Coalition plugging hybrid car

WASHINGTON — Plugging a car into a garage wall is the wave of the future, according to a new coalition that hopes to convince auto companies to build newer and better hybrids.

The "Plug-in Partners" Coalition kicked off a national campaign Tuesday with a plan to issue quarterly reports to automakers showing the need — and willingness by consumers to buy — an electric car that can be recharged by plugging it into a regular wall socket.

The cars would still use regular gas for longer trips in between charges, but would help reduce emissions and reliance on gasoline for trips less than 25 miles.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, wants to see the plug-in hybrids developed.

"We have proven that battery electric vehicles are technologically feasible, and that hybrid electric vehicles are very marketable," Hatch said in remarks prepared for the coalition's kickoff. "By combining the popularity of hybrid electric vehicles with the added environmental and energy benefits of a battery electric technology, we may very well be able to produce a silver bullet for our nation's transportation needs."

Congress approved Hatch's Clean Efficient Automobiles Resulting from Advanced Car Technologies Act in a major energy bill last year. It created tax credits to those who buy alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, such as battery electric and hybrid cars as well as tax incentives for new alternative fuel stations and the use of alternative fuels in vehicles.

In Utah, the public power utilities, Brigham City Corp., Heber Light & Power, and Murray City Power have all signed on as partner, according to the coalition. This means they support the idea of using plug-in cars and will try to develop a rebate program or other incentives for people to use them once they would come on the market.

The coalition also encourage utilities and other business to commit to using plug-in cars for vehicle fleets, such as company cars, vans and trucks if they were to be available at the right price.

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