Researchers at IMR and the University of California, Irvine
have launched an ambitious project to study plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
(PHEV). The research includes studying behavioral responses to PHEVs and the
option to plug the vehicles into the utility grid to recharge batteries,
technical energy use, environmental and economic assessments, air quality
modeling and testing and certification. The project, with support from Toyota
Motor Sales, U.S.A. and the California Air Resources Board will also evaluate
general consumer perceptions of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the
PHEV as compared to other advanced vehicle technologies, such as
gasoline-electric hybrids, fuel cell vehicles, and battery electric vehicles.
California Clean Mobility Partnership