The Plugin Hybrid

As a technology nerd, I am excited about the prospect of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). General Motors recently sponsored a Society of Automotive Engineers task force to develop a standardized power connector for recharging electric vehicles.  Several major auto makers have agreed to adopt the technology.

Beyond standardization within the industry, environmentalists and techno-nerds alike have reason to be excited about a bright future for cleaner transportation.  First, one can expect that PHEV's won't single-handedly overload the power grid: the Energy Information Administration's 2009 annual energy outlook predicts "Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles are not expected to reverse the trend of slowing growth in electricity demand, which increases by only 0.1 percent for every 1 million PHEV-40 vehicles in operation." Second, batteries from PHEVs will minimally impact the environment.

However, one long-term issue could diminish the environmental benefits of PHEVs. These vehicles shift most emissions from gasoline to electric power plants.  The US needs to make its electricity sources look more like this, instead of this.  Coal provides the U.S. with half of its power, and no, clean coal is not a viable solution. Strip mining and the disposal of coal ash wreak havoc upon the environment.  Society must not trade its problems, but one can hope that the mass adoption of PHEVs encourages a cleaner power generation.