Meeting the energy needs of the future requires a balanced solution, one that includes innovative and environmentally responsible projects like plug-in hybrid vehicles. This cutting-edge technology greatly increases fuel economy - up to 100 miles per gallon, while reducing emissions. View more information about plug-in hybrid vehicles in this resource document and in the text below.

Progress Energy Carolinas first plug-in hybrid vehicle will reduce mobile emissions while getting up to 100 miles per gallon.

Progress Energy Carolinas recently added a specially designed plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius to its fleet. The plug-in Prius is similar to standard hybrid vehicles, but can run twice as long with fewer emissions due to an enhanced battery pack capable of charging by plugging the car into any standard electric socket.

As part of Progress Energy's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, the company partnered with Raleigh-based Advanced Energy and Advanced Vehicle Research Center to convert its hybrid Prius into a plug-in vehicle that will reduce mobile emissions while getting up to 100 miles per gallon.

The plug-in Prius is charged at night when the demand for electricity is lower and is ready to run when the workday starts. In the coming months, the plug-in Prius will travel across Progress Energy's service area to shows and events to promote this new technology. The car's performance will be closely evaluated to determine future plug-in opportunities and applications for the company's fleet.

Progress Energy and Advanced Energy recently sponsored one of the nation’s first plug-in hybrid electric school buses for the Wake County, N.C., school system.

Plug-in hybrid school bus

The same advanced technology is being used in the nation's first plug-in hybrid electric school bus sponsored by Progress Energy and Advanced Energy for Wake County, N.C. This revolutionary school bus can double fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by up to 90 percent.

The new bus is part of a nationwide initiative called the Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project. It was built by IC Corporation, the largest manufacturer of school buses in the country, and Enova Systems, a leading provider of hybrid drive systems. Through a buyer's consortium of school districts, state energy agencies and student transportation providers, a total of 19 plug-in hybrid buses will be awarded throughout the country this year as part of this project.

Visit hybridschoolbus.org for more information.

Low-emission hybrid bucket truck

Progress Energy is taking its efforts for cleaner air and big fuel savings to the streets - with high-efficiency, low-emission hybrid bucket trucks. In 2007, Progress Energy Carolinas purchased two of these trucks, produced by International Truck and Engine Corporation, and plans to add three more soon. Using a hybrid electric drive unit that operates in parallel with a conventional diesel engine, these vehicles can save up toe 1,000 gallons of fuel annually. These vehicles will also be monitored to track their lowered greenhouse gas emissions. Look for these 'green' bucket trucks coming soon to a street near you.