• AEP is testing Ford Escape and Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to measure their performance and gather information on their impact on the AEP system.

AEP is revving up to test new vehicle technologies. The company is helping test plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to better understand the technology and how it might impact the electricity business while meeting customers' needs for fuel-efficient transportation. (Watch video on YouTube)

AEP is one of seven electric utilities working with Ford Motor Company and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to test prototype Ford Escape PHEVs. AEP also is testing two Toyota Prius PHEV conversions. AEP equipped the Priuses with data-monitoring systems and electric meters to capture information including data about electric load and fuel efficiency over varying operating conditions.

There are two primary things we want to achieve with this testing. First, we want to better understand the technology and the potential impacts on the AEP System. And second, we want to create awareness within AEP and throughout our service territory of these new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. AEP also is interested in learning about customers' response to these vehicles including how, when and where they charge them.

The "plug in" aspect of a PHEV means that the electric battery is recharged from a conventional 120-volt alternating current outlet. A fully charged PHEV operates in two modes: electric drive and blended electric/engine drive. Once the charge from the high-voltage lithium-ion battery is depleted (a range of up to 40 miles is expected), the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel-efficient, standard hybrid vehicle.

PHEVs typically recharge in six to eight hours from a 120-volt source. One area of study is what happens when vehicles are charged from 240-volt service -- how long it takes and if the battery's charging demand is flat or variable.

The potential for off-peak charging is of particular interest to companies and of potential benefit to customers. If vehicles are charged overnight when overall demand for electricity is low, the company uses its facilities more efficiently and its costs to provide power are lower. If these cost benefits can be shared with customers the vehicle operating cost per mile is significantly reduced.

"PHEVs definitely have the potential to reshape our business because the load we experience from one PHEV is roughly equal to that of two refrigerators," Dickerman said. "It's not huge, but it's certainly not trivial."

AEP and others are studying the communication interface between the PHEV and the electric grid. AEP's research will provide insight on how it might handle PHEV charging issues such as how the electric system recognizes that power is being used to recharge the PHEV, billing, load control and demand response. Tests also are providing insight into any additional infrastructure that may be needed to integrate PHEVs with the grid.

Ford plans to introduce a PHEV version of its Escape for commercial use by 2012. EPRI, which is providing financial and logistical support for these tests, formed the collaboration of seven electric utility companies for the program. In addition to AEP, participating utilities are Alabama Power, Consolidated Edison, DTE Energy, National Grid, the New York Power Authority and Progress Energy. The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority is also testing a vehicle.

"The industry as a whole is going to share the information from these tests," Dickerman said. "Ford and EPRI have said they intend for the research to focus on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure."

AEP is involved in other activities to study and develop PHEV technology. The company is working with EPRI and General Motors on the Chevrolet Volt to define and resolve technical issues such as charging. AEP is a member of the Electric Drive Transportation Association and is working with The Ohio State University - Center for Automotive Research on topics related to public charging stations and promotion of off-peak charging.

Following lab tests and local driving experience, AEP is putting its PHEVs to the test in various driving situations and terrains. One of the Priuses recently has been in use by AEP's Oklahoma-based affiliate.