Add the epicenter of Internet investment to the list of regions that are itchy for plug-in hybrids. Plug-in Bay Area and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group are teaming up to encourage businesses, government agencies, and individuals in the area to "soft order" plug-in hybrids.
Palo Alto Mayor Yoriko Kishimoto said he will purchase a plug-in hybrid, citing the need to improve air quality, which is a concern in the traffic jam packed Bay Area. The city owns the electric utility, so they would directly benefit by people choosing electricity over petroleum power for their vehicles.
Dozens of cities from around the country have publicly stated their support for plug-in hybrids. My question is, how willing will consumers be to pass on plugging their vehicles in during the hot summer California days when the electric grid comes under stress? Once people get used to visiting the gas station only as a last resort it will be a difficult choice to voluntarily line up for $3.50 a gallon gas.
