While hydrogen-powered vehicles and the broad use of biofuels may be in the more distant future, many options are newly—or nearly—available for drivers who wish to reduce or eliminate emissions and liberate themselves from rising gasoline prices.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles rely primarily on stored electricity, which can be acquired by plugging the car into a traditional outlet. Hybrid electric vehicles typically combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle, thereby enabling lower emissions and higher gas mileage. And flexible fuel vehicles are capable of using E85, a lower-emission, ethanol-based fuel, as well as 100% gasoline.

Scroll down and select one of the buttons below to learn more about these three technologies.

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Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Flexible Fuel Vehicles

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Plug-in Hybrid FAQs

1. What is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
2. How do plug-in hybrid electric vehicles work?
3. What is the vehicle-to-grid concept?
4. What are the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?
5. Can I buy a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
6. What financial incentives are available for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?
7. Are there any laws or regulations I should be aware of?

1. What is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine the benefits of pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Like electric vehicles, they plug into the electric grid and can be powered by the stored electricity alone. Like hybrid electric vehicles, they have engines that enable greater driving range and battery recharging.

2. How do plug-in hybrid electric vehicles work?

PHEVs are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (usually batteries). The batteries can be charged by plugging into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet or by using the energy conversion unit when needed.

For the most part, day-to-day driving can be supported by stored electricity alone. A typical PHEV driver would likely drive to and from work on all-electric power, plug in the vehicle to charge it at night, and be ready for another all-electric commute in the morning. For longer trips, the energy conversion unit may be required to kick in, using gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas or some other fuel to supplement electricity.

3. What is the vehicle-to-grid concept?

Researchers are developing "vehicle-to-grid" technologies to allow a two-way connection between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and the local utility grid. This would enable the utility could take advantage of the extra electrical storage capacity in the vehicle batteries to help meet peak electricity demand, provide grid support services or respond to power outages. In theory, this practice may allow PHEV owners to get "paid" by the utility for use of their vehicles—without negative effects on the vehicle battery's state of charge.

4. What are the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?

• Cut fuel use and cost. Electricity is typically less expensive than gasoline or diesel fuels. Because PHEVs use electric power much of the time, and the batteries are recharged by plugging into the electrical grid, they can dramatically reduce fuel use and costs.
• Increase energy security. The United States imports more than 60% of its petroleum—much of it from politically volatile nations. With a primary reliance on electricity, which is available locally, PHEVs are much less vulnerable to supply disruptions.
• Protect public health and the environment. The environmental benefits of PHEVs depend in part on the source of electricity from which the PHEVs are charged. If the electricity comes from efficient power plants, the benefits can be substantial. One U.S. study projected an average of 42% carbon emissions reduction from mileage driven on electricity instead of gasoline.
• Enhance the electrical system. If vehicle-to-grid capabilities are developed, PHEV drivers could sell electricity back to the utility, which could reduce the need to build extra generation capacity to meet peak demands. This practice could also mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy production. For example, wind-generated electricity could be stored in PHEV batteries when the wind is blowing and demand is low and drawn out when the wind slackens or demand is high.

5. Can I buy a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?

Factory-made plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are not currently available to the public. Several automakers have PHEV models in development, so watch for them to debut on the market soon.

6. What financial incentives are available for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?

To see federal incentives, click here.

To see Colorado-specific incentives, click here.

7. Are there any laws or regulations I should be aware of?

To see federal laws and regulations, click here.

To see Colorado-specific laws and regulations, click here.

For more information:

Visit CalCars, a nonprofit startup formed by entrepreneurs, engineers, environmentalists and consumers to promote plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

Explore the Electric Auto Association, a nonprofit educational organization that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Gain knowledge through the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), a U.S. industry association that supports the sustainable commercialization of all electric drive transportation technologies.

Find news events and legislation that affect the EV community, as well as product reviews, reports and interviews with members of the EV industry, at the EV World website.

Visit Plug-In Partners, a national grassroots initiative to demonstrate to automakers that a market for flexible-fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) exists today.

Get illustrated information about how electric cars work and listings of electric cars in development and production. Compare various vehicles online.

Review online summaries of articles that focus on electric vehicles, hybrids, and CNG-powered vehicles.

Learn how EDrive converts 2004 or later year Toyota Prius models from hybrid to plug-in hybrid using a lithium-ion battery system.

Visit Eetrex, another business that converts hybrid-electric vehicles to plug-in hybrids.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Electric FAQs

1. What is a hybrid electric vehicle?
2. How do hybrid electric vehicles work?
3. What are the benefits of hybrid electric vehicles?
4. What types of hybrid electric vehicles are available?
5. What should I consider when buying a hybrid electric vehicle?
6. What financial incentives are available for hybrid electric vehicles?
7. Are there any laws or regulations I should be aware of?

1. What is a hybrid electric vehicle?

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. The combination offers lower emissions and can offer two to three times the fuel efficiency of conventional vehicles.

2. How do hybrid electric vehicles work?

Like plug-in hybrids, hybrid electric vehicles are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries or ultracapacitors). In theory, the energy conversion unit can be powered by a variety of fuels, but most HEVs today use gasoline. These vehicles cannot be charged by your home’s electricity; instead, they are recharged by regenerative braking and onboard generators. They tend to draw more from the internal combustion engine than plug-in hybrids. In terms of emissions and fuel consumption, they are typically more environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles, but less so than plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

3. What are the benefits of hybrid electric vehicles?

• Cut fuel use and cost while maintaining performance. Hybrid electric vehicles tend to get considerably more miles to the gallon than conventional vehicles (with many hitting the range of 40 to 70 MPG), though mileage varies and can still be unimpressive in larger models. Hybrid electric vehicles are cost competitive and long-term fuel cost savings and short-term tax incentives make them even more affordable. Performance and safety characteristics are comparable to conventional vehicles.
• Protect public health and the environment. In general, HEVs have lower emissions than conventional vehicles of the same class; choosing an HEV over a conventional vehicle can reduce air pollution.
• Increase energy security. The United States imports more than 60% of its petroleum—much of it from politically volatile nations. Because HEVs have higher fuel economies than conventional vehicles, they use less petroleum for fuel. Ultimately, HEVs can be designed to use renewable and domestically produced alternative fuels, further decreasing U.S. reliance on imported petroleum.

For more information:

Compare the fuel economy of available HEVs.

Fuel Economy.gov
HybridCARS.com

4. What types of hybrid electric vehicles are available?

A number of light-duty hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are available, and more HEVs enter the marketplace each year. HEVs are also becoming more popular for medium and heavy-duty buses and trucks.

For more information:

See a list and make comparisons among light-duty HEVs.

Look for heavy-duty HEV options.

5. What should I consider when buying a hybrid electric vehicle?

These resources can help you make an informed decision about purchasing an HEV:

Get information about fuel economy, selected hybrid models and hybrid technical information from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Calculate the gas mileage benefits of driving an HEV with this Honda-sponsored tool.

6. What financial incentives are available for hybrid electric vehicles?

To see federal incentives, click here.

To see Colorado-specific incentives, click here.

7. Are there any laws or regulations I should be aware of?

To see federal laws and regulations, click here.

To see Colorado-specific laws and regulations, click here.

Flex Fuel Vehicles

Flex Fuel FAQs

1. What is a flexible fuel vehicle?
2. What types of flexible fuel vehicles are available?
3. Can my car be converted to a FFV?
4. Where can I fuel my flexible fuel vehicle?
5. What are the benefits of flexible fuel vehicles?
6. What is the cost of a flexible fuel vehicle?
7. What financial incentives are available for flexible fuel vehicles?
8. Are there any laws or regulations I should be aware of?

1. What is a flexible fuel vehicle?

Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) or a mixture of both. FFVs can provide emissions benefits and qualify as alternative fuel vehicles under the energy policy act of 1992. FFVs are similar to their conventional gasoline counterparts in power, acceleration, payload and cruise speed. The only noticeable difference: fuel economy is lower when FFVs run on ethanol.

2. What types of flexible fuel vehicles are available?

FFVs are available in a variety of vehicle makes and models. Find current models here.

3. Can my car be converted to a FFV?

Converting a conventional gasoline vehicle to run on E85 is technically possible and the EPA has a process by which manufacturers of conversion systems can obtain a Certificate of Conformity for converted vehicles.

Learn more about vehicle conversion here.

4. Where can I fuel my flexible fuel vehicle?

Colorado’s E85 fueling station locations are listed here.

5. What are the benefits of flexible fuel vehicles?

Using ethanol as a vehicle fuel can provide local and global benefits—reducing emissions of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. The use of ethanol as an "oxygenate" promotes more complete combustion of the fuel, which can reduce exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide—a regulated pollutant harmful to human health—by 20-30% compared to pure gasoline. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) fueled with E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) also emit less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles. Emissions from E85-fueled FFVs of other regulated pollutants, such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx), are similar to those from gasoline-powered vehicles.

6. What is the cost of a flexible fuel vehicle?

Original equipment manufacturers typically offer flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) at the same prices as comparable gasoline vehicles. However, the costs of E85 are slightly higher, due to the energy content of the fuel (E85 has about 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline).

Calculate the cost of driving the selected vehicle, gallons of gasoline saved and pounds of greenhouse gases saved by fueling with E85 here.

7. What financial incentives are available for flexible fuel vehicles?

For federal ethanol incentives, click here.

For Colorado E85 incentives, click here.

8. Are there any laws or regulations I should be aware of?

For federal ethanol laws and regulations, click here.

For Colorado E85 laws and regulations, click here.

For more information:

DOE's Clean Cities Program supports public-private partnerships that deploy AFVs and build supporting alternative fuel infrastructure.