The expected introduction of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could cut U.S. gasoline use but could increase deadly air pollution in some areas, two reports say.

That's because a plug-in's lower tailpipe emissions may be offset by smokestack emissions from the utility generating plants supplying electricity to recharge the big batteries that allow plug-ins to run up to 40 miles without kicking on their gasoline engines.

-By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

I have been arguing this downside to the electric car for a while now. What they also don't mention is the increased strain on the electrical grid. In Southern California, we already have enough trouble keeping the A/C on in the summer. What happens when we are all running A/C and have our cars plugged in?

Of course, the electric car is the perfect choice for a country like France that has overcome their fear of nuclear power. We must overcome that fear and realize that 20 or 30 years of technology is making nuclear power much safer than it was in the 70's and 80's.

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