Automakers Express Strong Support for Plug-In Hybrid Bill

Source: ResearchResearch
[May 23, 2006]

Auto industry representatives have expressed strong support for a draft bill promoting the research and development of advanced plug-in hybrid technologies, in which vehicles are powered by an electric as well as gasoline motor. Sales of hybrid vehicles have soared in the US on the back of high oil prices, and a number of auto manufacturers are bringing new hybrids to market.

The draft of Rep. Lamar Smith’s, R-TX, Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act supports the demonstration and commercialization of plug-in technologies, and was presented at a hearing of the House Science Committee’s Energy Subcommittee on May 17.

John German, manager of Environmental and Energy Analyses for Honda, said that his company “strongly supports the research program” outlined in the draft act. “Hybrids, including plug-in hybrids have a great deal of promise and their potential issues should be actively investigated for solutions, especially energy storage. The outlined research program is the best way for the federal government to accelerate the development and deployment of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.”

Unlike existing hybrids, plug-in hybrids are designed to be able to drive for extended periods solely on battery power, thus moving energy consumption from the gasoline tank to the electric grid and emissions from the tailpipe to the power plant, where, in theory, they are more easily controlled.

Witnesses told the subcommittee that technical challenges related to the size and cost of the battery, and limited demonstration of existing technologies have kept plug-in hybrids from penetrating the market-place. The witnesses unanimously agreed that Smith’s draft bill would help overcome these hurdles and advance the commercialization of plug-in hybrids.

Representative Mike Honda, D-CA, the subcommittee’s ranking member, warned that other issues would have to be addressed if plug-ins became too popular.

"We need to make sure that if we are wildly successful in getting people to drive plug-in hybrids, our electricity grid can handle the demand using base load and we don’t find ourselves replacing our current addiction to gasoline with an addiction to electricity produced from natural gas for our transportation needs," he said.