Plug‐In Electric Vehicles

The document explains the different types of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), including battery electric vehicles and various plug-in hybrids. It argues that PEVs can enhance U.S. energy security by displacing petroleum, which currently accounts for 96 percent of U.S. transportation energy. The text highlights that PEVs are more efficient than internal combustion engines, offering lower operating costs and a carbon footprint equivalent to a 50 mpg gasoline car. The primary barrier to market expansion is battery technology, though manufacturers like Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen are working toward production by 2010.

• Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) can significantly reduce U.S. reliance on imported oil, which currently provides nearly 70 percent of the oil used for transportation in a sector where 96 percent of energy comes from oil.
• Electrifying the transportation sector would lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs even with the current U.S. grid energy mix; a mid-size electric sedan would have a carbon footprint similar to a gasoline car achieving 50 miles per gallon.
• Operating a vehicle with electricity is more cost-effective than gasoline, with costs equivalent to less than two dollars per gallon based on a residential rate of $0.18/kwh, and potentially under one dollar per gallon in some states.
• The main obstacle to the widespread adoption of electric drive vehicles is battery technology, specifically the need for batteries that provide sufficient power, capacity, and durability.
• Major automotive manufacturers including Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan, and Chevrolet (with the Volt) are developing batteries and testing vehicles with the goal of having production models in showrooms by 2010.

APA

Mueller, J., & Mauer, J. (2008). Plug‐In Electric Vehicles. Environmental and Energy Study Institute. https://www.eesi.org/files/plugin_factsheet_073008.pdf

Chicago

Mueller, Jan, and Joanna Mauer. Plug‐In Electric Vehicles. Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 2008. https://www.eesi.org/files/plugin_factsheet_073008.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Mueller |first1=Jan |last2=Mauer |first2=Joanna |title=Plug‐In Electric Vehicles |publisher=Environmental and Energy Study Institute |date=30 July 2008 |url=https://www.eesi.org/files/plugin_factsheet_073008.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{mueller2008plugin, author = {Mueller, Jan and Mauer, Joanna}, title = {{Plug‐In Electric Vehicles}}, institution = {Environmental and Energy Study Institute}, year = {2008}, month = jul, url = {https://www.eesi.org/files/plugin_factsheet_073008.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }