The power of plugging in
With oil prices reaching new highs and concerns about global warming continuing to grow, carmakers are planning to equip gas-electric hybrids with advanced batteries that can be charged overnight from ordinary electrical sockets. How many miles per gallon are such "plug-in hybrids" expected to run?
A. 25
B. 40
C. 100
D. 500
C. 100 is correct
The next generation of hybrid cars is expected to run on lithium-ion batteries, which can provide two to three times more power and weigh 50 percent less than today's nickel-metal-hydride batteries. If drivers regularly recharge their batteries at home, such plug-ins may get well over 100 miles per gallon.
Hybrids designed to use biofuels such as E85, a fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, could someday get an astounding 500 miles to the gallon.
The existing US auto fleet averages about 25 miles per gallon, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. The gas-electric hybrids
The Globalist Quiz is produced by The Globalist, a Washington research organization that promotes awareness of world affairs. © 2008 The Globalist, theglobalist.com.
