Full Title: Comparing the Benefits and Impacts of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Options
Author(s): R. Graham (Project Manager)
Publisher(s): EPRI
Publication Date: July 1, 2001
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
This reports summarizes results from the first-ever public domain multi-variant study comparing benefits and impacts of conventional vehicles and HEVs (gasoline-only and dual-fuel). It provides evidence that grid-connected hybrid electric vehicles are technologically feasible and can offer significant benefits.
This report indicates that HEVs, including grid-connected (plug-in) models, can probably be designed for a wide variety of vehicle platforms meeting performance characteristics customers are familiar with. Plug-in hybrids provide significantly improved fuel economy over conventional vehicles, reductions in greenhouse and smog precursor emissions, and petroleum use. However, HEVs, especially plug-in HEVs with an all-electric capability, cost more than conventional vehicles. HEVs are expensive due to complex motors and chargers and the energy storage required. Battery life and costs are challenges that need to be addressed. Potential battery replacements can significantly increase the vehicle’s life-cycle cost.