Hague plugs County into next generation vehicles

Joining the climate change battle at a local level

Getting people into vehicles that reduce carbon emissions may be as simple as providing drivers with a place to “plug in.” Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jane Hague has introduced legislation requesting a study for ways King County could provide charging stations for a new generation of hybrids called Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

“An estimated 40 percent of greenhouse gases in the U.S. and 50 percent in Washington state come from burning oil for transportation,” said Hague, a member of the Council’s Transportation Committee. “We can make a difference and I’m excited to help lead the local effort to combat climate change by making ownership of electric vehicles more practical.”

PHEVs are the next generation of hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. Regular hybrids still use 100% gas to function but use less of it by augmenting battery power. PHEVs, however, have much larger storage capacity for electricity so that the car can run for much longer using less fuel as compared to regular hybrids.

Nationally, many people are still driving alone to work, regardless of fuel prices. The prototype PHEVs and those to be released in 2009-10 by major car companies are able to drive up to 100 miles on battery power, alone.

“The ability to drive 100 miles on battery alone combined with the option of charging your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle at a Metro Park-n-Ride or other county facilities means that people could drive their entire workday without releasing harmful emissions,” said Hague.

A movement has begun among entrepreneurs as well as major car manufacturers. Not only do prototypes exist, major automakers have plans to roll out PHEVs within the next couple of years. There are also opportunities for citizens to purchase kits that convert stock hybrids to PHEVs. As technology and the market for these cars improve, having an electric car will become much more of a real and affordable option for consumers.

“Utilities recognize the great potential for electric hybrids to reduce CO2 emissions from the transportation sector,” said Tom MacLean, Manager of Green Power and Emerging Technologies at Puget Sound Energy. “PSE is undertaking a study that will identify the important aspects of the interaction between hybrids and the electric grid, since electric hybrids will lead to greater load for all utilities and we need to make the transition as efficiently as possible.”

“It’s our responsibility to lead the way in providing the public with opportunities for improving our environment and to reduce our dependence upon foreign oil” said Hague. “This legislation provides an opportunity for the Council to be proactive and prepared for what’s around the corner as opposed to reactive.”

The legislation would:

• Ask the County Executive to create a plan to encourage citizens to use PHEVs. The plan should specifically address ways for PHEV vehicles to recharge their batteries when parked at transit facilities.

• Encourage King County to work with the state and local governments to incorporate PHEV incentives into the commute trip reduction and transportation demand management programs.

• Request that King County take a leadership role in promoting a regional demonstration project to encourage PHEV use and work with utility providers to determine measures for achieving the optimal and most efficient use of the power system and to help assure and accelerate the optimal integration and acceptance of these new technologies; and

• Direct creation of a stakeholder advisory group to: 
     o Study the impacts of PHEVs on the energy grid and look for ways to partner with our energy suppliers to perform these studies;
     o Advise King County on its participation in the regional demonstration project; and
     o Recommend incentives to encourage commuter use of PHEVs.

The plan would be submitted to the Council by September 15, 2008.

The motion, which was introduced at the Council’s April 14 meeting, has been referred to the Council’s Transportation Committee.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Type in “2008-0222”