Green Mountain Power Converts Hybrids to Plug-In
Technology
Nov 21 - MARKET WIRE
Demonstrating a new way to power cars with solar energy, Green Mountain
Power has converted two of its Toyota Prius fleet vehicles into plug-in
hybrids (PHEV's). The cars' batteries are charged using a 4 kw solar array
that has been installed at GMP's headquarters in Colchester. The
solar-charged vehicles boast mileage in the neighborhood of 100 miles per
gallon for local trips and are among the cleanest vehicles on the road
today.
To let the public know that the hybrids are powered in part by solar energy,
Green Mountain Power has decorated the cars with bright graphics that
proclaim, "Runs on Rays."
"These cars actually do 'run on rays'," said Mary Powell, president and
chief executive officer of Green Mountain Power. "We installed enough solar
power on-site here to fully charge them for day to day operations as a
fantastic illustration of what's possible."
Plug-in hybrids are similar to conventional hybrid cars, but with additional
battery capacity that can be charged by conventional household current. The
5 kwh battery pack is added to the trunk of the car and takes about 5 1/2
hours to charge. Once that power supply is exhausted, the vehicle runs like
a regular hybrid making them incredibly versatile vehicles.
The electric industry is watching the development of plug-in hybrids
carefully so that it can be prepared for the impact on the electrical grid.
According to Ms. Powell, "The environmental advantages of using electricity
rather than gas will help quickly drive this technology forward. We wanted
to use plug-in hybrids both to support the development of the technology and
to be sure we fully understand how it will affect our future power supply
needs."
Any Prius 2004 or later can be converted with the purchase of a kit. Even
without the benefit of solar charging, a plug-in hybrid produces about 70%
less carbon than a conventional gasoline powered vehicle. Using Green
Mountain Power's low emission electricity to charge the battery further
reduces the carbon impact of driving.
Green Mountain Power currently operates 11 hybrid vehicles and plans to
continue using fleet operations as a test bed for new technologies and
demonstration projects.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.com) transmits, distributes and
sells electricity and utility construction services in the State of Vermont
in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont's
population. It serves approximately 94,000 customers.
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For further information, please contact: Dorothy Schnure Green Mountain
Power Manager of Corporate Communications 802-655-8418
SOURCE: Green Mountain Power |