CONCEPT/PRIUS

THE PLUG-IN HYBRID BY KELLEN SCHEFTER that some companies are looking to mph. This ensures that no precious fuel replenish a fully depleted battery in make a for-profit business out of it. is sapped until the computer deems about seven to nine hours. it absolutely necessary. According to t’s hard to imagine a more gripping reduce oil consumption. The stage has their jobs and most trips are less than 20 Engineering firms EnergyCS and EDrive, in a stock Prius, the batteries An additional dash-mounted readout state of affairs at the start of the been set for plug-in hybrids. miles long. With an electric-only range Clean-Tech have joined forces to form would only provide about one mile in precisely meters fuel consumption and 21st century. A cloud of smog of up to 60 miles, daily drives to work EDrive Systems, which is developing a this mode; the company’s converted displays how far the throttle pedal can hangs over our cities while the The plug-in hybrid is an evolution of the in a plug-in hybrid might not require conversion kit for the second-generation plug-in Prius extends that range to as be depressed before prompting the Ithreat of global warming looms ever “conventional” hybrid vehicle. Plug-in any gasoline at all as long as the battery . The kit removes the stock much as 35 miles. engine to start up. It’s a useful tool larger. Oil prices are rising to record hybrids function the same way, assisting is recharged each night. For longer trips, Panasonic nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) because driving style matters. Aggressive highs and while there’s no imminent the engine with battery power or electric the vehicle reverts back to conventional battery and replaces it with a Saphion To further hold off engine intervention, driving and 75 mph cruising will yield danger of running out of petroleum, no energy captured during deceleration, but hybrid operation. If plug-in hybrids are lithium-ion battery from Valence. The the computer is told the battery is 70-80 mpg, say the EDrive folks, while one knows how long supplies will last. take the idea a step further. Increased ever designed and built from the ground new battery adds 170 pounds to the full until the actual state of charge relatively mellow driving earns well over For a final dramatic touch, most of that battery capacity allows plug-ins to rely up, rather than being converted from Prius, but also makes about 9 kWh dips below 20 percent. This bit 100 mpg. Low speed city driving and oil sits beneath the powder-keg that is more on electricity and less on gasoline, existing models like we’re seeing today, instead of the original’s 1.3 kWh. That of misinformation forces Toyota’s cruising at 55 mph can reportedly push the Middle East. extending electric-only driving range and an even smaller engine could improve means there’s much more electrical Hybrid Synergy Drive to inject as fuel economy closer to 200 mpg. And delivering even better fuel economy. The fuel economy at every stage. power available to drive the car. much electric power as possible into when the battery is depleted after 50-60 A hydrogen hero is on the way, but many extra electric power is drawn from the the drive system. After the battery miles of driving, fuel economy reverts worry that we don’t have time to wait, electrical grid by plugging into power Though the Toyota Prius is not a plug- Some careful software tweaks are is about 80 percent depleted, the back to the roughly 45-50 mpg of the unsure of what happens if oil supplies outlets while a vehicle isn’t being driven. in hybrid, it serves as a good platform made to handle the extra power of the EDrive Prius carries on like a normal stock Prius. drop off and we’re caught without a for a conversion. The California Cars hardware. The EDrive system takes hybrid and maintains the charge of the safety net. A growing chorus is clamoring The virtue of the plug-in hybrid comes Initiative, a non-profit organization, first advantage of a built-in “EV mode” battery as needed. Once the EDrive EDrive Systems hopes to sell its for a near-term solution, something that to light with some statistics. A majority built one to show it could be done. The that forces the Prius to run purely on Prius is parked, it’s plugged into an conversion kit for $10,000 to $12,000 in can be implemented now to significantly of Americans live within 20 miles of conversion turned out to be so promising electric power until speeds reach 33 external 110-volt charger that can early 2006. At this cost, EDrive’s market

28 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 29 CONCEPT/PRIUS CONCEPT/PRIUS

scale unless the price is right, and the rebates on plug-in hybrid purchases for of the most experienced. Rather than an produced, the infrastructure already price won’t come down until automakers public and private use, as well as for intermediary step to hydrogen, Professor exists, and, though much of our are convinced there will be buyers. running an educational campaign to Frank believes the plug-in could be an electricity today comes from coal- generate consumer interest. Austin is end in itself. A plug-in hybrid with a 60 burning powerplants, renewable and Not content to wait around for the one of 10 cities that will begin testing mile electric range, like the ones Frank non-polluting sources such as wind manufacturers, Kramer is looking at DaimlerChrysler’s Sprinter plug-in and his students build, reportedly uses and solar power could play a larger other ways to put plug-in hybrids on hybrid next year. only 10% gasoline and 90% electricity on role. “People don’t think of plug-ins as the road. The plan is to utilize venture capital, set up a Qualified Vehicle The “Plug-In Austin” campaign Like other hybrids, the Highlander shuts down its Modifier company that could work is designed to expand to other with automakers in a fully certified communities around the country. gasoline engine during coast-down and idling to capacity, and convert existing hybrid Representatives from Austin Energy conserve fuel and reduce emissions. models without voiding original vehicle are approaching the nation’s 50 largest warranties. In Kramer’s mind, conversion cities in an effort to encourage them an annual basis. “That 10% of gasoline alternative fuel cars, but they are,” says possibilities include Ford’s Escape to replicate Austin’s program. Already, could be replaced by biofuels,” says Frank, Frank. “You could be running your car Hybrid and models using Toyota’s Seattle City Light in Washington taking an interesting direction that could on solar or wind power.” Hybrid Synergy Drive such as the Prius, state has shown interest in offering find gasoline use eliminated altogether. Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX400h, and customers incentives to buy plug-in At less than a dollar per gallon during other upcoming models. hybrid vehicles in the Puget Sound The possibilities don’t end there. “We off-peak hours, when most plug-ins region. Across the country and across have the capability, for the first time, would be recharged, plug-in hybrid The potential of the plug-in hybrid in the political spectrum, the plug-in of integrating the electric grid with drivers would be paying a lot less in reducing emissions and oil dependency hybrid is winning fans. transportation,” explains Frank. The fuel costs. As for the extra up-front Greg Hanssen behind the wheel of his EDrive plug-in hybrid. Green Car Journal got over 100 mpg in this car. has put environmentalists and electrical grid right now has enough cost, Frank points to a UC Davis study conservative think-tanks in an unusual Professor Andy Frank at the University of excess capacity to support half the that shows how automakers could is limited to those with the bucks to for recharging on Europe’s 230 volt position: They’re on the same side. Set California, Davis is an ardent proponent nation’s vehicle fleet if they were build plug-in hybrids by adding only support making such a statement, but network, a task that takes about six America Free, the Center for Security of plug-in hybrids and, having built converted to plug-in hybrids, says $7,000 to the price of a $20,000 car. it’s a start. hours for a fully depleted battery. Policy, and others have joined electric plug-in prototypes since 1972, is also one Frank. The energy is domestically So why isn’t this already happening? THE PLUG-IN HYBRID BY KELLEN SCHEFTER that some companies are looking to mph. This ensures that no precious fuelvehicle die-hardsreplenish in acalling fully depletedfor mass battery in Some in the auto industry maintain The Priusmake is not a thefor-profit only vehicle business out of it.The stockis Sprinter, sapped untilwith itsthe small, computer 4- deemsproduction about of plug-in seven tohybrids. nine hours.Support that battery technology isn’t ready yet, lending itself to plug-in conversion. cylinder dieselit absolutely engine, necessary.is already quiteAccording tofrom former Secretary of State George a claim that Frank and others dismiss. t’s hard to imagine a more gripping reduce oil consumption. The stage has their jobs and most trips are less than 20 DaimlerChryslerEngineering is working firms EnergyCSwith the and the efficientEDrive, hauler in with a stock fuel Prius,economy the batteriesShultz andAn former additional CIA directordash-mounted James readout More significantly, Frank asserts state of affairs at the start of the been set for plug-in hybrids. miles long. With an electric-only range Electric PowerClean-Tech Research have Institute joined (EPRI) forces to formas high as would30 mpg. only Converted provide to about a plug- one mileWoolsey in lendsprecisely considerable meters fuel credibility consumption to and there’s a general reluctance to invest, 21st century. A cloud of smog of up to 60 miles, daily drives to work to build 40EDrive plug-in Systems, hybrid which versions is developing in ahybrid, this DaimlerChrysler mode; the company’s says fuel convertedthe cause.displays how far the throttle pedal can with struggling giants in the industry hangs over our cities while the The plug-in hybrid is an evolution of the in a plug-in hybrid might not require of its Sprinterconversion commercial kit for thevan second-generationfor use economy plug-inimproves Prius anywhere extends from that 10 range to as be depressed before prompting the unwilling to take risks unless convinced Ithreat of global warming looms ever “conventional” hybrid vehicle. Plug-in any gasoline at all as long as the battery in demonstrationToyota Prius. fleets. The Electric kit removes boost the stockto 50 percent,much depending as 35 miles. on use. That Despite thisengine clamoring, to start the up. U.S. It’s a useful tool there’s a good chance that a sizeable larger. Oil prices are rising to record hybrids function the same way, assisting is recharged each night. For longer trips, comes fromPanasonic a 70 kW nickel-metal-hydride motor positioned (NiMH)means up to 45 mpg from a commercial governmentbecause has yet driving to respond style inmatters. a big Aggressive return will result. highs and while there’s no imminent the engine with battery power or electric the vehicle reverts back to conventional between thebattery transmission and replaces and itclutch, with a Saphiondelivery vehicleTo further – simply hold offunheard engine of intervention, in way. An amendmentdriving and to75 themph massive cruising will yield danger of running out of petroleum, no energy captured during deceleration, but hybrid operation. If plug-in hybrids are which is lithium-ionfed by a 14 batterykWh NiMH from Valence. Theits class. Sothe far, computer DaimlerChrysler is told the is thebattery isenergy bill70-80 recently mpg, approved say the by EDrive President folks, while “What I’m trying to demonstrate is one knows how long supplies will last. take the idea a step further. Increased ever designed and built from the ground battery stowednew battery beneath adds the 170cargo pounds floor. to theonly automobilefull until manufacturer the actual producing state of charge Bush allocatesrelativ aely relatively mellow tinydriving $40 earns well over that if a bunch of students can do it, For a final dramatic touch, most of that battery capacity allows plug-ins to rely up, rather than being converted from Prius, but also makes about 9 kWh its own plug-indips below hybrids. 20 percent. This bit million for100 hybrid mpg. vehicle Low speeddevelopment, city driving and the car companies should be able to do oil sits beneath the powder-keg that is more on electricity and less on gasoline, existing models like we’re seeing today, Drivers ofinstead the plug-in of the Sprinteroriginal’s hybrid 1.3 kWh. That of misinformation forces Toyota’s some of whichcruising could at go55 towardmph can plug-in reportedly push even better.” Andy Frank, the California the Middle East. extending electric-only driving range and an even smaller engine could improve can push meansa button there’s to put much the vehicle more electrical One of theHybrid most notable Synergy forces Drive behind to inject ashybrids...but fuel there’s economy no guarantee.closer to 200 mpg. And Cars Initiative, the City of Austin, and delivering even better fuel economy. The fuel economy at every stage. in electric-onlypower mode,available which to drive is good the car. the risingmuch profile electric of the power plug-in as possibleis into when the battery is depleted after 50-60 many others feel it’s up to them to take A hydrogen hero is on the way, but many extra electric power is drawn from the for a range of about 19 miles. When Felix Kramerthe driveand his system. Palo Alto-based After the batteryThis leavesmiles local of government driving, fuel to economy take reverts the lead in getting the word out and worry that we don’t have time to wait, electrical grid by plugging into power Though the Toyota Prius is not a plug- not selected,Some the careful hybrid’s software electronic tweaks are Californiais Cars about Initiative. 80 percent The depleted,group the charge. Theback City to ofthe Austin, roughly Texas, 45-50 with mpg of the generating demand. With the success unsure of what happens if oil supplies outlets while a vehicle isn’t being driven. in hybrid, it serves as a good platform controllermade alternates to handle power the between extra power the of theis mobilizingEDrive support Prius fromcarries fleets, on like a normalhelp fromstock its municipal Prius. utility Austin they’ve met, and the wide-ranging drop off and we’re caught without a for a conversion. The California Cars vehicle’s dieselhardware. engine The and EDrive electric systemmotor takesgovernment hybrid agencies, and andmaintains private buyersthe charge ofEnergy, the has become the first city to benefits that plug-ins put within reach, safety net. A growing chorus is clamoring The virtue of the plug-in hybrid comes Initiative, a non-profit organization, first to optimizeadvantage fuel economy, of a built-in or combines “EV mode”in an attemptbattery to breakas needed. the vicious Once cyclethe EDrive develop anEDrive incentive Systems plan forhopes plug-in to sell its there’s every reason to believe that at for a near-term solution, something that to light with some statistics. A majority built one to show it could be done. The the two whenthat forces power the demands Prius to are run purely onthat plaguesPrius many is parked, new technologies: it’s plugged into anhybrids. “Plug-Inconversion Austin” kit for is $10,000 looking to $12,000 in least some in the auto industry are can be implemented now to significantly of Americans live within 20 miles of conversion turned out to be so promising high. Thiselectric plug-in power variant until is designed speeds reach 33Motorists external won’t buy 110-volt plug-ins charger on a large that canto raise $50-$100early 2006. million At this to cost,provide EDrive’s market Saphion lithium-ion batteries used in this plug-in hybrid are positioned in the rear cargo area. paying very close attention.

28 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 30 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 29 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 31 CONCEPT/PRIUS

scale unless the price is right, and the rebates on plug-in hybrid purchases for of the most experienced. Rather than an produced, the infrastructure already price won’t come down until automakers public and private use, as well as for intermediary step to hydrogen, Professor exists, and, though much of our are convinced there will be buyers. running an educational campaign to Frank believes the plug-in could be an electricity today comes from coal- generate consumer interest. Austin is end in itself. A plug-in hybrid with a 60 burning powerplants, renewable and Not content to wait around for the one of 10 cities that will begin testing mile electric range, like the ones Frank non-polluting sources such as wind manufacturers, Kramer is looking at DaimlerChrysler’s Sprinter plug-in and his students build, reportedly uses and solar power could play a larger other ways to put plug-in hybrids on hybrid next year. only 10% gasoline and 90% electricity on role. “People don’t think of plug-ins as the road. The plan is to utilize venture capital, set up a Qualified Vehicle The “Plug-In Austin” campaign Like other hybrids, the Highlander shuts down its Modifier company that could work is designed to expand to other with automakers in a fully certified communities around the country. gasoline engine during coast-down and idling to capacity, and convert existing hybrid Representatives from Austin Energy conserve fuel and reduce emissions. models without voiding original vehicle are approaching the nation’s 50 largest warranties. In Kramer’s mind, conversion cities in an effort to encourage them an annual basis. “That 10% of gasoline alternative fuel cars, but they are,” says possibilities include Ford’s Escape to replicate Austin’s program. Already, could be replaced by biofuels,” says Frank, Frank. “You could be running your car Hybrid and models using Toyota’s Seattle City Light in Washington taking an interesting direction that could on solar or wind power.” Hybrid Synergy Drive such as the Prius, state has shown interest in offering find gasoline use eliminated altogether. Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX400h, and customers incentives to buy plug-in At less than a dollar per gallon during other upcoming models. hybrid vehicles in the Puget Sound The possibilities don’t end there. “We off-peak hours, when most plug-ins region. Across the country and across have the capability, for the first time, would be recharged, plug-in hybrid The potential of the plug-in hybrid in the political spectrum, the plug-in of integrating the electric grid with drivers would be paying a lot less in reducing emissions and oil dependency hybrid is winning fans. transportation,” explains Frank. The fuel costs. As for the extra up-front Greg Hanssen behind the wheel of his EDrive plug-in hybrid. Green Car Journal got over 100 mpg in this car. has put environmentalists and electrical grid right now has enough cost, Frank points to a UC Davis study conservative think-tanks in an unusual Professor Andy Frank at the University of excess capacity to support half the that shows how automakers could is limited to those with the bucks to for recharging on Europe’s 230 volt position: They’re on the same side. Set California, Davis is an ardent proponent nation’s vehicle fleet if they were build plug-in hybrids by adding only support making such a statement, but network, a task that takes about six America Free, the Center for Security of plug-in hybrids and, having built converted to plug-in hybrids, says $7,000 to the price of a $20,000 car. it’s a start. hours for a fully depleted battery. Policy, and others have joined electric plug-in prototypes since 1972, is also one Frank. The energy is domestically So why isn’t this already happening? vehicle die-hards in calling for mass Some in the auto industry maintain The Prius is not the only vehicle The stock Sprinter, with its small, 4- production of plug-in hybrids. Support that battery technology isn’t ready yet, lending itself to plug-in conversion. cylinder diesel engine, is already quite from former Secretary of State George a claim that Frank and others dismiss. DaimlerChrysler is working with the the efficient hauler with fuel economy Shultz and former CIA director James More significantly, Frank asserts Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as high as 30 mpg. Converted to a plug- Woolsey lends considerable credibility to there’s a general reluctance to invest, to build 40 plug-in hybrid versions in hybrid, DaimlerChrysler says fuel the cause. with struggling giants in the industry of its Sprinter commercial for use economy improves anywhere from 10 unwilling to take risks unless convinced in demonstration fleets. Electric boost to 50 percent, depending on use. That Despite this clamoring, the U.S. there’s a good chance that a sizeable comes from a 70 kW motor positioned means up to 45 mpg from a commercial government has yet to respond in a big return will result. between the transmission and clutch, delivery vehicle – simply unheard of in way. An amendment to the massive which is fed by a 14 kWh NiMH its class. So far, DaimlerChrysler is the energy bill recently approved by President “What I’m trying to demonstrate is battery stowed beneath the cargo floor. only automobile manufacturer producing Bush allocates a relatively tiny $40 that if a bunch of students can do it, its own plug-in hybrids. million for hybrid vehicle development, the car companies should be able to do Drivers of the plug-in Sprinter hybrid some of which could go toward plug-in even better.” Andy Frank, the California can push a button to put the vehicle One of the most notable forces behind hybrids...but there’s no guarantee. Cars Initiative, the City of Austin, and in electric-only mode, which is good the rising profile of the plug-in is many others feel it’s up to them to take for a range of about 19 miles. When and his Palo Alto-based This leaves local government to take the lead in getting the word out and not selected, the hybrid’s electronic California Cars Initiative. The group charge. The City of Austin, Texas, with generating demand. With the success controller alternates power between the is mobilizing support from fleets, help from its municipal utility Austin they’ve met, and the wide-ranging vehicle’s diesel engine and electric motor government agencies, and private buyers Energy, has become the first city to benefits that plug-ins put within reach, to optimize fuel economy, or combines in an attempt to break the vicious cycle develop an incentive plan for plug-in there’s every reason to believe that at the two when power demands are that plagues many new technologies: hybrids. “Plug-In Austin” is looking least some in the auto industry are high. This plug-in variant is designed Motorists won’t buy plug-ins on a large to raise $50-$100 million to provide Saphion lithium-ion batteries used in this plug-in hybrid are positioned in the rear cargo area. paying very close attention.

30 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 31 CONCEPT/PRIUS

scale unless the price is right, and the rebates on plug-in hybrid purchases for of the most experienced. Rather than an produced, the infrastructure already price won’t come down until automakers public and private use, as well as for intermediary step to hydrogen, Professor exists, and, though much of our are convinced there will be buyers. running an educational campaign to Frank believes the plug-in could be an electricity today comes from coal- generate consumer interest. Austin is end in itself. A plug-in hybrid with a 60 burning powerplants, renewable and Not content to wait around for the one of 10 cities that will begin testing mile electric range, like the ones Frank non-polluting sources such as wind manufacturers, Kramer is looking at DaimlerChrysler’s Sprinter plug-in and his students build, reportedly uses and solar power could play a larger other ways to put plug-in hybrids on hybrid next year. only 10% gasoline and 90% electricity on role. “People don’t think of plug-ins as the road. The plan is to utilize venture capital, set up a Qualified Vehicle The “Plug-In Austin” campaign Like other hybrids, the Highlander shuts down its Modifier company that could work is designed to expand to other with automakers in a fully certified communities around the country. gasoline engine during coast-down and idling to capacity, and convert existing hybrid Representatives from Austin Energy conserve fuel and reduce emissions. models without voiding original vehicle are approaching the nation’s 50 largest warranties. In Kramer’s mind, conversion cities in an effort to encourage them an annual basis. “That 10% of gasoline alternative fuel cars, but they are,” says possibilities include Ford’s Escape to replicate Austin’s program. Already, could be replaced by biofuels,” says Frank, Frank. “You could be running your car Hybrid and models using Toyota’s Seattle City Light in Washington taking an interesting direction that could on solar or wind power.” Hybrid Synergy Drive such as the Prius, state has shown interest in offering find gasoline use eliminated altogether. Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX400h, and customers incentives to buy plug-in At less than a dollar per gallon during other upcoming models. hybrid vehicles in the Puget Sound The possibilities don’t end there. “We off-peak hours, when most plug-ins region. Across the country and across have the capability, for the first time, would be recharged, plug-in hybrid The potential of the plug-in hybrid in the political spectrum, the plug-in of integrating the electric grid with drivers would be paying a lot less in reducing emissions and oil dependency hybrid is winning fans. transportation,” explains Frank. The fuel costs. As for the extra up-front Greg Hanssen behind the wheel of his EDrive plug-in hybrid. Green Car Journal got over 100 mpg in this car. has put environmentalists and electrical grid right now has enough cost, Frank points to a UC Davis study conservative think-tanks in an unusual Professor Andy Frank at the University of excess capacity to support half the that shows how automakers could is limited to those with the bucks to for recharging on Europe’s 230 volt position: They’re on the same side. Set California, Davis is an ardent proponent nation’s vehicle fleet if they were build plug-in hybrids by adding only support making such a statement, but network, a task that takes about six America Free, the Center for Security of plug-in hybrids and, having built converted to plug-in hybrids, says $7,000 to the price of a $20,000 car. it’s a start. hours for a fully depleted battery. Policy, and others have joined electric plug-in prototypes since 1972, is also one Frank. The energy is domestically So why isn’t this already happening? vehicle die-hards in calling for mass Some in the auto industry maintain The Prius is not the only vehicle The stock Sprinter, with its small, 4- production of plug-in hybrids. Support that battery technology isn’t ready yet, lending itself to plug-in conversion. cylinder diesel engine, is already quite from former Secretary of State George a claim that Frank and others dismiss. DaimlerChrysler is working with the the efficient hauler with fuel economy Shultz and former CIA director James More significantly, Frank asserts Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as high as 30 mpg. Converted to a plug- Woolsey lends considerable credibility to there’s a general reluctance to invest, to build 40 plug-in hybrid versions in hybrid, DaimlerChrysler says fuel the cause. with struggling giants in the industry of its Sprinter commercial van for use economy improves anywhere from 10 unwilling to take risks unless convinced in demonstration fleets. Electric boost to 50 percent, depending on use. That Despite this clamoring, the U.S. there’s a good chance that a sizeable comes from a 70 kW motor positioned means up to 45 mpg from a commercial government has yet to respond in a big return will result. between the transmission and clutch, delivery vehicle – simply unheard of in way. An amendment to the massive which is fed by a 14 kWh NiMH its class. So far, DaimlerChrysler is the energy bill recently approved by President “What I’m trying to demonstrate is battery stowed beneath the cargo floor. only automobile manufacturer producing Bush allocates a relatively tiny $40 that if a bunch of students can do it, its own plug-in hybrids. million for hybrid vehicle development, the car companies should be able to do Drivers of the plug-in Sprinter hybrid some of which could go toward plug-in even better.” Andy Frank, the California can push a button to put the vehicle One of the most notable forces behind hybrids...but there’s no guarantee. Cars Initiative, the City of Austin, and in electric-only mode, which is good the rising profile of the plug-in is many others feel it’s up to them to take for a range of about 19 miles. When Felix Kramer and his Palo Alto-based This leaves local government to take the lead in getting the word out and not selected, the hybrid’s electronic California Cars Initiative. The group charge. The City of Austin, Texas, with generating demand. With the success controller alternates power between the is mobilizing support from fleets, help from its municipal utility Austin they’ve met, and the wide-ranging vehicle’s diesel engine and electric motor government agencies, and private buyers Energy, has become the first city to benefits that plug-ins put within reach, to optimize fuel economy, or combines in an attempt to break the vicious cycle develop an incentive plan for plug-in there’s every reason to believe that at the two when power demands are that plagues many new technologies: hybrids. “Plug-In Austin” is looking least some in the auto industry are high. This plug-in variant is designed Motorists won’t buy plug-ins on a large to raise $50-$100 million to provide Saphion lithium-ion batteries used in this plug-in hybrid are positioned in the rear cargo area. paying very close attention.

30 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 Green Car Journal Fall 2005 31