What experience does BGE have with Plug-in Electric Vehicles?
BGE has a number of factory hybrid electric vehicles that have been converted to plug-in hybrid electric capability. The conversions give the cars greater all electric drive capability by adding additional storage battery capacity and a charger. We have two models, the Prius and the Ford Escape. For the Prius, the conversion to plug-in hybrid electric added up to 30 to 40 miles of electric drive range. It also increased overall mileage (mpg) from about 48 mpg to 62 or more. For the Ford Escape, the conversion added up to 25 – 30 miles range and increased overall mileage by 20% or more. When the auxiliary batteries are depleted, the car returns to standard hybrid operation. The additional batteries recharge by plugging into a standard 120 volt outlet. In everyday use, BGE has seen a 20% or better improvement in overall miles per gallon efficiency in our vehicles, meaning significantly less fuel used and reduced emissions from the tailpipes.
