Dominion Adds Hybrid Vehicles to Fleet

Dominion is operating two hybrid bucket trucks that use battery power both for driving and for operating the bucket. The truck's diesel engine provides power to recharge the batteries and run far less often than that of a standard truck, producing lower emissions and less noise.Dominion Virginia Power is taking steps to reduce vehicle emissions, conserve fossil fuel and contribute to quieter on-location work environments by adding hybrids to its vehicle fleet.

The company is adding plug-in electric hybrid cars and hybrid-powered bucket trucks to a fuel-diverse fleet that includes vehicles powered by natural gas and by biofuel.

• View our news release for full details.

The performance of the plug-in hybrids is being monitored electronically.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Idaho National Laboratories will analyze the data as part of a larger study in conjunction with DOE’s study of modified hybrid vehicles.

Toyota Prius hybrids Two Toyota Prius hybrids have been equipped with additional high-technology batteries that significantly increase fuel efficiency by providing up to a 30-mile, battery-only driving range under average operating conditions.

Dominion will use the information to assess and prepare to meet any additional demand for electricity caused by the growing popularity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Images

View a video and high-resolution images of our hybrid vehicles:

• Video of Dominion hybrids
• Prius hybrid - photo 1
• Prius hybrid - photo 2
• Hybrid bucket truck - photo 1
• Hybrid bucket truck - photo 2
• Both Dominion hybrids
   

More About Hybrids

Typical hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have a gasoline engine that is assisted by a battery-powered electric motor. The battery in a hybrid is charged by recapturing energy from braking and deceleration.

In a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a different battery is added to the HEV system. The battery is charged only from an external source – by plugging in. The battery supplements the electrical storage capability of the original HEV battery.

Once a hybrid is converted to a PHEV, and when the car is plugged in, only the newly installed battery is charged. The battery drains while the car is driven, assisting the gas engine and often replacing it entirely. Plug-in hybrids use more electric power from the battery for driving and therefore consume less gasoline.

Range for a converted PHEV

Under typical driving and road conditions the high capacity battery will provide electrical driving assistance for up to 30 miles from a single charge. Over those 30 miles you may see fuel economy of up to 100 mpg in either the city or on the highway, depending greatly on your driving style, terrain and road conditions.

Battery depletion and recharging

After the battery is fully depleted, the PHEV behaves like the original factory hybrid until the battery is recharged by plugging it in. This prevents any chance of becoming stranded. The battery can be recharged when convenient.

The battery will take approximately 5 hours to recharge on a standard 110V or 120V household outlet. The cost to recharge fully depleted batteries depends upon local electricity pricing and delivery charges and whether or not variable metering is available. On average, the battery will cost less than $0.50 for a full charge.

Free Recharging Stations

Dominion Virginia Power and the Commonwealth of Virginia have partnered to install complimentary electric vehicle charging stations at certain state rest areas. (>> Details )
 

Fleet Overview

Dominion Virginia Power's new hybrid trucks and all on-road diesel trucks operate on a blend of 80 percent diesel fuel and 20 percent biofuel produced in Virginia from soy. The company uses approximately 1.7 million gallons of biofuel per year in 783 trucks.

Dominion’s natural gas utilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio operate approximately 300 natural gas-fueled cars and trucks and will be expanding this fleet in 2009.