Plug-in Hybrids

A politically polarized America is coming together over a new kind of car - the plug-in hybrid that will save drivers money, reduce pollution, and increase U.S. security by reducing dependence on imported oil.

Plug-in Hybrids points out that, whereas hydrogen fuel-cell cars won't be ready for decades, the technology for plug-in hybrids exists today. Unlike conventional hybrid cars which can't run without gasoline, plug-in hybrids use gasoline or cheaper, cleaner, domestic electricity - or both. Although not yet for sale, demand for plug-in hybrids is widespread, coming from characters across the political spectrum, such as:

• Chelsea Sexton, the automotive insider: working for General Motors, Sexton fought attempts to destroy the all-electric EV1 car and describes how car companies are resisting plug-in hybrids -- and why they'll make them anyway.
• Felix Kramer and the tech squad: Kramer started a non-profit organization using the Internet to tap into a small army of engineers who built the first plug-in Prius hybrids.
• R. James Woolsey, former CIA director and national security hawk: seeing the end of oil supplies looming, Woolsey is demanding plug-in hybrids to wean us from petroleum.

Cautioning that the oil and auto companies know how to undermine the success of plug-in car programs to protect their interests, the book gives readers tools to ensure that plug-in hybrids get to market - and stay here.