Plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrids are virtually identical to hybrids except that they have a high capacity battery that can be charged from external source of electricity. This gives them the option of operating like an electric car but also the flexibility to use internal combustion engine to extend the car's range and performance.

The range of car depends mainly on the capacity of the battery. A number of trade offs are involved depending on size, cost and type of battery but current technology (NiHM batteries) puts this range at around 20 to 30 miles. All the indicators are that with improvements in battery technology, this range will be extended to at least 60 miles and possibly a lot further.

Research shows that the average daily distance travelled by cars in Britain is less than 30 miles a day. Hence, most journeys made by plug-in hybrids would be electrically powered.

To take advantage off peak power, cars could be charged at night, with added reassurance that should no charging point be available, the vehicles would still work like a normal hybrid, using the built in engine.

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