What’s this all about?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which can average more than 100 miles per gallon and one cent per mile, represent one of the most viable near-term solutions for substantially reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and our nation’s dependence on oil. Several automakers have expressed an interest in plug-ins, but none are manufacturing them as yet. The reason? Automakers say battery costs are too high. Battery makers say they need volume orders to reduce the cost. A classic “catch-22.”

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is trying to break this logjam by enlisting 100+ Silicon Valley citizens willing to convert a Toyota Prius for themselves or for their company.

The goal is to draw public attention to the benefits of using electricity for transportation, cascade this grassroots effort throughout the nation, and help drive down battery costs to accelerate commercial introduction of these vehicles.

More on PHEVs and batteries...