Washington, D.C. Today, as part of comprehensive energy efficiency legislation, the House Energy & Commerce Committee adopted a provision authored by Reps. Jane Harman (D-Venice) and Jay Inslee (D-WA) to create a federal pilot program for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles—conversion technology that allows existing hybrid vehicles to charge their batteries while plugged into standard electrical outlets. In addition to creating a secondary energy source for the car, plug-in technology has the potential to increase significantly gas mileage for existing hybrid cars. The amendment passed with bipartisan support, by a vote of 39-12.

 “While existing hybrids are a vast improvement over normally fueled cars, with Plug-Ins, we can take hybrid technology to the next level,” said Harman. “Imagine being able to plug in and charge your car overnight, when electricity demand and costs are lowest, and simply drive away in the morning,” she added, “knowing that you’ve saved money and done a good thing for the environment.”

The Harman provision requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish five separate pilot programs to convert at least 1,000 vehicles to plug-ins. The DOE would contribute up to 50% of the cost of the conversion modules.

Plug-In hybrids can achieve 150 miles per gallon in city driving, resulting in 80% oil savings and 60% emission reductions per vehicle. One four-hour charge from a standard 120 volt plug only costs 60 cents and provides vehicles enough electricity to travel 40 miles before the gasoline engine contributes energy.