Maximizing societal benefits associated with alternative fuel subsidies: The case of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have many societal benefits, including improving energy security, economic, environmental, and health benefits. The magnitude of these benefits depends on the location of PHEV deployment. This paper develops and applies a methodology for ranking regions throughout the U.S. based on PHEV benefits. The independent variables in this ranking method include population density, health benefits from reduced ozone pollution, vehicle miles traveled per capita, existence of non-federal policies, and carbon intensity of electricity. By shedding light on how benefits vary across different regions, this research seeks to better inform where to enact government interventions to maximize the benefits of PHEVs.