What is a plug-in car?
A plug-in car uses clean, affordable, domestic electricity for some or all of its energy. An all-electric vehicle (EV) stores all its energy in batteries. Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) store some energy in batteries, and have a gas engine to extend range. Conventional hybrids have batteries, but all their energy comes from gasoline. They cannot plug in to cleaner, cheaper, domestic power!
Electric cars are very reliable. No oil changes, no tune ups. EVs have 10 times fewer moving parts than a gasoline powered car. There's no engine, transmission, spark plugs, valves, fuel tank, tailpipe, distributor, starter, clutch, muffler or catalytic converter.
The best way to reduce carbon emissions is to utilize the ever cleaner, greener, more renewable grid to power transportation. Only grid-rechargeable cars can attain the end goal of zero-emissions and ensure fuel price stability. Read more about the Case for Grid Electricity in Cars.
Sounds Great! Can I Get One?
It's very difficult to find an electric car today. Carmakers should offer us the choice of electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The automakers produced great electric cars to meet California's Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate during the '90s. But only a small number of these electric cars were ever offered for sale. The auto and oil industries spent millions lobbying in Sacramento. The automakers sued in federal court to eviscerated the Zero Emission Mandate, eliminating any real choice for consumers. GM, Honda, Nissan, Ford and Toyota confiscated and destroyed thousands of electric cars, despite offers of cash from satisfied customers.
In 2005 as a result of the DontCrush.com campaign to save electric cars, Ford and Toyota agreed to stop crushing their great electric cars. Those EVs are still on the road, using no gasoline and driving emission-free. Ever since the DontCrush.com campaign, Plug In America has been working for the electric choices we want.
Everything is about to change.
Now several automakers are set to launch plug-in cars. The Chevrolet Volt is scheduled to arrive in selected dealerships in November, 2010. The Nissan LEAF will arrive in December. Other vehicles, from automakers including Ford, Coda, Th!nk, MINI and Smart are set to become available in 2011.
Every major car companies and at least a dozen start-ups have announced work on new plug-in vehicles. But we need to keep up the pressure and the support to bring these cars to market.
Where Can I Buy a Plug-in?
Plug In America doesn't sell plug-in cars, but our organization does bring you information about available plug-ins and the development of future vehicles. Visit our monthly updated Plug-in Vehicle Tracker to learn more about highway-capable cars and trucks, 2- and 3-wheeled and commercial vehicles. Low-speed electric vehicles and conversions are not included. For a list of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, visit http://www.electricauto.org/?page=EVLinks#NEVs.
Plug In America provides the Plug-in Vehicle Tracker for informational purposes only. We do not endorse or recommend any specific vehicle manufacturer or distributor.
Action You Can Take
Tell Automakers to build plug-ins. Tell them you won't buy another new vehicle until it has a plug. Call your local dealership and sign Plug In America's Petition and demand plug-in vehicles from automakers.