Transitions to Alternative Transportation Technologies—Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (2010)
Chapter: Appendix D: Statement of Task
Appendix D
Statement of Task
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are a transportation alternative that was not considered by the Committee on Resource Needs for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies in its recently issued report Transitions to Alternative Transportation Technologies—A Focus on Hydrogen. It is difficult to predict how rapidly PHEVs could penetrate the market because costs, consumer acceptance, and other factors associated with the technology are still very uncertain. Under this contract modification, the committee shall extend its analysis to include the potential impact of PHEVs on petroleum use and CO2 emissions. The committee shall assess the status of PHEV technology, develop a best-case plausible scenario for how PHEVs may enter the light-duty vehicle market, and use the models developed in its study to estimate the potential reduction of petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions that might result. Specifically, the committee shall:
(1) Review the current and projected technology status of PHEVs;
(2) Consider the factors that will affect how rapidly PHEVs could enter the marketplace (including the interface with the electric T&D system);
(3) Determine a maximum practicable penetration rate for PHEVs, consistent with the time frame and factors considered in the previous report;
(4) Based on tasks 1, 2, and 3, modify its model appropriately to incorporate PHEVs and develop and estimate impacts on petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions;
(5) Write a report documenting its study and assessment.
