Honda: Hybrid Technology Offers Tremendous Opportunity
The U.S. House Committee on Science’s Subcommittee on Energy today examined the potential and feasibility of "plug-in" hybrid vehicles.
With consumers scrambling for ways to reduce energy costs, plug-in hybrids may offer a viable alternative. This and other emerging energy technologies are aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources, lowering consumer costs and fostering better environmental stewardship.
"I’m a Prius driver myself, so you can count me among those converted to hybrid technology. I think plug-in hybrids offer a tremendous opportunity to expand the range hybrids can drive using their electric motors, which could dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions and increase the distance traveled before any gasoline is needed," said Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA).
Hybrid vehicles are already quite visible on U.S. roadways. They combine batteries and an electric motor, along with a gasoline engine, to improve vehicle performance in city driving conditions and reduce gasoline consumption.
Plug-in hybrids are designed to remain drivable for some period of time solely on battery power, moving energy consumption from the gas tank to electrical lines and reducing emissions. They are designed to have a much bigger battery capacity than hybrid vehicles on the road today, significantly reducing gasoline consumption.
"Small steps can make a big difference," added Rep. Honda. "A 10 percent reduction in energy use from cars and light trucks would result in the savings of nearly 750,000 barrels of petroleum per day. Today’s electric hybrids are a step in the right direction to reducing our dependence on petroleum, with the Prius traveling about 50 miles per gallon of gasoline."
Technical barriers still exist before plug-in hybrid vehicles become mainstream. Limited quantities, high costs, and technological obstacles remain an issue.
"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," added Rep. Honda.
The Subcommittee is currently drafting legislation on this topic.
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