Getting 100 miles per gallon (MPG) may sound like a dream - by putting plug-in hybrid technology to the test, Jackson EMC will soon determine if this could become reality.

Our Toyota Prius is now the first electric cooperative car with plug-in hybrid technology, and we're the first electric cooperative to participate in this national research project.

Sponsored by the Cooperative Research Network(r) (CRN), the Prius was refitted with higher capacity batteries and plug-in recharging technology. "Several thousand Valance lithium ion cells are used to form one large battery. The larger battery pack, which is hand-built, allows us to get a longer drive time from the electric charge without relying on the gasoline engine," says Alan Shedd, Jackson EMC Commercial/Industrial Marketing engineer. "With more electricity, the Prius can drive at a lower speed on electricity alone. At higher speeds, the electric motor assists the gasoline engine, which saves gas. Before the conversion, I was getting about 47 MPG on my daily commute and now that the weather is warmer, I'm seeing about 75 MPG on my commute. Research indicates 100 MPG is possible." MPG depends on speed, distance and traffic. The best mileage is at low speeds and stop and go driving.

The hybrid refit to higher capacity batteries was a weeklong process. Shedd drove 2,750 miles from Atlanta to Monrovia, Calif., where the rebuilding process began. The car's interior was taken apart, removing the backseat and disassembling the dashboard. Shedd says the bulk of the work was taking out the original battery pack and modifying a new configuration for a larger battery pack. A plug-in charging system and software were also added to the car.

CRN's project is examining how this technology will work for cooperative vehicle fleets and the impact commercial plug-in hybrids will have on the electric system. The two-year study should provide answers on battery and vehicle reliability and performance.

"So far, the conversion works smoothly. The gasoline engine charges the battery system while driving, and I purchased an extension cord to plug the car into a standard electrical outlet at night. After about four to six hours, the battery is fully charged the next morning. The gasoline engine doesn't work as hard during the drive, and that's how you can get over 100 MPG."

Jackson EMC is the first of four electric cooperatives participating in the hybrid conversion research. CRN is conducting this project while the technology is still cutting edge. "We're proud to be part of CRN's project. With CRN underwriting the conversion costs, we're allowed to see firsthand how this technology will best serve our membership without placing the financial burden on the cooperative. We have a small fleet of hybrid vehicles, and with our experience with this conversion, we'll know how the car's performance will fare if used in more of our vehicle fleet," states Randall Pugh, Jackson EMC president/CEO.

The Cooperative Research Network is a service of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., CRN's mission is to monitor, evaluate and apply technologies that help cooperatives control costs, increase productivity and enhance service to members.