So the talk is about plug-in hybrids, the next step in vehicle technology to help us achieve energy independence.

Are plug-in hybrids possible?  You betcha’.

Here is Dr. Andrew Frank, from Universtiy of California, Davis, describing a plug-in hybrid suburban built by undergraduate college students (they build a new one every year).

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-1-v-9.html

Why aren’t the big car companies selling plug-in hybrids already?  The claim is that they are waiting for new technology like lithium ion batteries.  But the people at Plug-in America are already converting their Toyota Prius cars to plug-ins.  These cars use the current nickel metal hydride batteries, and they work fine.

http://www.pluginamerica.org/

There are technical issues with plug-in hybrids, but they can be overcome.  Just check out what the college students do every year at UC Davis.  General Motors and Toyota are both racing to be first to bring a plug-in hybrid to market.  GM is asking for tax credits to make the Chevrolet Volt ($40,000.00 plus) more affordable.

http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4227944.html

To answer the question about bridge or empty promise, here is the Endependence take.  Unless the mileage for plug-in hybrids is in the 70 - 100 mpg range, it would be better to concentrate our efforts on full electric vehicles.  A bridge that doesn’t span the gap of our energy dependence isn’t worth building.