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Alternative and Advanced Vehicles

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Availability

Factory-made plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are not currently available to the public. Mercedes-Benz is manufacturing a limited number of plug-in hybrid Sprinter vans for demonstration purposes. A few companies are converting light-duty hybrid electric vehicles into PHEVs, and a few are producing custom medium- and heavy-duty PHEVs. Plug-in-Partners is a national grassroots initiative attempting to demonstrate to automakers that a market for PHEVs exists.

Plug-in Hybrids Coming Soon

Several automakers have PHEV models in development. The examples below are in the concept phase and have undetermined release dates.

Chevrolet Volt Concept Car

Photo of the Chevrolet Volt Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

General Motors' Chevrolet Volt is a PHEV that can run on electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, and gasoline (and even hydrogen in the future). Using a series hybrid architecture, it can be tailored to meet the fuel infrastructure of a given market. The 120-kW electric drive motor, 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and grid recharge capability will provide full performance electric-only operation for typical commutes, while the 53-kW generator and engine combination gives this vehicle the ability to drive efficiently for extended distances.

Ford Edge with HySeries Drive

Photo of the Ford Edge Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive is a prototype plug-in hybrid electric fuel cell vehicle. The Edge prototype contains a fuel cell, a hydrogen tank, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack. Ford reports that the Edge will be able to go about 25 miles on electricity alone. The fuel cell can power the electric motors and recharge the battery pack, giving the vehicle another 200 miles of range.

Saturn Vue Green Line

Photo of the Saturn Vue Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a lithium-ion battery pack, highly efficient electronics, and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy. It will also have two interior permanent magnet motors and GM's 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection. View Saturn's Web site to learn more about the current Vue Green Line HEV.