Plug-in hybrids: The batteries of alternative energy?

The key to alternative energies, such as wind and solar power?

While some have worried about the environmental effect that plug-in hybrid vehicles might have because of their electricity consumption, others see plug-in hybrids as an integral part of alternative energy production.

"One of the things holding back power from wind is that it's hard to store," says Lester Brown, president of the Earth Policy Institute in Washington "Basically plug-in batteries could become storage for wind power."

Interestingly, Brown made these statements while discussing how plug-in hybrids could help food prices. As ethanol use increases, so too will food prices. Since plug-in hybrids limit the need for liquid fuel, Brown asserts that less ethanol would be needed.

As I regularly state, the best of hybrid cars is yet to come.