Duke, FPL to switch to hybrid, electric vehicles

Two of the nation's largest power generators said Thursday that they plan to begin switching their company cars and trucks to plug-in hybrid vehicles or all-electric vehicles starting Jan. 1 to help cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The commitment by Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy and Juno Beach, Fla.-based FPL Group Inc. represents more than 10,000 vehicles and potential revenue of $600 million or more for manufacturers.

The goal is that by 2020, 100 percent of all new fleet vehicles will be plug-in electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The companies say plug-in cars will reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 percent _ 100 percent if a …