Bringing Plug-In Hybrid Cars to the Midwest

What are PHEVs?

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a type of car that has both an internal combustion engine and batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an external electric power source. Unlike their hybrid counterparts, PHEVs are able to drive in an electric-only mode. After the PHEV reaches the end of its all-electric range (AER), the gasoline engine provides power to the wheels.

Why PHEVs?

Fuel Savings: Because the cost for electricity to power plug-in hybrids is much lower than the cost of gasoline, PHEV owners could save over $1,200 per year in gasoline costs. Financial incentives for charging during off-peak times could lower costs even more.

Location Matters: Compared to conventional vehicles, PHEVs can reduce air pollution, dependence on petroleum and fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.  The benefits of plug-in electric vehicles vary according to when and how the electricity is generated.

The environmental benefits of PHEVs are smaller if the electricity used to charge vehicles is generated with fossil fuels, and larger if generated with no or low-carbon fuel sources like solar & nuclear power and particularly wind energy.

In areas with substantial wind and nuclear power, surplus energy may be available at night to charge plug-in vehicles. Overall demand is lowest at night, and many nuclear plants that currently “run negative” at night, meaning that the cost of generating the power exceeds the selling price. Strong winds are common at night, when electric demand is lowest.

PHEVs will support a clean and efficient electrical grid

An off-peak vehicle charging rate would offer consumers a monetary incentive to charge up while electricity demand is low and coal-fired power plants are in the “off” position.  On-site solar power could be used to power public vehicle charging stations, ensuring that additional daytime demand from PHEVs is served by the sun, rather than old, inefficient coal plants.

As smart grid communication systems evolve, plug-in vehicle batteries will have a two-way charging relationship with the power grid.  Battery storage for wind and solar power, zero-carbon back-up power, and fast-response grid regulation services of “vehicle to grid” technology can reduce the need for construction of new coal-fired power plants while offering financial benefits for both consumers and utilities.

ELPC’s Advocacy

ELPC is working to promote policies that will create a smart and strategic integration of plug-in vehicles, focusing on areas where low-cost, low-carbon electricity is available to make PHEVs part of the solution to global warming.

The first area we are focusing on is Northern Illinois.  Illinois is home to the third largest metropolitan area in the nation and among the top ten states for new registrations of gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles.

With several nuclear plants and growing wind power resources available, especially at night, the charging scenario in Northern Illinois is optimal. ELPC is working to promote off-peak charging, solar public charging stations and other programs that will maximize the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Learn More

Watch ELPC’s Webinar on Plug-in Hybrid Strategies for Reducing Pollution

Greening Chicago’s Restaurants

Chicago has long been known for its great restaurants, wide variety of cuisines and local favorites. More recently the city has earned a reputation for being one of the greenest cities in America. The time is ripe for Chicago restaurants to “go green.” Chicago’s restaurant industry has untapped potential for greener practices and policies that can have a significant impact on this business sector’s impacts on the environment. With its Green Restaurants Program, the Environmental Law & Policy Center is working to help restaurants “green” their practices to create a healthier environment for staff and patrons.

To learn the ways you can green your restaurant, visit ELPC’s GreenRestaurants.org site.

Promoting Green Architecture

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. Breakthroughs in building science, technology and operations are available to designers, builders and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.

Doing energy efficiency “right” at the new construction and major rehab stage is by far the most cost-effective time to make these pro-environmental and energy cost reduction investments. This is the single most important policy step that a state can take to increase energy efficiency in buildings and reduce pollution through avoided electric power and natural gas use.

ELPC waged a successful public advocacy campaign for energy efficiency building codes in Illinois. In 2004, The Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Energy Efficient Commercial Building Act, HB 4099 requires all new construction or substantial rehab of existing buildings to meet energy efficiency standards established by the International Energy Conservation Code. It covers all commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential properties.

In 2009, the General Assembly passed HB 3987 that amends the energy efficient building code to include all residential and commercial buildings.

ELPC’s own eco-office is a case study of how environmental protection and economic development go hand-in-hand.

Learn more about the benefits of building green.

Improving the Environment and Promoting Economic Growth

At the Environmental Law & Policy Center, we are helping to build growing markets for recycled paper, environmentally preferable building products and products that combat global warming. ELPC finds solutions that demonstrate how environmental preservation and economic development can be achieved together. In doing so, we continue to work with our colleagues around the Midwest to preserve our ecological treasures for future generations. We are public interest entrepreneurs who engage in creative business deal-making that puts into practice our belief that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together.