EPRI publishes consumer guide about electric vehicles

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has published a basic consumer guide that addresses questions about electric vehicle technology and performance. With a variety of electric and hybrid technologies now available commercially, potential buyers are looking to understand which options might best match their needs.

The eight-page guide, "Plugging In: A Consumer’s Guide to the Electric Vehicle," defines and briefly compares driving range, charging times, fuel requirements and effects of weather and driving conditions. It also highlights vehicles available for purchase today and models scheduled to be available later in 2011 and in 2012.

A question and answer section explores and answers a number of the most common questions asked about electric vehicle technology compared to hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Charging and purchasing considerations are among the topics covered in this section.

The guide offers a basic overview of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, and is not intended to be an exhaustive report about the technologies or the manufacturers and vendors supporting this industry.

"Consumers need a starting point -basic information to help them evaluate their options as they consider purchasing electric vehicles," said Mark Duvall, director of EPRI’s Electric Transportation Program. "This guide is intended to answer some of the most common questions that may help them with their decision."

The guide can be downloaded from the EPRI web site at this link: http://my.epri.com/portal/server.pt?Abstract_id=000000000001023161

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI’s members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI’s principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.

www.epri.com