These documents are the starting points for most discussions of the characteristics and benefits of plug-in hybrids, including projections and comparisons of performance, energy economy, fuel cycle emissions (including greenhouse gases), battery technology, lifetime costs, and consumer acceptance of hybrid vehicles costs.

They are the outcome of years of joint work by the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Working Group (HEVWG), The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has been involved in the development of electric-powered vehicles since the 1970s. EPRI formed the HEVWG, bringing together representatives of the utility and automotive industries, the US Department of Energy (DOE), regulatory agencies, and university research organizations. Members included the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the Department of Energy and two of its national labs -- the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) -- General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and the University of California Davis Hybrid Vehicle Center as well as EPRI participants Southern California Edison, New York Power Authority, and Southern Company.

You can find these documents in the direct links below or at http://www.calcars.org/­resources.html

EPRI Hybrid Vehicle Reports Available for Free
The Electric Power Research Institute has re-released three important reports for public consumption. The following reports, which provide data on PHEV analyses over the years, can be downloaded for free by clicking on the report numbers below.

Comparing the Benefits and Impacts of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Options (1000349).
http://www.epri.com/­OrderableitemDesc.asp?product_id=000000000001000349

This 2001 report summarizes results from the first-ever public domain multi-variant study comparing benefits and impacts of conventional vehicles and HEVs (gasoline-only and dual-fuel). It provides evidence that grid-connected hybrid electric vehicles are technologically feasible and can offer significant benefits. The report also presents results of a customer survey indicating that people preferred plugging in a vehicle instead of going to the gas station.

Comparing the Benefits and Impacts of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Options for Compact Sedan and Sport Utility Vehicles (1006892).
http://www.epri.com/­OrderableitemDesc.asp?product_id=1006892

This report presents the results of a study that examined the performance, energy economy, fuel cycle emissions, costs, and consumer acceptance for compact and sports utility hybrid electric vehicles and their conventional counterparts. Findings show that hybrids, including plug-in models, can probably be designed for both compact and SUV platforms meeting performance characteristics with which customers are familiar. Plug-in hybrids provide significantly improved fuel economy over conventional vehicles as well as reductions in greenhouse and smog precursor emissions and petroleum use. The study indicated a market potential for all HEVs, particularly if the price differential between the HEV and CV is minimized.

Advanced Batteries for Electric-Drive Vehicles: A Technology and Cost-Effectiveness Assessment for Battery Electric Vehicles, Power Assist Hybrid Electric Vehicles, and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (1009299).
http://www.epri.com/­OrderableitemDesc.asp?product_id=000000000001009299

This 2004 report summarizes relevant knowledge and findings concerning advanced batteries for battery electric vehicle (BEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and PHEV applications. It provides evidence that significant progress has been made in developing battery technologies capable of effectively powering BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs. A key conclusion is that nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries appear capable of exceeding recent cycle life and durability projections. It is now highly probable that NiMH batteries featuring state-of-the-art materials and designs can meet the lifetime requirements of full-function BEVs, HEVs, and PHEVs with 40 to 60 miles of EV range, city EVs, and possibly even PHEVs with 20 miles of EV range, although further testing is needed to confirm this.