Plug-In Vehicles Discussed on Capitol Hill

Washington DC May 18, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that a group of scientists were on Capitol Hill yesterday urging congress to fund research for plug-in hybrid vehicles, reported The Associated Press.

Advocates of the alternative vehicles told the House Science subcommittee on energy that plug-in hybrids would reduce gasoline consumption by merely recharging your vehicle at home. "To think that you could pull into your garage at the end of the day and 'fill 'er up' just by plugging your car into a regular, 110-volt socket in the garage is very appealing," said Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), chairwoman of the subcommittee.

President Bush has called for more research to develop smaller, longer-lasting batteries for plug-in hybrids, saying that the technology could help motorists drive 40 miles on the battery without having to use any gasoline, according to AP.

Automakers acknowledge that the technology offers promise, but notes that it is too early in the development of advanced batteries and hydrogen vehicles to be sure of their viability. Hybrids currently account for about 1 percent of the U.S. auto market.