Plug in Hybrids: Don't they require fossil fuels for their electricity?

The argument often made against PHEVs is that because they need to be plugged in they are not as "green" as other possibilities. This is true - they do require electricity which right now is generated using fossil fuels such as coal.

However, there are three reasons why this type of pollution is not nearly as harmful or destructive as regular gas burning cars.

First, phevs produce pollution at the single point where the electricity is generated. This kind of pollution is much easier to manage, especially compared to pollution that moves around on millions of tail pipes. Newer power plants that capture or filter pollutants are replacing those that are being retired. In addition, green power plants that use wind or solar or other forms of renewable energy are becoming more possible.

Second, the per mile "cost" in pollution generated or fossil fuel burned for a phev is much less than the per mile equivalents for gas burning cars.

Third, PHEVs can be made to charge using wind-generated electricity which is currently the most effective and available green power. This kind of power is most available overnight, at the same time plug in hybrids need to be recharged.

It becomes obvious as you know more that plug in hybrids may be the bridge that leads us to truly zero emission technology. Phevs have that potential and they are currently being commercialized.