pluginaustin

Smith hosts Briefing

Smith Shows Support for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
December 8, 2005
Washington, D.C.

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX-21) hosted a congressional briefing on plug-in hybrid vehicles today with members of the House Science Subcommittee on Energy.

The group heard from Roger Duncan, Deputy General Manager of Austin Energy. His initiative seeks to demonstrate to automakers that a market exists for plug-in hybrids. “If this initiative is copied by other cities, people will save money on fuel, conserve energy and reduce harmful emissions,” explained Congressman Smith.

Conventional hybrids batteries are recharged by capturing the energy released during braking or through a generator attached to the combustion engine. Plug-in hybrids offer the additional option of recharging batteries by plugging the vehicle into an appropriate outlet. Recharged plug-in hybrids can be driven 20-60 miles without internal combustion engine power (all-electric, zero-emission).

This means less pollution and cleaner air.

“The plug-in hybrid vehicle has the potential to reduce oil dependence on foreign oil imports,” said Smith. “Forty percent of the oil consumed in the U.S. is used to fuel cars and trucks, at a cost to consumers in 2004 of $250 billion. U.S. dependence on foreign oil is projected to rise to more than 60 percent by 2020,” Smith pointed out.

Under the direction of the Austin City Council, the City of Austin and Austin Energy are leading a national campaign to demonstrate to automakers that a market exists today for plug-in hybrids. They are trying to enlist other cities to do the same.

The so-called “50-City Plan” seeks support from utilities to develop $50-$100 million in incentives from utilities for plug-in hybrid procurement and fleet purchase commitments by government, private businesses and consumers.

Smith commented, “Austin is setting an example for the rest of America with this unique initiative.”

posted by AE @ 1:54 PM