Austin, Texas, Still Campaigns for Plug-In Electric Vehicles

Will Austin, Texas, make a full transition to Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles? That is a major question put forth by the Austin City Council. According to Austinenergy.com, the Austin City Council is the leading supporter of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEV's.

As "Going Green" is the next big trend in agriculture and construction, there is also a growing concern for changing our vehicles into more energy efficient machines that are good for the environment, the economy, and good for the consumers pocket books. Will Austin make the full change first?

Because of the rising cost of gas prices we must do more than consider our alternatives as a viable option for local Austin consumers. However, at this stage in the economy with foreclosures on the rise is purchasing a Plug-In Play Vehicles feasible for most consumers to purchase?

This is what the Austin City Council hopes to achieve. Austin is a part of a national campaign called, "Plug-In Partners." Austin City Council hopes that Austin will continue to be a leading runner in the use of PHEV's for the environment and economy.

Many businesses across Texas like, Barley Pfeiffer Architects and Capital Spectrum have joined Austin and other Plug-In Partners. The major plan is that Austin, Texas continues to set the example for other cities across the United States by consumers purchasing PHEV's.

According to an internet article at Tree Hugger found at http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/08/plug-in_hybrid.php by Michael Graham Richard in August 23, 2005 it stated, "Pollution is easier to manage at a central point such as the stacks of power plants rather than from millions of vehicle tail pipes." This statement is in response to the question if Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle plants will create more pollution by powering PHEV's.

Gas carbon gas emissions are still a major concern for all of us, because of the depletion of the ozone layer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/index.html Carbon Dioxide CO2 is released during the burning of fossil fuels, natural gases and oil and coal. Carbon Dioxide is a leading cause of Ozone related pollution.

This is why it is important that Austin, Texas consumers consider purchasing a PHEV, because it will lower these emissions by using less gas.

According to one consumer named Angelic Hall a PHEV would be feasible for her families economic pocket, "As long as it will meet all of my needs." Hall said that the PHEV must be a family sized vehicle, since she has a husband and two children and a large extended family.

She said it would also depend upon how many times she would have to plug the PHEV in, and if there would be convenient locations available where she travels. Hall is 31 and travels several times a month for work, as a death-blind specialists for the State of Texas, and the average cost to fill up her Chevy Venture van is over $70.

According to the Plug-In Partners website found at http://www.pluginpartners.com/ "Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are outfitted with a battery pack sufficient to power the vehicle from 20 to 60 miles on battery charge alone." Also, they state that it would cost the consumer and average of $1 to use the PHEV power outlets.

"How many people does it hold?" is another question Hall would consider before actually purchasing a Plug-In Electric vehicle.

Where can you purchase a PHEV in Austin, Texas? Try these websites http://www.electriccarsofaustin.com/inventory.cfml?type2=NEW%20Electric%20Vehicles

http://www.eaaev.org/eaalinks.html