In Quest for Cleaner Energy, Texas City Touts Plug-In Car

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Published at: online.wsj.com

Walter van SchalkwijkPrincipalEnergyPlex Corporation

Plug-In Hybrids ... another tailpipe dream

April 4, 2007

Battery cost and the need for at least some infrastructure will limit the market penetration of plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrids - a misguided quest

March 28, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

As a near term solution to global climate change concerns or dependence on fossil fuels, the plug-in hybrid ranks dead last among the many alternative engine technologie that are being developed by Automakers.

The rush to promote plug-ins as a feel-good "green" technology is a well intentioned, but horribly misguided because the use of Plug-in electric hybrids will add to rather than reduce greenhouse gas.  

   

Hybrids Reduce Local Pollution But Do Not Reduce CO2 Emissions

March 28, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Hybrid vehicles are frequently touted as an alternative to renewable fuels--but make a poor substitute for true renewable liquids technology.

The elecricity used by plug-in hybrids results in more CO2 emissions than standard petroleum powered vehicles.

Diesel powered vehicles offer a more practical alternative to plug-in hybrid vehicles. 

Batteries in Plug-In Cars Can Support Grid and Help Environment

March 27, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Austin Energy is taking a leading role in promoting plug-in hybrid vehicle technology.  Top utility managers at Austin Energy understands the value of having distributed storage connected to the grid to provide any number of grid support services.  These services include emergency back up power to avoid a black out and the ability to store wind energy during the evening hours when the resource is most prevalent. 

Modern communication and control technologies can enable grid-connected cars to both charge from the electric grid and provide reverse flow of power back onto the grid when called upon by grid operators.  This concept has become widely known as vehicle to grid (V2G).  V2G can enhance the reliability of the nation's electric grid and allow greater penetration of intermittent resources, like wind and solar, onto the electric grid helping to improve the environment.