Keeping up with the Jones: Another utility to test plug-in hybrids

Where's the cars?

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. will now join the growing list of utilities testing plug-in hybrid vehicles on the electric grid. While these kinds of feasibility studies are needed and important, it almost feels as if these announcements are more about P.R. than reality. Buzz and hype.

Every major automaker claims that plug-in hybrids are 5 to 10 years away from mass-produced reality. Inevitably, it's not just the effect plug-ins will have upon the grid that requires study, its the long term reliability of such vehicles in the real world hands of numerous consumers in numerous driving conditions that most concerns automakers.