A study by the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center indicates that driving plug-in hybrids that use electricity from burning coal is a better environmental solution than converting coal to gasoline.

In most scenarios, plug-in hybrids will pollute less than gasoline vehicles and coal to gasoline or diesel. While this an important comparison to publicize (not to coal to liquids can be used in the millions of cars already on the road, and that's a void that needs to be filled. If the carbon is sequestered, then coal to diesel (the most efficient path) and gasoline should be considered.

For new vehicles, a plug-in hybrid doesn't fit everyone's lifestyle and living situation. For the millions of people without garages in their homes or easily accessible public parking garages, plug-in hybrids just don't work. Also, there's the strain on the power grid that could overwhelm utilities in states such as California if everyone starts buying plug-in hybrids.

There is a place for both of these technologies as gasoline and diesel vehicles will continue into the plug-in hybrid era. Coal to liquids should be pursued only if the emissions are comparable with gasoline vehicles.