**GAO-09-493**                      Published: Jun 09, 2009. Publicly Released: Jun 09, 2009.                  

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## Highlights

The U.S. transportation sector relies almost exclusively on oil; as a result, it causes about a third of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. Advanced technology vehicles powered by alternative fuels, such as electricity and ethanol, are one way to reduce oil consumption. The federal government set a goal for federal agencies to use plug-in hybrid electric vehicles--vehicles that run on both gasoline and batteries charged by connecting a plug into an electric power source--as they become available at a reasonable cost. This goal is on top of other requirements agencies must meet for conserving energy. In response to a request, GAO examined the (1) potential benefits of plug-ins, (2) factors affecting the availability of plug-ins, and (3) challenges to incorporating plug-ins into the federal fleet. GAO reviewed literature on plug-ins, federal legislation, and agency policies and interviewed federal officials, experts, and industry stakeholders, including auto and battery manufacturers.

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## Topics

Natural Resources and Environment

Alternative energy sourcesCoalCost effectiveness analysisElectric energyElectric utilitiesEnergy consumptionEnergy costsEnergy managementEnergy planningFederal procurementFuelsGasolineGreenhouse gasesMotor vehiclesNatural gasPetroleum pricesPetroleum productsStrategic planningTechnology