Google gets behind plug-in hybrid autos

Google gets behind plug-in hybrid autos

Internet search company Google hopes to speed the development of plug-in hybrid cars by giving away millions of dollars to people and companies that have what appear to be practical ways to get plug-ins to market faster.

The money, announced at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., this week, totals $1 million so far with an additional $10 million pledged, which might not be enough to move the needle. Though automakers are tight-lipped about what they spend, bringing a plug-in hybrid to market could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Google won't build and sell hybrid electrics but will focus "on accelerating their development through research, testing and investment," says Dan Reicher of Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm.

General Motors is the only major automaker that has announced specific plans to market plug-in vehicles, as soon as 2010. "We applaud them for the investment in plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies," says Brian Corbett of GM. "Every little bit helps."

The federal government plans to spend $28 million on plug-in component research in fiscal 2008, he says.

Plug-in hybrids have bigger-capacity batteries than regular gasoline-electric hybrids. That means they go farther using just the battery-powered electric motor before they need to switch on the gasoline engine for more power or to recharge the batteries. Plug-ins, as the name implies, can be recharged by plugging them into normal household current, trimming even more the need for the engine.

Other automakers are researching plug-in hybrids, and some individuals and companies are modifying hybrids into plug-in vehicles. Google says it has a small fleet of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids modified into plug-ins and is recording more than 70 miles per gallon, compared with 41 mpg from its ordinary Prius hybrids.

Google.org announced six grants Monday of $100,000 to $200,000, totaling $1.05 million. The projects include advocating for and educating about plug-ins and promoting their research, design and development.

This summer, Google.org will request proposals for an additional $10 million for continued work on developing hybrids, batteries and other storage technologies and the application of renewable energy and fuels to vehicles.

source : indystar.gns.gannett.com