Michigan Grants $5 Million to Study PHEVs

The state of Michigan granted a $5 million award to the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute, GM and DTE Energy Company to study plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) through July 31, 2010.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), an agency within the state’s Department of Labor & Economic Growth oversees the funding. The Commission made an appeal for automakers, customer advocates, electric companies and the public to help them in their pilot program.

As part of the study, the researchers will look into the transfer of electricity during peak load times, the environmental impact of PHEVs, and how smart grid technology will impact electric system load curves and generation mix and capacity requirements.

The grants are funded as part of the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund. The fund was intended to provide assistance for low-income customers and promote the efficient use of energy by all customer classes.

"The grants awarded today will help the state promote and move forward in the development and application of energy efficient technologies," MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu said in the grant announcement.

Sources: Green Car Congress: Michigan Awards $5M Grant for PHEVs and Partners to use $5 million grant to study hybrid plug-in effects on electrical grid - Ann Arbor Business Review - MLive.com