Report Shows Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released a comprehensive assessment that found that widespread use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the United States could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and potentially improve ambient air quality. The research measures the impact of increasing numbers of PHEVs between 2010 and 2050, including the nationwide environmental impact of potentially large fleets that would use electricity from the grid as their primary fuel source. Among study’s key findings: – Widespread adoption of PHEVs can reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by more than 450 million metric tons annually in 2050 — the equivalent to removing 82.5 million passenger cars from the road – There is an abundant supply of electricity for transportation; a 60 percent U.S. market share for PHEVs would use 7 percent to 8 percent of grid-supplied electricity in 2050 – PHEVs can improve nationwide air quality and reduce petroleum consumption by 3 million to 4 million barrels per day in 2050 This analysis is the first to combine detailed models of the U.S. electric system and transportation sector with sophisticated atmospheric air quality models – accounting for the future evolution of both […]

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