Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
In 2007, WPPI Energy introduced the first two plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) to join a utility company’s fleet in the Midwest.

WPPI Energy converted two Toyota Prius cars into PHEVs as part of a Plug-In Partners, a national campaign to urge automakers to accelerate development of this technology. PHEVs drastically reduce the need for the use of gasoline in transportation, offering the benefits of a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security.

Named for their personalized license plates, GAS SIPR and GD IDEA appeared at more than 100 events over the last two years, including parades, festivals and open houses in WPPI Energy member communities, as well as regional and national conferences and energy fairs. In addition, the vehicles travel on routine WPPI Energy business, building awareness with their eye-catching graphics and environmental message.

At WPPI Energy, we’re doing our part. WPPI Energy’s headquarters in Sun Prairie is powered 100% by renewable energy, so WPPI Energy’s plug-in vehicles are powered entirely by green energy when running in all-electric mode. WPPI Energy also offers incentives to help our member utilities convert hybrids into PHEVs for their local fleets.

What is a PHEV?

PHEVs get up to 100+ miles per gallon!

A PHEV is a hybrid that is fitted with an additional battery that gives the vehicle the ability to be recharged from a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. Both standard hybrids and PHEVs are powered by a combination of electricity and liquid fuels; however, PHEVs draw their charge from the engine and captured brake energy, as well as from the electrical grid when they are plugged into an electrical outlet. As a result, they can travel up to 30 miles on electricity before using the standard, gas-electric operating system.

PHEVs have traditional fuel tanks and internal combustion engines, so they do not face the range limitation of electric-only cars. The battery takes approximately five hours to charge in a standard 120-volt outlet, which would cost the average electric customer less than 50 cents. Considering that half the cars on America’s roads are driven 25 miles a day or less, a plug-in with a 30-mile range battery could eliminate gasoline use in the daily commute of millions of Americans.

PHEV owners can expect up to an 85 percent reduction in gasoline use. PHEVs also get about twice the fuel economy of a conventional vehicle and 30-50 percent better fuel economy than a standard hybrid.

Interesting Facts About PHEVs

  • PHEVs are not yet commercially available. The cost of the batteries needed to power a PHEV a sufficient distance is considered to be the hurdle. However, battery technology is advancing rapidly and cost should decrease with mass manufacture. A few major automobile manufacturers have announced plans to pursue the technology; the commercial release of PHEVs is projected for 2010. In the meantime, conversion kits are available to the everyday consumer for installation.


  • PHEVs are good for the environment. Use of PHEVS can lead to fewer emissions. In almost every conceivable power generation mix, PHEVs reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants. No additional power plants would be needed to support the use of PHEV technology because charging occurs at night, when consumption is lowest.


  • PHEVs can support a healthy economy. A market for PHEVs will preserve jobs and create new opportunities in manufacturing batteries and other parts. The dollars that would have been spent on foreign oil will remain in the U.S. to produce new jobs, increase technology research and development and strengthen the domestic economy. In addition, consumers who save money by powering their vehicles with more electricity and less gas will have greater spending power.


  • PHEVs can lead to greater energy security.The U.S. imports around one-quarter of the world’s total oil production — about 20 million barrels each day. Our country is highly dependent on foreign oil and subject to peak pricing. A reduced demand for petroleum by the transportation sector would lead to a more relaxed petroleum market, which will help U.S. industries.

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