SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has entered into an agreement with Raser Technologies, Inc. for the purchase and demonstration of two plug-in series hybrid electric SUVs. The vehicles are designed to achieve more than 100 miles per gallon in typical daily driving, while operating in near zero emission mode, according to www.cnnmoney.com.
Initially, PG&E will purchase two plug-in hybrid SUVs from Raser for demonstration and testing, with the goal to integrate additional PHEVs into its fleet in the future. The PHEVs are expected to cut operational fuel costs up to 75 percent by driving in all-electric mode during typical daily fleet routes of up to 40 miles. When driving beyond the 40-mile battery electric range, the PHEVs may continue up to 400 miles by generating their own electricity. The fleet PHEVs are also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to nearly zero during local daily driving.
PG&E plans to plug in the vehicles at night, when energy demand is lowest, to maximize emission reductions and fuel savings for daily routes. Subsequent versions are expected to provide emergency mobile power from the vehicles onboard 100 kW generator to assist in power outages or provide mobile power for work and repairs.
Raser has established PHEV development agreements with a leading global automaker and a leading automotive integrator to build a 100 mpg plug-in hybrid electric SUV using Raser’s electric drive system and Symetron technology. Raser also plans to offer 100-plus mpg plug-in hybrid SUVs and light trucks to other fleets through manufacturing partners for early demonstration.
PG&E’s PHEV/EV and V2G program is part of its broader strategy to develop innovative energy solutions that deliver the cleanest and most reliable power to its customers. In addition to its PHEV and dedicated electric vehicles, PG&E owns and operates one of the largest utility clean fuel fleets in the nation with more than 1,300 natural gas vehicles in a 10,000 vehicle fleet. PG&E’s clean fuel fleet consists of service and crew trucks, meter reader vehicles and pool cars that run either entirely on compressed natural gas or have bifuel capabilities. Over the last 15 years, PG&E’s clean fuel fleet has displaced more than 3.4 million gallons of gasoline and diesel, and helped to avoid 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, according to www.cnnmoney.com.
