[theBuckwheat]

Let me add that electric utilities, particularly in the northeast US burn oil because of the emissions restrictions. To the extent that recharging the batteries in an electric vehicle requires the utility to pump more oil into the boiler at the power plant, the car does indeed burn oil.

To a great extent, electricity in this country is fungible, even more so than hydrocarbon fuels are. Increasing the demand on the electric grid to recharge vehicle batteries will indeed increase the amount of coal, natural gas and oil that is consumed by utilities.

Environmentalists love to lecture the country that we are not "paying the full price" of oil, yet they refuse to recognize the "full price" to the environment for electric and hybrid vehicles. I say disclose the full price and let the consumer make an informed choice. Enviros would rather just make the choice for everyone.

[thackney]

Let me add that electric utilities, particularly in the northeast US burn oil because of the emissions restrictions.

In the US 3.6 percent of electricity is generated by petroleum products. In the Northeast (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT) is 9.1%.

Annual Electric Generator Report by State from 1990 to 2004, EIA.

[Publius6961]

Let me add that electric utilities, particularly in the northeast US burn oil because of the emissions restrictions. To the extent that recharging the batteries in an electric vehicle requires the utility to pump more oil into the boiler at the power plant, the car does indeed burn oil.

One fact never mentioned is the transmission losses for electricity.
The last figure I remember is 50%.
Nothing has happened in the last 10 years to change that number.

That means that for every kilowatt used by a consumer, a kilowatt is wasted as heat.