This study found that plug-in hybrids can significantly reduce emissions and energy consumption in urban settings where average trip distances are fairly short. The ability of plug-in hybrids to deliver environmental benefits will rely heavily on initiatives that reduce charging times and provide wider opportunities for charging outside the home. in this regard, we recommend enacting policies that 1) encourage affordable conversion from 120-volt to 240-volt charging at home and 2) provide for installation of 240-volt charging facilities at public and private parking facilities adjacent to major activity centers, like shopping malls and rail transit stations.

With the success of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in the automobile market, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are emerging as the next evolution of this attractive alternative. PHEV market penetration is expected to lead to lower gasoline consumption and less emission. The main objective of this research is to assess PHEVs’ energy profile impacts based on simulation of vehicles used in activity and travel patterns drawn from the 2000-2001 California Statewide Household Travel Survey. Simulations replicating reported continuous one day data are used to generate realistic energy impact assessment of PHEV market penetration.

A secondary objective is to estimate the decreased gasoline consumption and increased electricity demand in California. This will involve testing various scenarios involving battery charging to develop policies and strategies to mitigate the recharging demands placed on the grid during periods of peak consumption.