Plug-In Hybrids Said to Offer Economical Carbon Cuts

California can make deep cuts in carbon dioxide emissions and reduce fuel costs by requiring greater use of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to an economic analysis presented to the state Air Resources Board February 13. “There’s no upper limit to the penetration of hybrids,” said Zack Subin, the report author, noting they perform the same as traditional vehicles. By 2020, hybrid vehicles could cut carbon dioxide emissions in the state by 85.5 million metric tons, according to the analysis by Subin, performed under the auspices of the University of California at Berkeley Energy and Resources Group. The study comes on the heels of a report by the Air Board’s Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Committee that supports expanding plug-in hybrids. The group concluded that not only would these alternative cars cut tailpipe greenhouse gases, but also help boost integration of renewable energy into the grid by serving as a storage medium for intermittent green power. Greenhouse gas emissions today total about 480 million metric tons a year in California, with 41 percent coming from cars, trucks, and other transportation vehicles. Plug-in hybrids capable of traveling 20 miles on a charge before using their gasoline engines could cut another 22.9 million metric tons a year of carbon dioxide. Plug-ins capable of traveling 40 miles on a charge before drawing on their gasoline engines would cut emissions by 25 million metric tons a year. All of the options would save drivers money, even with the higher initial price of the cars. Plug-in hybrids are expected to become economical by 2020, according to Subin. Even when charged with power made at natural gas fired power plants, plug-in hybrid vehicles would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent compared to a similar gasoline powered vehicle. Editor’s note: For a more detailed report on the hybrid vehicle developments please see our sister publication E=MC2- Energy Meets Climate Challenge. You can find it at energymeetsclimate.com

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Plug-In Hybrids Said to Offer Economical Carbon Cuts

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