SDG&E tested the performance of two 2007-model standard hybrid vehiclesand then converted them into plug-in hybrids, using a lithium-ion batteryconversion kit. When compared with the standard hybrid, the plug-in hybridachieved a 60-percent increase in gas mileage, a 37-percent decrease incarbon dioxide (CO2) tailpipe emissions, and an 18-percent reduction infuel costs. When compared with conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles thataverage 22 miles per gallon (MPG), the fuel cost savings jump to 57percent.

Today, California's electricity capacity could recharge as many as4-million plug-in hybrids when charged during off-peak hours whenelectricity use is low. The plug-in hybrid's fuel-cost savings overtraditional gasoline-powered vehicles would save these 4-million consumersnearly $6 billion a year at today's average gasoline prices.

"The potential for plug-in hybrids to reduce our dependence on foreign oil,reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and reduce consumer expense fortransportation fuel is significant," said Hal Snyder, vice president ofcustomer programs for SDG&E.

In response to increased interest in alternative-fueled vehicles, SDG&Eevaluated the two standard hybrid vehicles for six months and, using thesame pool of drivers, evaluated the converted plug-in hybrid vehicles foran additional six months.

Original equipment manufacturer plug-in hybrids are expected to bedelivered to showroom floors across the nation in late 2010 and theefficiencies are expected to be higher than those demonstrated in SDG&E'sstudy.

The converted plug-in hybrids recharge their batteries through a standard110-volt household outlet and charge in five to six hours for a5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Original equipment manufacturerplug-in hybrids will recharge in as little as three hours using a 240-voltwall unit for an 8-kilowatt-hour battery. Gas mileage in the plug-inhybrids is greatly improved because the vehicles use electricity from thegrid and can run in electric-mode longer and more often than standardhybrid cars.

Among the study's results are:

-- The plug-in hybrid achieved 67 MPG, a 60-percent increase over the standard hybrid's 42 MPG and a 205-percent increase in MPG compared with a standard car at 22 MPG;-- The plug-in hybrid achieved a 37-percent reduction in CO2 tailpipe emissions when compared with a standard hybrid and a 67-percent reduction compared with a gasoline-powered car; and-- The plug-in hybrid had a monthly fuel cost of $94, an 18-percent reduction from the fuel costs of a standard hybrid ($115) and a 57-percent reduction when compared with a gasoline-powered car with a monthly fuel cost of $219 at $3.85 per gallon.

SDG&E is part of a 42-utility partnership with the Electric Power ResearchInstitute and General Motors to advance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.The collaborative is working to accelerate large-scale deployment ofplug-in hybrid electric vehicles and create a blueprint for an electricfuel infrastructure. The collaborative also is addressing issues thatensure safe and convenient vehicle charging, public education, and publicpolicy requirements to enable a smooth introduction of plug-in hybridelectric vehicles as a transportation alternative to conventional vehicles.

SDG&E is addressing the San Diego region's growing interest in a variety ofsafe, alternative electric and natural gas transportation technologies. Aspart of its commitment to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from its ownfleet vehicles by about 15 percent by 2012, SDG&E will replace itspassenger vehicles with hybrid-electric and compressed natural gasvehicles, and implement a fleet-efficiency and optimization program aimedat improving fuel efficiency and driving habits.

To learn more about SDG&E's Clean Transportation Program, visitwww.sdge.com/cleantransportation.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energyservice to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters andmore than 840,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orangecounties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptionalcustomer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region'squality of life. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), aFortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Media Contact:Denise KingSan Diego Gas & Electric(877) 866-2066www.sdge.com