Major New Study Confirms Significant Environmental Benefits of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

A new study offers important evidence that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can be a significant component of the national effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the head of Edison International (NYSE:EIX) said today.

“The study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is significant because it affirms through a systematic, conservative analysis looking at total environmental effects that the widespread use of plug-in hybrids would improve air quality and substantially reduce U.S.-generated greenhouse gas emissions,” said John E. Bryson, chairman and chief executive officer of Edison International.

EPRI and NRDC partnered to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts that occur when plug-in hybrids shift emissions from the tailpipe to the smokestack. One of the key findings is that widespread adoption of plug-in hybrids could reduce annual emissions of greenhouse gases from vehicles by more than 450 million metric tons by 2050, the equivalent of removing 82 million passenger cars, or one-third of today’s light duty cars and trucks, from the road.

“Electricity is the only alternative transportation fuel with a national infrastructure already built and connected to every garage,” Bryson said. “With the support of the public, we believe someday millions of Americans will fill up their vehicles at the plug instead of the pump, saving money and improving the environment.”