New Technology Turns Hybrids to Plug-in Hybrids

There are already numerous hybrid cars and trucks available in the auto market. These vehicles use an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The presence of the electric motor translates to fuel economy as the engine will be relieved of its duty on low-power operation when the electric motor takes over. The electric motor in a hybrid vehicle is powered by a battery pack which is recharged by a regenerative braking system and the internal combustion engine.

Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles are hybrid vehicles which have a battery pack which can be charged via an ordinary household socket. A new technology developed by the Central Vermont Public Service can convert hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The new technology is called as the CVPS plug ‘n go™ system.

“CVPS plug ‘n go™ gives our customers the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of reducing automobile emissions and extending vehicle mileage, and the next generation of highly efficient cars and trucks,” says CVPS President Bob Young. “Just as CVPS Cow Power™ is creating a new market for energy produced by dairy farmers, CVPS plug ‘n go will demonstrate that plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are commercially viable and provide tremendous benefits to car owners and society at large,” he added further.

The CVPS has found a partner in the promotion of the said system in Green Mountain College, a leader in environmental studies. According to the partnership, GMC officials will drive one of the two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles purchased by CVPS. The college will then lead the collection of data concerning the performance and cost of the vehicles. The college will also analyze the data gathered.

“By converting hybrid vehicles to PHEVs, one can significantly reduce auto emissions by using cleaner, more efficient grid energy, and vastly extend fuel efficiency,” says Dr. Steven Letendre, a professor and energy economist for Green Mountain College. Letendre is one of the country’s leading experts on plug-in hybrids and other vehicles which are intended to be connected to the power grid.

“This is the next generation of vehicles, and CVPS plug ‘n go™ gives Vermonters an opportunity to be among the first to enjoy their benefits. It is important to demonstrate now the potential that new vehicle technology can play to tackle the global warming issue. This initiative, and CVPS' Cow Power™ program, demonstrates a strong commitment by CVPS to provide national leadership on this important issue,” says Letendre.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are already being developed for production by major car manufacturers. One example is General Motors’ Chevy Volt which is expected to be produced by the turn of the decade. Conversion kits are already being offered to hybrid car owners to give their hybrid vehicles plug-in capabilities. These vehicles are known to be more fuel efficient than conventional fuel-efficient engines equipped with knock sensors.

Dan Mackey, CVPS’ garage fleet supervisor, is looking to promote PHEVs since these are more beneficial to the consumer and to the environment. He also pointed out that: “We also want to gain experience with the vehicles ourselves to see how they can benefit the electrical system by using idle capacity in the electric system at night, using low-cost service, and potentially even providing back-up power to consumers or even backup to the grid.”