Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) operate on power from either an electric battery or a gasoline engine; much like other hybrids. However, you can charge a PHEV using a standard electric outlet and subsequently drive 30 to 50 miles before using any gas. Short distance commuters can eliminate use of the gas engine altogether but still have a backup power source when needed.

Expect to see PHEVs on the road soon given the fuel efficiency, which is in the range of 100-150 miles per gallon. Daimler Chrysler is conducting extensive research and Toyota already announced it was working on a commercial PHEV. Besides the benefits PHEVs provide – outstanding fuel efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions – hybrid vehicles generally cost less to maintain then gas powered cars.

For additional information, consider the following PHEV websites:

• PHEV News – Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle News
  California Cars Initiative (CalCars.org) is a Palo Alto-based nonprofit startup of entrepreneurs, engineers, environmentalists and consumers promoting 100+MPG plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). They focus on public policy, technology development and education to increase buyer demand and help commercialize PHEVs. They are passionate about encouraging auto makers to produce 100+MPG “no-sacrifices” high-performance, clean hybrid cars. You can find PHEV news, articles, newsletter and related info for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Here are a few sample links from the site:
  What are plug-in hybrids? | Plug-in hybrids are cleaner
  Plug-in hybrids are cheaper | Plug-in hybrids are domestic
  Plug-in hybrids already exist

• One page intro to PHEV or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
  Answers the question, what is a PHEV?
• In-depth description of PHEV or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  Significantly more plug-in hybrid electric vehicle info. This PHEV website is comprehensive and you will find plenty of useful information pertaining to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Additional Sites for PHEVs:

• Aptera Motors of Carlsbad, CA is building an ultra-high efficiency vehicle with a heavy focus on improved aerodynamics and composite materials – first prototype achieved over 230 mpg during testing. Aptera is reportedly developing an all-electric as well as plug-in hybrid vehicles.
• PHEV on Wikipedia
• Plug-in Partners
• UC Davis, Andrew Frank, PhD