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NC Public Power Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle on Display at NC State Fair


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RALEIGH, N.C., October 21, 2008: The new NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be on display at the NC State Fair from October 20-24. The vehicle is included as part of the SMARTT Challenge mobile classroom exhibit.

The NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle debuted in mid-September. Prior to the State Fair appearance, the vehicle was displayed in Clayton, Rocky Mount, Gastonia and Albemarle. After the State Fair appearance, the vehicle will resume its busy schedule of appearances in NC Public Power communities. The visits are intended to educate NC Public Power customers about the advantages of plug-in hybrid electric technology. The vehicle's next appearances after the fair include Morganton, Newton, Lumberton, Tarboro, Wake Forest and a special showing at the Raleigh Christmas Parade.

"We're excited to provide the opportunity to showcase plug-in electric hybrid technology to NC Public Power communities," said Jesse Tilton, CEO of ElectriCities, the organization responsible for the vehicle. "Throughout 2008 and into 2009, the vehicle will be on display across North Carolina, participating in energy education fairs and hometown parades, all with the goal of educating our customers about how this technology can help reduce dependency on foreign oil and help us be kinder to the environment."

The NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a standard 2008 hybrid Prius, with the original battery replaced with a much larger battery. In fact, the NC Public Power plug-in vehicle's battery is significantly more powerful than batteries typically placed in plug-in vehicles.

The standard Prius and the NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle are both powered by a 76 HP internal combustion engine with an additional 27 HP of assist provided by the electric motor during all electric driving modes. Top speed is the same with either car, but the NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can achieve up to 100 mpg, depending on type of driving, roughly double the normal mileage of a standard Prius.

The NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can operate in all-electric mode up to 34 mph with full battery pack. Above 35 mph, it operates in "blended" mode with the electric motor and internal combustion engine operating together. The charger uses a typical three-prong, 120V, 15A household outlet. A full charge can be completed overnight, approximately six hours, during off-peak hours. Estimated operational cost per mile on electricity for the NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is 2.4 cents, assuming $0.12/kWH. Operational cost per mile on gasoline for a standard Prius is 8 cents, assuming a gasoline cost of $4/gallon and fuel mileage of 50 miles per gallon.

For more information about the NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, visit NCPP.