| There are already numerous hybrid cars and trucks | | | | GMC officials will drive one of the two plug-in hybrid |
| available in the auto market. These vehicles use an | | | | electric vehicles purchased by CVPS. The college will |
| internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The | | | | then lead the collection of data concerning the |
| presence of the electric motor translates to fuel | | | | performance and cost of the vehicles. The college will |
| economy as the engine will be relieved of its duty on | | | | also analyze the data gathered. |
| low-power operation when the electric motor takes | | | | "By converting hybrid vehicles to PHEVs, one can |
| over. The electric motor in a hybrid vehicle is powered | | | | significantly reduce auto emissions by using cleaner, |
| by a battery pack which is recharged by a | | | | more efficient grid energy, and vastly extend fuel |
| regenerative braking system and the internal | | | | efficiency," says Dr. Steven Letendre, a professor and |
| combustion engine. | | | | energy economist for Green Mountain College. |
| Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles are hybrid vehicles | | | | Letendre is one of the country's leading experts on |
| which have a battery pack which can be charged via | | | | plug-in hybrids and other vehicles which are intended to |
| an ordinary household socket. A new technology | | | | be connected to the power grid. |
| developed by the Central Vermont Public Service can | | | | "This is the next generation of vehicles, and CVPS plug |
| convert hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid electric | | | | 'n goâ„¢ gives Vermonters an opportunity to be |
| vehicles. The new technology is called as the CVPS | | | | among the first to enjoy their benefits. It is important to |
| plug 'n goâ„¢ system. | | | | demonstrate now the potential that new vehicle |
| "CVPS plug 'n goâ„¢ gives our customers the | | | | technology can play to tackle the global warming issue. |
| opportunity to be on the cutting edge of reducing | | | | This initiative, and CVPS' Cow Powerâ„¢ |
| automobile emissions and extending vehicle mileage, | | | | program, demonstrates a strong commitment by |
| and the next generation of highly efficient cars and | | | | CVPS to provide national leadership on this important |
| trucks," says CVPS President Bob Young. "Just as | | | | issue," says Letendre. |
| CVPS Cow Powerâ„¢ is creating a new | | | | Plug-in hybrid vehicles are already being developed for |
| market for energy produced by dairy farmers, CVPS | | | | production by major car manufacturers. One example |
| plug 'n go will demonstrate that plug-in hybrid-electric | | | | is General Motors' Chevy Volt which is expected to be |
| vehicles are commercially viable and provide | | | | produced by the turn of the decade. Conversion kits |
| tremendous benefits to car owners and society at | | | | are already being offered to hybrid car owners to give |
| large," he added further. | | | | their hybrid vehicles plug-in capabilities. These vehicles |
| The CVPS has found a partner in the promotion of | | | | are known to be more fuel efficient than conventional |
| the said system in Green Mountain College, a leader in | | | | fuel-efficient engines equipped with knock sensors. |
| environmental studies. According to the partnership, | | | | |