A plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or gas-electric hybrid fueled vehicle is a hybrid which has additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet. In addition, modifications are made to the vehicle’s control software. The vehicle can be used for short trips of moderate speed without needing the internal combustion engine (ICE) component of the vehicle, thereby saving fuel costs. In this mode of operation the vehicle operates as a pure electric vehicle with a weight penalty (the ICE). The long range of the hybrid power train is available when needed.
PHEVs are commonly called “grid-connected hybrids,” “gas-optional hybrids” (GO-HEVs) or “full hybrids.”
An advantage of a grid-connectable vehicle is its potential to balance electric load or help the electric system meet demand during peak loads. Using the vehicle’s generating capability, power can be sent into the electric system in times of need and batteries recharged during off-peak times. Therefore, these vehicles are actually advantageous to utilities as well as their owners. This is accomplished with what is known as V2G or Vehicle to Grid technology.
Information from “Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.” Wikipedia, 10 Dec 2005
Douglas County PUD Commissioners, acting as the Board of the Electric Utility Rural Economic Development Revolving Fund, considered $105,428 in requests from 11 Douglas County entities. According to RCW 82.16, Douglas PUD is able to receive a revenue tax credit in the amount of $25,000 when it provides funding to rural communities for projects “designed to achieve job creation or business retention, to add or upgrade non-electrical infrastructure, to add or upgrade health and safety facilities, to accomplish energy and water use efficiency improvements, including renewable energy development, or to add or upgrade emergency services” up to a maximum of $50,000. The Board of the Electric Utility Rural Economic Development Revolving Fund approved the following eight grants:
