News Archive

Plug-In Partners, plug-in hybrids in the news

GM May Make 60,000 `Volt' Electric Cars in First Year   Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:40:02 -0500
General Motors Corp. may build as many as 60,000 of its Volt electric cars for their inaugural year on the market, four times the sales of Toyota Motor Corp.'s hybrid Prius in its U.S. debut, people with knowledge of GM's plans said.

GM Says It Could Lead Electric Car Race   Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:26:13 -0500
General Motors Corp. has signed an agreement with a battery maker that could propel it ahead of Toyota Motor Corp. in the race to bring plug-in hybrid and electric cars to market, a top company official said Thursday.

Plugging in the Future With New Hybrid Cars   Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:18:51 -0500
As I detail in my book Forward Drive: The Race to Build Clean Cars for the Future, the Big Three (and most of the international competition, too) have fought everything from catalytic converters to federal mileage standards, usually claiming that one more regulation would drive them into bankruptcy.

Ford Hiring 70 Engineers for Alt-Fuel Projects   Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:55:40 -0500
One of Ford Motor Co.’s top executives responsible for hybrid-powered vehicles today said the company is looking to hire 70 new engineers and scientists to support its growing programs for alternative fuel vehicles, such as those powered by gasoline-electric engines or those that can be plugged into an outlet.

House Passes Energy Bill With Focus on Plug-In Hybrids   Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:14:09 -0500
On Saturday, the US House of Representatives passed its version of an Energy Bill (H.R.3221). The bill, which integrates efforts from eleven House committees, establishes a wide range of long-term incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency and conservation initiatives, paid for primarily by the repeal of about $16 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies. It establishes a renewable power standard requiring all electric utilities to produce 15% of their power from wind, solar, biomass or other renewable sources by 2020.

Toyota, UC Researchers to test Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles   Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:22:50 -0500
Advocates of plug-in hybrids applauded Toyota's announcement Wednesday that it will begin testing high-mileage vehicles in the United States - including at UC-Berkeley - and Japan. "We've been working for this moment since 2002," said Felix Kramer, founder of Palo Alto-based CalCars. "This milestone validates PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) as the best next step - soon to become mass-produced and affordable."

Japan Certifies Toyota Plug-in Hybrid for Public-road Tests   Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:08:24 -0500
Toyota Motor Corporation announced today that it has developed a plug-in hybrid vehicle and become the first manufacturer to have such a vehicle certified for use on public roads in Japan.

EPRI-NRDC Report Finds Environmental Benefits of Deploying PHEVs   Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:55:39 -0500
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) today released a comprehensive assessment that finds that widespread use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the United States could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and potential for improve ambient air quality.

House Talk on Plug-In Cars Erupts   Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:16:37 -0500
A debate over the survival of Detroit's automakers broke out during a congressional hearing Thursday on the future of plug-in hybrid vehicles, as advocates pressed for more action and a Detroit defender warned the industry was on the brink of collapse. The hearing was a mix of sympathy, castigation and bluster that has become typical of any debate about the auto industry on Capitol Hill.

Ford Moves One Step Away From Gas Pump With Utility Partnership   Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:36:26 -0500
Detroit-based automaker Ford Co. is combining resources with California utility Southern California Edison (SCE) to explore ways to make plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles more accessible to consumers, reduce petroleum-related emissions, lower fuel costs and and improve the cost-effectiveness of the nation's electricity grid.

Google and Utility to Test Hybrids That Sell Back Power   Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:45:11 -0500
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 18 — Google and Pacific Gas & Electric have unveiled their vision of a future in which cars and trucks are partly powered by the country’s electric grids, and vice versa. The companies displayed on Monday six Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid vehicles modified to run partly on electricity from the power grid, allowing the vehicles to go up to 75 miles on a gallon of gas, nearly double the number of miles of a regular hybrid. They also modified one vehicle to give electricity back to the power company.

GM Shifting Engineers to Speed Development of Chevrolet Volt   Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:15:46 -0500
General Motors Corp. is reassigning 500 engineers to speed up the creation of the Chevrolet Volt, an electric car designed to close the automaker's technology gap with Toyota Motor Corp.

GM Advancing the Development of the Hybrid-Electric Volt   Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:23:41 -0500
General Motors Corp. took the occasion of its annual meeting on Tuesday to announce another step to get its Chevrolet Volt long-range electric series-hybrid vehicle into the hands of drivers. GM awarded to Michigan-based Compact Power Inc., a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem., and to Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G., two contracts for advanced development of lithium ion batteries for the Volt.

Chassis Chief Predicts 'Plug 'n Go' Trucks in Near Future   Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:29:27 -0500
The day when P&D fleets and other medium-duty truckers refuel by simply plugging trucks into an electrical outlet is not far off. So says Jay Sandler, vice president of commercial products for Workhorse Custom Chassis, a truck chassis manufacturer in the U.S. who thinks medium-duty work trucks powered mainly by electricity are only five to 10 years away.

Department of Energy to Fund Alternative Vehicle Technology   Fri, 25 May 2007 10:19:39 -0500
The U.S. Department of Energy announced it will provide $19 million in funds to develop plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Five research projects were selected to receive the funds, the Energy Department said Thursday. The goal is to advance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles. The money is being given as part of President Bush's Twenty in Ten plan to reduce U.S. gas consumption by 20 percent in 10 years.

Toronto Plugs Into Plug-In Car Trend   Thu, 24 May 2007 17:28:28 -0500
The Toronto Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Pilot Project, an initiative announced this morning by mayor David Miller, is to prove that hybrid vehicles, when equipped with larger batteries that can be charged from the grid, can operate in an urban setting on a single charge for more than 50 kilometres with little need for gasoline.

NYC Mayor Plans an All-Hybrid Taxi Fleet   Thu, 24 May 2007 10:06:06 -0500
In one strategy under PlaNYC - an initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030 - Mayor Bloomberg has called for the replacement of the city's iconic Crown Victoria with Hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and Highlander or the Ford Escape. In the last two years the city has added 375 such hybrids, a small dent in the city's taxi fleet of 13,000.

Potential Market for Plug-in Hybrids   Mon, 21 May 2007 14:27:31 -0500
A new study shows that when consumers understand what plug-in hybrids are, they want them.

GM Committing to Production of Volt Hybrid   Tue, 15 May 2007 17:08:30 -0500
General Motors is moving quickly to get the Chevrolet Volt out of the laboratory and into the showroom. Since the Volt's successful January debut as a concept car at the Detroit auto show, GM has taken major steps to develop a production version of the plug-in hybrid car. "We are doing the production engineering on the Chevrolet Volt," says Larry Burns, GM's vice president for r&d. "It is a formal product program within our company, just like the Chevrolet Malibu is a product program."

Google Foundation Awards Grant to Cal Cars   Thu, 10 May 2007 12:54:40 -0500
Google Foundation awarded California-based Cal Cars a $200,00 grant to continue its coordination, education and advocacy of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV's).

Iacocca Says Detroit Is Living in the Past   Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:26:36 -0500
The legendary former Chrysler CEO gave PHEV's a big nod when he declared Plug-In's the wave of the next five years. Listen to the NPR podcast and read the summary here.

Maverick Automaker Bricklin is Back -- With a Plug-In   Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:44:53 -0500
Thirty years ago Malcolm Bricklin founded an automobile-manufacturing enterprise that produced nearly 3,000 units of a gull-winged sports car called the Bricklin SV-1. The company quickly racked up more than $20 million in debt, folded, and receded into the annals of auto history. Now, the indefatigable auto entrepreneur has taken his ambitions to a new level with his latest goal of single-handedly creating a mass-market, plug-in, hybrid car industry.

Dept of Energy Gives Plug-In Initiative a Boost   Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:31:23 -0500
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it will provide up to $14 million in funding for a $28 million cost-shared solicitation by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery development. This research aims to find solutions to improving battery performance so vehicles can deliver up to 40 miles of electric range without recharging. This would include most roundtrip daily commutes.

Central Texas Clean Cities and Austin Energy Launch Electric Vehicle Rebate   Mon, 2 Apr 2007 12:14:17 -0500
Central Texas Clean Cities and Austin Energy launch innovative Electric Vehicle Rebate to help improve air quality and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Three Companies to Supply PHEVs to State of California   Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:14:17 -0500
Hymotion, A123Systems, and AeroVironment announced that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has awarded the companies a contract to provide 10 converted plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles (PHEVs). The South Coast AQMD PHEV program will evaluate and help identify a recommended PHEV-conversion method for the state of California.

Quantum Awarded Contract to Develop PHEVs   Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:57:26 -0500
California's South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) awarded Quantum a contarct to develop and demonstrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Quantum will develop, manufacture, and deploy 20 Ford Escape PHEVs for demonstration in Southern California.

Manatee County School District Receives Plug-in School Bus   Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:07:18 -0500
Two plug-in hybrid school buses (the first of their kind) were delivered to the Manatee County School District, in Florida. These are the first of 17 buses in 11 states that will join the Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project.

Toyota to Develop PHEV   Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:45:14 -0500
Toyota does not have specific plans to develop a plug-in, but wants is open to joining with other automakers in battery development for PHEVs.

GM Targets 2010 for Debut of Chevy Volt   Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:35:12 -0500
GM announced that the Chevy Volt aims to be in showroom floors by 2010.

Doggett to Offer Tax Incentives for PHEV Purchases   Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:38:20 -0500
Representative Lloyd Doggett, of Austin, filed a bill on Monday that would offer $3000 to $6150 in tax credits to people who purchase new plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Interview with Plug-in Bay Area Coordinator   Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:37:18 -0500
Jodie Van Horn, coordinator of Plug-in Bay Area in California, talks about plug-in hybrids and and the Plug-in Bay Area campaign.

Oilman Says Oil Production at Peak   Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:40:09 -0500
Texas Oilman, T. Boone Pickens, says that oil production is at, or near, its peak.

Tax Credits may be Offered for PHEVs   Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:32:08 -0500
Washington's increased interest in plug-in hybrids could lead to tax credits to offset the cost of buying a PHEV.

Xcel Energy Completes Study Showing Benefits of PHEVs   Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:00:23 -0500
Xcel Energy and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) completed a six-month study showing how an increase in PHEV use may affect Colorado. The study found that PHEVs may result in a reduction of the expense of owning a vehicle and eliminate harmful vehicle emissions by up to 50 percent, with the help of smart-grid technologies.

Florida School District to Get Plug-in School Buses   Wed, 21 Feb 2007 11:21:18 -0500
Next month, Manatee School District in Florida will get two plug-in hybrid school buses from IC Corporation. This is part of a 19 bus order placed by various public and private school bus companies in 11 states.

NREL Scientist Calls on Automakers and Utilities to Market and Develop Technology for Plug-ins   Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:38:36 -0500
Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Labs researcher, Peter Lilenthal, calls both on automakers to develop and market a PHEV and Utilities to develop Vehicle to Grid technology.

Austin Mayor and Council Members propose Climate Protection Plan   Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:25:16 -0500
Austin Mayor Will Wynn and City Council Members proposed a plan to cut carbon dioxide levels by 2020 while also calling for an increase in the use of renewable energy sources.

Scientists Conclude Global Warming 'Unequivocal'   Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:20:57 -0500
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports a link between human activity and global warming.

King County Announces Plan to Cut Greenhouse Gases   Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:34:06 -0500
King County executive, Ron Sims, announced a 30 year climate plan that focuses on transportation. He also announced that the County hopes to purchase 400 plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Volvo Announces Plans for Plug in Hybrid   Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:12:31 -0500
German auto website, Autobild, is reporting that Volvo is working on a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid with a similar powertrain design to the Chevy Volt concept unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in early January.

Automakers see budget shortfalls on alternative fuels   Tue, 06 Feb 2007 11:13:52 -0500
Bush's $2.9 trillion federal budget proposal offers automakers less than hoped for for plug-in hybrid battery research. Automakers lobbied for $500 million dollars over 5 years for battery research, but only received $81 million.

Minnesota Looks to be Leader in Plug-in Hybrid Technology   Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:44:02 -0500
A roundtable discussion was held at the University of Minnesota at St. Paul's to discuss the stake that Minnesota will have in plug-in hybrid vehicles.

PHEVs Plug Into Congressional Interest for Fuel Savings   Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:03:57 -0500
Congressional interest in PHEVs has grown exponentially as lawmakers seek solutions to global warming and dependence on foreign oil. A congressional briefing packed the room in Washington earlier this week. After one year, Plug in Partners has grown to over 500 partners ordering over 8,300 PHEVs. This article discusses how the Mayor and City Council of Austin helped make that happen.

GM Engineer Hypes Lithium Ion Batteries   Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:59:37 -0500
Nick Zielinski, Chief Engineer for the Chevy Volt hybrid, talks about the issues surrounding the integration of the Volt's gasoline engine and electric motor.

Ford Edge Follows GM Announcement   Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:22:09 -0500
Ford is now getting the word out that the Ford Edge crossover platform gives the company "the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology" and thus could easily use a small gasoline or downsized diesel engine in lieu of the fuel cell.

GM unveils details of prototype plug-in hybrid   Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:46:08 -0500
GM unveils plans for a plug-in hybrid vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. Forty mile all-electric range in four passenger vehicle touted as perfect for the average consumer.

Race for battery technology intensifies.   Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:28:12 -0500
With the announcement of GM's Volt leading the way, other automakers have raised the stakes for battery developers. This will speed up research and development of more affordable batteries. Can GM overtake the Japanese as a technology innovator? The Christian Science Monitor reports on the latest developments.

Plug-In Partners Reports on Recent Developments   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:05:36 -0500
Plug-In Partners coordinator Roger Duncan discusses GM’s announcement that the company will build a plug-in hybrid and reports on statements by automakers and battery developers at the late November EDTA conference in Washington.

U.S. Automakers Seek Help for Battery Technology   Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:48:08 -0500
U.S. Automakers will be asking Congress for help in developing advanced batteries and other technologies to help wean dependence on gasoline.

Former Reagan Defense Advisor touts Plug-In Hybrids   Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:24:12 -0500
Militarty.Com recently published a piece stressing the importance of reducing dependence on petroleum for our national security. The opinion piece was authored by Frank Gaffney, Jr., President of the Center for Security Policy. He argues that America must retool its automotive fleet to include flexible-fuel plug-in hybrids.

Enviro Groups Petition DOE to create PHEV Market   Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:16:39 -0500
Friends of the Earth and the Center for Biological Diversity today made a major push for plug-in hybrid electric cars, petitioning the Department of Energy to allow federal and state agencies to purchase plug-ins and count them as alternative-fuel vehicles under the Energy Policy Act. The move would create an instant market for these cars.

Ford Considering Plug-In Hybrids   Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:24:30 -0500
Ford Motor Company announces that it is considering plug-in hybirds but is not pursuing PHEVs as strongly as GM.

Plug-Ins Can Help the Electric Grid   Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:57:50 -0500
This MIT report shows how plug-in hybrids will help the electrical grid be more efficient. New power plants will not be needed and old plants will be used more efficiently with the widespread use of PHEVs.

Auto press abuzz about GM technology   Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:29:33 -0500
News sources ranging from the newspaper in Flint Michigan to the Green Car Congress disucuss details of GM's prototype PHEV.

GM details battery contracts and seeks more   Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:18:54 -0500
GM announced it has chosen two suppliers to provide batteries for their PHEVs. GM will be actively looking for more partners to bring lithium-ion technology to production. GM said it is actively pursuing new partnerships and is "fully committed to forging the necessary partnerships to produce battery solutions that will meet our aggressive vehicle program targets."

Entrepreneur enters plug-in hybrid race   Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:51:34 -0500
American entrepreneur hopes to provide PHEVs to American market by 2009. Promises cheaper, more efficient PHEVs than those of major auto manufacturers.

GM unveils plans for two types of PHEVs   Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:37:53 -0500
GM announced that it will be developing a "series" plug in hybird where the gas engine simply charges the battery that actually powers the car. For those who drive longer distances it will also be developing hybrid that develops power from both the engine and the electric motor.

GM and Ford announce Plug-in plans   Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:59:40 -0500
GM unveiled its plans for a prototype PHEV with a 40 mile all-electric range. Meanwhile Ford announced plans for a plug-in hybrid utilizing a more affordable fuel cell.

GM announces battery contracts for PHEVs   Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:05:16 -0500
The race is on! The company that can build the least-costly, most reliable battery for PHEVs will reap the benefits. GM announced two contracts for advanced batteries for its PHEV but also left the door open for anybody else who can fill the need.

Plug-in Hybrids, Ethanol, Biodiesel Top Year in Energy   Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:40:54 -0500
MIT reviews energy developments in 2006. Topping the list is the use of biodiesel, ethanol, and electricity to power cars. Battery development and the lowered cost of solar power also point to a bright future for vehicles run off the wind and sun.

MIT discusses Plug in Hybrids   Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:51:54 -0500
MIT's Technology Review discusses how plug in hybrids can slash gasoline consumption and help make renewable energy sources more practical. The article describes research from MIT and the National Renewable Energy Lab.

GM to build Plug-in Hybrid   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:50:13 -0500
General Motors announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it will build a plug-in hybrid . Other companies respond.

U.S. Electric Grid Ready and Able to Charge Plug-in Hybrids   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 10:47:01 -0500
Scientific American reports on study that finds U.S. electric grid ready and able to charge plug-in hybrids. PHEVs will not require construction of new power plants.

Senator Bayh and others urge funding for PHEVs   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:15:06 -0500
U.S. Senator Evan Bayh sent a letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman Friday urging him to support the development of fuel-efficient Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Joined by a bipartisan coalition of 17 Senate colleagues, Bayh called for at least $90 million to encourage PHEVs.

GM, Nissan, and Toyota looking at Plug-in Hybrids   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:08:07 -0500
Three automakers discuss their plans for PHEVS.

Nation's Largest Auto Seller Wants Plug Ins   Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:59:23 -0500
AutoNation, the largest auto dealer chain in the U.S. has announced that its customers can place "soft" orders for plug in hybrids at any of its 272 dealerships throughout the nation. AutoNation CEO, Mike Jackson wants to sell the cars because people want to buy them.

New York Converting to Plug-in Hybrids   Tue, 19 Dec 2006 10:18:20 -0500
New York Governor unveils first of many state vehicles to be converted to plug in hybrids. Converting state fleet to PHEVS a core part of New York's $10 million plan to reduce dependence on foreign oil and reduce air pollution.

PHEVs can help Renewables   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:30:51 -0500
This article discusses how PHEVs can help renewable energy displace the need for coal plants. PHEVs can store wind or solar generated electricity and provide it on demand using Vehicle to Grid technology.

Study Shows Strong Consumer Interest in PHEVs   Tue, 02 Jan 2007 15:06:26 -0500
A market research study found that 49% of potential car buyers would consider a plug in hybrid car or truck.

Unions and Utility partner up for Plug-ins   Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:40:41 -0500
Mayor Menino of Boston announced plans to purchase 200 Plug in Hybrids. He is joined by the local investor owned utility and the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers who have teamed up to promote plug in hybrids.

Plug-In Partners National Campaign Media Advisory   Tue, 24 Oct 2006 13:31:20 -0500
Press release officially kicking off the Plug-in Partners National Campaign

How will the car of the future be powered?   Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:28:49 GMT
The LA Times ran an article about plug-in hybrids that asks "How will the car of the future be powered?" and states, the most compelling arguments suggest that the car of the future will use a technology that already exists and doesn't require a new retail infrastructure: the plug-in hybrid."

Electro Energy's Plug-in Prius   Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:44:47 GMT
The New York Times ran an article about Electro Energy's Plug-in Prius, the prototype developed in partnership with the California Cars Initiative, and the attention plug-in hybrids are getting from campaigns like Plug-In Partners (4/2/06 nytimes.com)

Minnesota seeks to revitalize St. Paul's Ford Plant   Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:32:58 GMT
Minnesota lawmakers introduce a bill they hope will lead to the production of plug-ins and revitalize St. Paul's Ford Motor Co. plant:

Dr. Andrew Frank interview   Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:00:55 GMT
Washington Technology interviewed Dr. Andrew Frank, who mentioned the launch of Plug-in Partners.

Austin Energy to help fund plug-in hybrid school bus (9/6/06 austinenergy.com)

The Economist publishes a detailed report on plug-ins (6/8/06 economist.com)

The City of Phoenix makes its announcement joining the campaign, urging support for plug-in vehicles (6/2/06 phoenix.gov)

From Dallas/Fort Worth's WFAA.com, ran the Associated Press article, Scientists urge federal support for plug-in hybrids that includes comments by Roger Duncan, deputy general manager of Austin Energy (5/19/06 wfaa.com, [AP]

The LA Times ran an article about plug-in hybrids that asks "How will the car of the future be powered?" and states, "... the most compelling arguments suggest that the car of the future will use a technology that already exists and doesn't require a new retail infrastructure: the plug-in hybrid." (4/29/06 latimes.com)

The New York Times ran an article about Electro Energy's Plug-in Prius— the prototype developed in partnership with the California Cars Initiative, and the attention plug-in hybrids are getting from campaigns like Plug-In Partners (4/2/06 nytimes.com)

Minnesota lawmakers introduce a bill they hope will lead to the production of plug-ins and revitalize St. Paul's Ford Motor Co. plant: (3/22/06 startribune.com) and (3/24/06 twincities.com)

Renewable Energy Access published an article by Dr. Andrew Frank of the UC Davis Hybrid Electric Vehicle Group, in which he discusses the new focus for the future of transportation and the efforts of Austin Energy (Plug-In Partners), EPRI, and CalCars (3/6/06 renewableenergyaccess.com)

Washington Technology interviewed Dr. Andrew Frank, who mentioned the launch of Plug-in Partners (2/13/06 washingtontechnology.com)

Environmental Magazine reported on the formation of the coalition, included the Plug-In Partners logo, and named several Plug-In Partner cities (2/1/06 emagazine.com)

The Economist wrote about the Plug-In Partners campaign launch, mentioning Austin Energy as the campaign pioneer, and the petition to gather signatures (1/26/06 economist.com, subscription required for full article)

Edmunds ran a story on plug-ins, including a slideshow of pictures with a plug-in Toyota Prius (1/26/06 edmunds.com)

AutoWeek mentioned the January 24 press conference in their article about Ford Motor Co. unveiling a flexible fuel hybrid Escape SUV (1/26/06 autoweek.com)

Wall Street Journal ran a feature on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, quoting Dr. Andrew Frank of the UC Davis Hybrid Electric Vehicle Group, and noting the launch of Plug-in Partners (1/25/06 wsj.com)

Los Angeles Times reported on the January 24 press conference and mentioned California cities participation (1/25/06 latimes.com)

Minneapolis Star Tribune carried a story on the Plug-In Partners campaign launch and featured local support (1/25/06 startribune.com)

The Daily Texan (1/25/06 dailytexanonline.com) ran a story and the Austin Chronicle (1/27/06 austinchronicle.com) mentioned Austin Mayor Will Wynn’s involvement in the effort

KVUE Austin, Texas news covered the national campaign launch (1/25/06 kvue.com)

Automotive World ran an article (subscription) about the Plug-In Partners Coalition (1/25/06 awknowledge.com)

EV World feature, with photos of the campaign launch event, list of Plug-In Partners, and MP3 audio clips (1/24/06 evworld.com)

EV World cites MSNBC’s online poll and solicits reader comments regarding support for the Plug-In Partners strategy (1/24/06 evworld.com)

Business Wire distributed a news release nationally, referenced on dozens of news web sites (1/24/06 home.businesswire.com)

Autoblog.com ran a short story with the Plug-In Partners logo (1/24/06 autoblog.com) and British news Channel 4 ran the same piece (1/26/06 channel4.com)

The Auto Channel story covers the campaign kick-off, quoting Austin, Texas Mayor Will Wynn, Dr. Andy Frank of the UC-Davis Hybrid Electric Research Group, Frank Gaffney of the Center for National Security Policy, and other press conference speakers (1/24/06 theautochannel.com)

Motor Trend Magazine and the American International Auto Dealers Association carried a Plug-In news release (1/24/06 motortrend.com)

MSNBC story “Cities to Seek Plug-in Hybrids” (1/23/06 msnbc.com)

MSNBC is running an online poll asking if cities should offer incentives for plug-ins; 83% voting yes (1/23/06 msnbc.com)

The U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program (1/19/06 eere.energy.gov), Renewable Energy Access (1/23/06 renewableenergyaccess.com), the Rainforest Action Network (1/16/06 ran.org), and JumpstartFord (1/16/06 jumpstartford.com) all carried the media briefing announcement

Other media coverage has included a NBC-TV 4 in Washington consumer report piece (1/24/06), and ABC’s Ahead of the Curve segment with UC-Davis Hybrid Electric Vehicle Group Director Dr. Andrew Frank (1/25/06)