Products & Services

Plug-In Electric Vehicles: The Ultimate “Smart” Appliance

Because the transportation sector is the second-largest contributor of greenhouse gases, we think plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) will play an important role in transitioning to a low-carbon future. Widespread adoption of PEVs can reduce vehicle greenhouse emissions by more than 450 million metric tons annually by 2050 – the equivalent to removing 82.5 million passenger cars from the road – according to an Electric Power Research Institute and Natural Resources Defense Council study. Other benefits include reducing dependence on foreign oil and improved fuel costs.

PEVs are the ultimate smart appliance. They can be charged during off-peak times when energy is cheapest. They also have the capability to store power that could in the future be supplied back to the home or power grid as needed.

We are partnering with other electric utilities and automakers to define requirements for the widespread adoption of PEVs. This work includes engineering the technical infrastructure, developing a pricing structure and designing a new customer service model for PEV drivers.

To better understand PEV technology and its application to everyday life, we converted five of the standard hybrid-electric vehicles in our fleet to include plug-in capability. These automobiles are powered by a gasoline engine and a rechargeable battery that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet.