Cohen proposes hybrid technology summit in Philadelphia in Franklin’s honor in 2006

NEWS RELEASE
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., is asking his House colleagues to support a resolution calling for the creation of a National Hybrid Car Summit.

Cohen, who also has the website Keystonehybrid.com, said the summit should be held in Philadelphia in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the city’s most famous resident and a man who invented and named the electric battery, which today form the basis for hybrid cars.

Cohen said that the nation’s dependence on oil puts it as risk, and both state and national leaders need to examine alternative energy sources.

“We need to find ways to stretch our petroleum supply and use it in the most efficient way, especially when it comes to transportation,” Cohen said. “We have the technology, and hybrid cars are growing in popularity. I think with the proper focus, hybrid plug-ins would gain huge acceptance.”

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are similar to today’s Toyota Prius and Ford Hybrid Escape, but have larger batteries that can be charged overnight by plugging them into an outlet. With plug-in hybrids, the first 20 to 30 miles of driving each day are powered mainly by electricity rather than gasoline. This reduces gasoline costs for consumers by about $1 per gallon, Cohen said.

Cohen said his plan for Philadelphia to host a summit would promote the development of American-made hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids.

“A summit would serve as a building block for the development of this future industry,” Cohen said. “It is my intention to invite auto makers, battery companies, public utilities, environmentalists and hybrid advocates; I think together we can develop, promote and deliver this technology and change the face of our roadways.” Cohen said he plans to introduce his resolution in the coming weeks.