PHEVs Could Cut Carbon Emissions In Half If Electricity Plants Were Modified

PHEVs Could Cut Carbon Emissions In Half If Electricity Plants Were Modified

Carnegie Mellon University researchers report that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half if more research was conducted on the production of low-carbon electricity. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, PHEVs could reduce oil consumption and promote the development and use of high-tech biofuels.

Under current manufacturing conditions, PHEVs produce slightly lower carbon emissions than gasoline-electric hybrids, when battery production is taken into consideration. By improving the process by which electricity is generated, specifically through the implementation of technology that reduces carbon emissions generated by power plants, the carbon footprint of a PHEV is reduced by half.

Currently, emissions from PHEVs are about one-third lower than those from traditional gasoline engines. When power plant emissions are considered, a PHEV's emissions are still lower than those from conventional vehicles but exceed those of hybrids.

The scientists encouraged policymakers to consider the types of power plants being built right now and how low-carbon technologies can be incorporated to reduce the impact of coal-fired electric plants. According to the report, electricity producers in the US will need to build 154 coal plants by 2032 to accommodate the demand for electricity and to replace older plants as they become obsolete.

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Source: Carnegie Mellon University