The U.S. energy department plans a $30 million (U.S.) program to help car makers develop hybrid vehicles rechargeable at electric outlets, as record gasoline prices spur demand for fuel-efficient autos.

Automakers involved include General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. General Electric Co. is to participate, too.

The three-year study, announced yesterday in Washington by Assistant Energy Secretary Andy Karsner, is to fund three demonstration projects of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, able to travel at least 64 kilometres on electricity before battery packs need recharging.

The funding request requires the approval of Congress, the agency said, with some costs to be shared with participants.

A day earlier, Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. president of the Americas, urged Washington to make a greater commitment to plug-in hybrids, or risk falling behind other nations developing the technology. y.