Hybrid Car Review

If you're in North Carolina and are interested in plug-in hybrid technology, you can see one at the NC State Fair from October 20-24. The plug-in Toyota Prius is part of the SMARTT Challenge mobile classroom exhibit.

The plug-in Prius is making the rounds on behalf of NC Public Power. It has already been seen in Clayton, Rocky Mount, Gastonia, and Albemarle. After the fair, it will go on to visit Morganton, Newton, Lumberton, Tarboro, Wake Forest and be part of the Raleigh Christmas Parade.

"We're excited to provide the opportunity to showcase plug-in electric hybrid technology to NC Public Power communities," said Jesse Tilton, CEO of ElectriCities, the organization responsible for the vehicle. "Throughout 2008 and into 2009, the vehicle will be on display across North Carolina, participating in energy education fairs and hometown parades, all with the goal of educating our customers about how this technology can help reduce dependency on foreign oil and help us be kinder to the environment."

Electricities is part of the Plug-in Partners National Campaign.

The plug-in Prius is a modified 2008 Prius with a larger battery pack installed. The engines are the same, but drivers can get up to 100 mpg. The Prius can run on all electric power up to 35 mph, after that the gas and electric motors work together to power the vehicle. You can plug in the car at a normal 120V, 15A household outlet. It takes about six hours to charge the battery.

The estimated operational cost per mile on electricity for the NC Public Power plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is 2.4 cents, assuming $0.12/kWH. Operational cost per mile on gasoline for a standard Prius is 8 cents, assuming a gasoline cost of $4/gallon and fuel mileage of 50 miles per gallon.