can I get more information about PHEVs?
What is a plug-in hybrid?
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a hybrid vehicle with batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an electrical power source. With an internal combustion engine (ICE) and batteries for power, PHEVs share the characteristics of conventional hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles.
How is a PHEV different from a conventional hybrid?
A PHEV has a larger battery capacity and is able to plug into a standard outlet to charge the batteries. This will enable the PHEV to drive like a fully electric vehicle for up to 40 miles before the gas engine kicks in. Conventional hybrids have a smaller battery that is charged, in part, by the gasoline-powered engine. As a result, they create more emissions than a plug-in vehicle.
When will I be able to buy one?
Several major automakers, including Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford and Saturn, have committed to making PHEVs available for the 2011 model year.
Why is CenterPoint Energy promoting this technology? Will CNP be selling PHEVs?
CenterPoint Energy will not be selling PHEVs. However, as an electric delivery company, it is our responsibility to ensure that our infrastructure will support the extra demand potentially created by PHEVs. Click here for more information on our involvement in General Motors’ PHEV research partnership.
Aren’t we just trading pollution from cars for pollution power generators?
No. In almost every scenario, PHEVs reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants. The emissions would be concentrated in one location. It’s far easier to control emissions emitted by a small number of power plants rather than millions of vehicles. Additionally, many of today’s power plants have been modified to lower emissions while a number of older, less efficient plants have been retired.
Moreover, according to a joint study by the Electric Power Research Institute and the Natural Resources Defense Council, PHEVs will get cleaner over time because of upgrades to the electricity grid.
Won’t I spend just as much on electricity as I did on gas?
No. CenterPoint Energy has determined (by information to date) that operating a PHEV Prius is equivalent to
paying 99 cents per gallon of gas.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
Using a standard 120v outlet, a full charge for our Escape takes a little less than 7 hours. Our Prius recharges in 5 hours. If a 240v outlet (similar to one used by an electric dryer) is used, the batteries on either car can be recharged in approximately one hour.
Will I be stranded when a PHEV exhausts it batteries?
No. If the battery on a PHEV is fully discharged, the car switches to the use of its gasoline-powered engine.
Where can I get more information about PHEVs?
Use the following links to get additional information about PHEVs
