Hybrid EVs: making the grid connection

Hybrid electric vehicles, featuring both a gasoline engine and a battery storage system became commercially available from two major auto manufacturers this year. While these hybrids offer better fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional cars, their battery packs are relatively small and are charged by the onboard gasoline engine-generator. In an effort to achieve efficiency and emissions levels closer to those of a true electric vehicle, EPRI is developing a grid-connected hybrid that operates the majority of the time in an all-electric mode, using its small gasoline engine only to extend driving range or to provide extra power. The development initiative-being pursued in alliance with General Electric, General Motors, Ford Motor, EPRI member utilities, and other key technology stakeholders-is at first focused on producing midsize hybrid buses and delivery vans and demonstrating their potential for cost savings to fleet vehicle operators. Expanded in the past year to put more emphasis on systems and components development, the initiative has as its ultimate goal the commercialization of grid-connected hybrid buses, vans, trucks, and automobiles.