Plug-In Electric Vehicle Program

Hybrid Electric Vehicle/Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project

SDG&E’s Clean Transportation Program is part of SDG&E's commitment to developing energy solutions for the region. In response to increasing interest by our customers, this program is offering information on and evaluating electric transportation alternatives for the future.

SDG&E Hybrid Electric Vehicle

SDG&E Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Fact Sheet (pdf)

The CTP is conducting a performance comparison study to examine the efficiency of standard hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) vs. converted plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both gas and electricity to power the vehicle

Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles  – use gas and electricity to power the vehicle and also  allow you to plug your vehicle into a standard 110v wall outlet at night to recharge your battery!

As a plug-in hybrid, your vehicle will be in electric mode much more often than a regular hybrid.  Independent studies demonstrate that you will get fewer trips to the gas station, lower operating costs and less CO2 emission into the environment!

Currently PHEVs are available only through conversions performed by “after market” manufacturers, and it is anticipated that they will be available to the public by 2010.

The CTP Demonstration Project is studying:

  • Gas mileage comparison for HEVs vs. PHEVs
  • Electricity usage and operating costs needed to run PHEVs
  • Drivers’ experiences and feedback comparing HEVs to PHEVs
  • Safety and maintenance issues for PHEVs

Did You Know?

  • You may get more than twice the miles per gallon (100+ mpg) from a PHEV than today’s best HEV (45+ mpg).
  • In California, the electricity used to power a PHEV will generate significantly less CO2 than an average gasoline powered vehicle.
  • The amount of petroleum imported by the United States could be reduced by over 52% if all passenger vehicles driven in the U.S. were PHEVs.
  • The electric and gasoline distribution infrastructure already exists to accommodate the new technologies.
  • PHEVs can provide a solution to California’s air pollution, greenhouse gas and petroleum dependence goals.