How do you measure a Plug-In Hybrid vehicle's mileage?

I read a Motor Trend News blog entry recently, discussing problems the EPA and General Motors are having with each other over the forthcoming Chevy Volt. This car is revolutionary for the traveling public, not because it's never been done before (it has), and not because they invented the idea (they didn't), but because they are finally going where so many people have been asking car manufacturers to go for so long. This will be our first mass-market electric vehicle to come equipped with a fossil-fueled generator to extend the range of the vehicle.

That's great, so what's the problem?

The EPA wants to measure the Volt's MPG in a manner different to the way GM would like them to. I think they both have valid points, and I think that neither is entirely correct.

For those of you who don't know, a Plug-In Hybrid vehicle can have just as varied a set of powertrains as a Hybrid vehicle can, but the difference is that the Plug-In has been optimized for recharging its batteries by use of a power cord plugged in to your house or other place of business, and then using that same electricity as long as possible before tapping a different source of energy to continue driving, allowing you to run exclusively on electricity for as long as possible.

What this means is that the Chevy Volt could possibly handle your entire daily commute and a few errands without using a single drop of gas. That's what GM wants you to know (and that it gets 100MPG!!!). It also means that if you don't remember to plug your car in over night, you might need to tap into your gas reserves the next day. That's what the EPA wants you to know (which could drop it as LOW as 48MPG).

I believe that both sets of numbers have significant meaning, and should be used with newly defined standards that highlight the capabilities of this type of car, otherwise the consumer will be getting the wool pulled over their eyes (and that would be a story for another blog).

Maybe we need to take a vehicle's range into account more than we have been. Something like: Look, if you only need to go 40 miles and your car is all charged up, you won't use any gas, and if you need to go 400 miles and your gas tank is full, then you won't need to get MORE gas on the way. Sure, you can also go a few nights without needing to plug it in as well. Oh yeah, don't forget to check your electric bill see if you are saving any money, okay? Thanks!!!

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