# Plug-in Hybrid Electric Basics for Future Builders - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/05/plug-in-hybrid-electric-basics-for-future-builders/ - Published: 2009-05-03T18:28:00-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Finalizing the Manuscript to Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle I’m finalizing the manuscript for Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Moreover, the Volt is a perfect topic. It claims to be a kind of plug-in hybrid. Therefore, it’s essential to discuss it in detail. This topic matters because it shows how plug-in hybrids can bridge the gap to full electrification. Moreover, explaining the Volt’s design helps readers see the trade- offs and benefits. In addition, it sets the stage for comparing different technologies. By breaking down how these systems work, the book empowers people to make informed choices. Therefore, it’s essential to highlight real-world examples that inspire and educate future builders ### How Does It Work? One engineer explained how the car operates. It’s basically a 40-mile-per-charge electric vehicle. After that, it switches to gas power. Essentially, it acts as a series hybrid. While a series hybrid is good, the Toyota Prius offers another approach. After about 20 miles of pure electric driving, it transitions into a hybrid-electric mode. As a result, it can achieve up to 100 miles per gallon. ![Notebook and laptop on a workbench with sketches and cad designs for building a plug in hybrid electric vehicle](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2009/05/524BAAD1-2C6C-4450-91A6-FC1EE60F7F30-400x400.png?resize=400%2C400& ssl=1 "524BAAD1-2C6C-4450-91A6-FC1EE60F7F30 - The Green Living Guy") Finalizing a DIY manuscript with detailed plans and technical drawings for building your own plug in hybrid electric vehicle ### Economics of the Volt Interestingly, the real economic advantage lies in charging costs. It would cost less than a dollar a day to recharge. Moreover, there’s no need for special charging stations. Using a standard SAE 1772 connector, drivers can safely charge from a 110/120-volt outlet. In addition, this makes charging at work or at the train station easy. Therefore, it effectively turns the car into an 80-mile range electric vehicle. ## City Driving – All Electric Yes, for city driving, it’s nearly all electric. That’s a dream for reducing emissions. Moreover, it creates the possibility of making every GM car a plug-in hybrid. This approach to fuel efficiency shows why some automakers would choose to go all electric. In addition, the range-extended EV gives consumers an easy start toward electric driving. Personally, I’d prefer a plug-in hybrid that switches to a hybrid mode. However, to prepare the market, a dual-fuel, EV-range vehicle can work. ### Why GM Should Expand This Technology GM should add Volt technology to every car. The range-extended EV offers about 50 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, [Toyota](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/tesla-toyota-electric-ev-partnership-explained-in-detail/) hits roughly 100 miles per gallon. Moreover, if you charge the Toyota [Prius](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/05/plug-in-hybrid-electric-basics-for-future-builders/) PHEV, you could get 200 miles per gallon with a 40-mile electric range—just like the Volt. ### Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are Going Backward Before Forward One reporter asked a tough question at an event. If the Volt doesn’t switch to hybrid- electric after 40 electric miles, how can it justify a price over $40,000? I wonder that too. A true PHEV should offer an all-electric range, then transition to hybrid for even more energy savings. This design is what makes a car truly cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly. In addition, you’d expect a dual-fuel EV/gas car to be more cost effective than the Prius. But apparently not. ## Plug-in Hybrid Electric: It’s What Drivers Want This brings me back to the electric car itself. We’re really just returning to our roots. After all, the first cars were electric. Hybrids have taken some criticism for not being as efficient or cost-effective as possible. However, plug-in hybrids—and pure EVs—can be very [competitive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/01/chevy-volt-plug-in-electric-hybrid-transforms-energy-auto-industries/). Moreover, if every car in the fleet had partial battery power, costs would drop. Buying more batteries at once reduces unit costs. Therefore, it would make plug- in hybrids more affordable. ### Why Did It Have to Happen This Way? GM did receive federal bailout money. Yet they delayed the $370 million Flint, Michigan plant meant to build [Volt engines and the 40-mpg Chevy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/chevy-volts-felix-kramer-gets-three-more-on-road/) Cruze. How do they plan to meet the 2010 launch goal if they delay even breaking ground? One can only hope Washington will demand a clear explanation. Moreover, they should prove how they intend to deliver the Volt on time. ### What Could They Do Instead? There are key reasons why focusing on pure electric cars—or the electric component of a plug-in hybrid electric car—matters so much. ### 1. Zero Emissions Electric cars produce zero emissions at the tailpipe. In addition, power plants are getting cleaner over time. This means lower emissions per vehicle. Moreover, using wind, solar, geothermal, or tidal energy makes these vehicles truly oil-free and zero-emission. ### 2. Low Operating Costs Electric cars are cheap to charge. They cost just pennies per mile. In addition, there’s the exciting concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). This lets car batteries feed energy back to the grid, creating energy bill credits. ### 3) Car Company Bailouts Car company bailouts should inevitably be directed (and I believe can) toward every car being electric drive of some sort of another. ### Sources: [Union of Concerned Scientists – How Do Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars Work?](https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-do-plug-hybrid-electric-cars-work) [U.S. Department of Energy – Electric Vehicles 101](https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric.html) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)