Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research Collection
- Dates:
- 1978-2012
- Abstract:
- Papers, notes, publications, books, digital records, and ephemera related to the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from prototypes and modifications to mass production and the role of the Univerity of California Davis in this process.
- Extent:
- 9 linear feet
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research Collection, D-752, Archives and Special Collections, UC Davis Library, University of California, Davis.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Papers, notes, publications, books, digital records, and ephemera related to the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from prototypes and modifications to mass production and the role of the University of California Davis in this process.
This collection also includes the records and memorabilia from Professor Emeritus Andy Frank and Felix Kramer, founder of the non-profit California Cars Initiative (CalCars).
- Biographical / historical:
-
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is a gasoline and electric vehicle that uses a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor. Once the battery pack is depleted, the vehicle automatically switches to the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine.
The University of California Davis was involved in the development through the College of Engineering, with leadership from Professor Emeritus Andrew (Andy) Frank in mechanical and aerospace engineering, and through the Institute of Transportation Studies under the leadership of Dan Sperling.
In 1990, Dr. Andy Frank of the University of California Davis used student teams to re-invent the modern plug-in hybrid, creating operating prototypes. This work influenced the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to modify ZEV Mandate Incentives to include PHEVs. In 2001, Dr. Frank obtained substantial funds from General Motors to hybridize GM's EV1 prototype.
By 2004, Dr. Frank's students had built and operated seven proof-of-concept vehicles. Meanwhile, Toyota had been working on its Prius+ prototype. In September 2004, Felix Kramer's company CalCars demonstrated their PRIUS+ prototype. According to CalCars, the PRIUS+ prototype was created by "adding batteries and grid-charging. That means no gas on local streets at 35mph. On the highway, it runs just like any other Prius, with the gasoline engine doing most of the work -- and the extra batteries kicking in to improve performance at ALL speeds." Around the same time, Nissan and other OEMs started their own PHEV programs.
The UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies has an Electric Vehicle Research Center that aims to provide technology and policy guidance to the state and address research questions and commercialization issues for PHEVs and EVs. The Electric Vehicle Research Center launched as the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Research Center in early 2007. It later updated its name to the Plug-In Hybrid & Electric Vehicle (PH&EV) Research Center in 2010, with support from the California Energy Commission's allocation of Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) funds for transportation research. The Center collaborates closely with California utilities, automakers, regulators, and other research institutions, such as the Electric Power Research Institute and Argonne National Lab, on research aimed at developing a sustainable market for plug-in vehicles.
References:
Blosch, E. C. (2021, July 28). About us. Electric Vehicle Research Center. https://ev.ucdavis.edu/about-us
Easley, J. A. (2023, September 27). Plug-in Electric Vehicles Archive to be housed at UC Davis Library. UC Davis. https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/plug-electric-vehicles-archive-be-housed-uc-davis-library
Nichols, D. (2024, February 26). Plug-in hybrid car overview. GreenCars. https://www.greencars.com/greencars-101/plug-in-hybrid-car-overview
Plug-In History. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2025, from http://www.calcars.org/history.html
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Felix Kramer, 2023.
- Processing information:
-
Vanessa Cardona Ocegueda encoded the collection level finding aid.
- Physical location:
- Researchers should contact Archives and Special Collections to request collections, as many are stored off site.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-04-15 16:44:22 -0700 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is not yet processed. Please contact Archives and Special Collections to inquire about access.
- Terms of access:
-
All applicable copyrights for the collection are protected under chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code. Requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California as the owner of the physical items. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research Collection, D-752, Archives and Special Collections, UC Davis Library, University of California, Davis.
- Location of this collection:
-
University of California, Davis, Special Collections, UC Davis Library100 NW QuadDavis, CA 95616-5292, US
- Contact:
- (530) 752-1621