US, Sweden To Work Together On PHEV Technology

The US Department of Energy and its Swedish counterpart are working together to develop plug-in hybrid electric technology. Volvo will also participate in the work, and will provide a developmental vehicle platform for the project. The $37 million project will fund research conducted at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, and the Lindholmen Science Park in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The goal of the project is to increase the range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The US is Sweden's largest export market and the project may help Sweden increase its vehicle sales in the US. By shifting some of the energy needs from the petroleum infrastructure to lower cost, cleaner electricity, plug-in hybrid technologies may combat the country's dependence on oil as well as reduce the burden on the environment.

Currently, Ford is working in a strategic partnership with Southern California Edison to measure the impact of plug-in hybrid vehicles on the power grid. The company says that it will not rush plug-in hybrid technology to market unless there is a strong consumer demand for the technology, however. The demand for plug-in hybrid technologies remains a big question. While consumers are interested in technologies that reduce a vehicle's overall fuel consumption, a recent JD Power and Associates survey showed that less than half of respondents would be willing to pay a $5,000 premium for the technology when buying a new car.

Source Motor Authority