Pure electric cars and plug-in hybrids are just now testing the waters in limited numbers and are yet to be ready for prime time.

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Google is testing a fleet of plug-in hybrids and software that would turn them into load-balancing tools for utilities flooded with variable power from wind and solar generators.

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Genetic testing has been carried out to try to find further hybrids among the population there.

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Typical of the auto industry, Ford's early hybrids contained batteries that involved third parties in everything from design to testing.

ENGADGET: Ford underscores its love of electric cars, spends $135 million to make them happen