State University of North Carolina will work to develop advanced battery technology plug-in hybrids

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley is taking steps to encourage the development of vehicles with advanced powertrains at the same time bring new jobs to the region. Easley announced the creation of the State University of North Carolina (NCSU) Advanced Transportation Energy Center (ATEC).

The ATEC will be operated in conjunction with energy companies Progress Energy and Duke Energy. The primary objective of the centre is to develop advanced battery technology and develop an infrastructure for widespread electric charging stations.

“It is our patriotic duty to liberate us from dependence on foreign oil and become leaders in the development of the technology needed to make our nation energy independent,” said Easley. “Just as we have done in the field of biotechnology, the position of our state can be a center of activity, experience and a magnet for new jobs that will arise in the sector of the economy grows.”

The ATEC was established in the burgeoning NCSU Centennial Campus. NCSU Chancellor James L. Oblinger states, “growth in the use of plug-in hybrid technology and infrastructure opens the door for North Carolina and North Carolina State to be leaders in creating a workforce for advanced transportation. “

“NC State was selected to house the Center for Advanced Transportation Energy due to the proven ability of research and experience in the investigation of batteries and photovoltaics, as well as our ability to build the partnerships needed to make the center a success,” Oblinger continued.

Plug-ins hybrids are the next step in the overall hybrid cars madness. Toyota is currently testing its own prototype plug-in Prius and 100 homes in California receive plug-in Priuses this spring.

General Motors is also in the plug-in a band with its Saturn Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will receive a two-mode hybrid power at the end of this year and a plug-in option was introduced in 2009.

GM’s Chevrolet as hiperbolizada Volt also feature plug-in capabilities. The Volt will be able to charge the battery via the port of loading or the onboard computer through 1.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine.