The energy bill, hybrid critics and American political ineptitude

The energy bill isn't a complete waste, but the amount of pork-barrel legislation that becomes part of any legislation is truly astounding.

Anyway, the clean vehicle tax credits were initially meant to reward technological innovations that provide clean energy and reduce foreign oil dependency. The original intention of the clean vehicle tax credits was to reward expensive and advanced technologies, such as hybrid cars and fuel cell vehicles, as an incentive for greater production and development amidst high costs.

Since neither GM nor Chrysler have any hybrid vehicles, they successfully lobbied Congress to add clean diesel vehicles to the tax credit as well.

At first glance this might seem fine. Shouldn't any clean technology be able to utilize the clean vehicle tax credit?

That might be OK if not for the caps on the amount of vehicles that can qualify for the tax credits. Under the clean vehicle tax credit, not everyone who buys a hybrid car, for example, will be able to utilize the tax credit. Additionally, Chrysler and GM can utilize the tax credits to promote diesel, instead of hybrids. In fact, tax credits for diesels offer GM and Chrysler incentives NOT to produce hybrids, since there are only a limited number of credits available.

So what? Diesel can achieve the same fuel efficiency as hybrids at a cheaper cost, some diesel advocates will reply.

Hogwash. The only way a super clean diesel engine will match the efficiency of true hybrid vehicles is by utilizing EPA fuel efficiency testing methodologies.

Well, the Toyota Prius hybrid doesn't achieve EPA fuel efficiency estimates the critics will clamor.



The truth is, very few vehicles achieve EPA fuel efficiency ratings. This isn't a hybrid vehicle issue. In fact, in real world driving it is large trucks, SUVs, and overly-horsepowered cars that miserably fail to achieve their EPA estimates. I'm still waiting for the hybrid-hating editors at AutoWeek to address this one (more on this).

There are number of problems with EPA fuel efficiency estimates, but the biggest is the EPA's assumption that Americans do most of their driving on the highway going 55 mph.

This simply isn't true. Congestion is becoming more and more commonplace in America, and the problem is only going to get worse. Don't believe me? Check out what the Department of Transportation has to say on the matter (click here).

In congested traffic, hybrid vehicles achieve their best fuel efficiency and, in such conditions the Toyota Prius, contrary to its many critics, can achieve the EPA estimated 60 mpg, or even higher. On the contrary, conventional vehicles perform their worst in these conditions, and that is the problem with clean diesel.

In congestion, clean diesel does not perform as well as hybrids. If not only congestion, but increased congestion, is the future for the American driver, then diesels luster truly beings to tarnish.

More important, in terms of congestion, hybrids offer significant untapped potential. Plug-in hybrids and new hybrid batteries will offer the potential for hybrids to become significantly more fuel efficient. A 100 mpg Prius is possible with today's technology. Even a 100 mpg Ford Escape hybrid SUV, or a 100 mpg Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV, isn't that far off if hybrid batteries continue their current gains in efficiency and size and/or if plug-in capabilities are added.

Ultimately, the technology that has made computers faster, more powerful, smaller and more portable is essentially the same technology that is key to hybrid vehicles. Equally important, this same technology will ultimately be key to fuel cell vehicles.

Quite simply, diesel technology will never be the answer to foreign oil dependency, but advanced hybrids can not only end foreign oil dependency, but they could do it almost pollution-free.

While I agree that diesel technology offers important gains in fuel efficiency and can be a good buy today, diesel technology simply doesn't compare to the potential of hybrid technology. With a limited number of tax credits available, and a Congress that refuses to address fuel efficiency - even in the midst of oil wars in Iraq and oil-driven terrorism - technology offers the only hope for change.

Thus, only the most promising technologies should be rewarded with tax credits. Otherwise tax credits for clean vehicles become another loophole for the Big 3 to increase our foreign oil dependency, as a new EPA report - withheld until the passage of the energy bill - is going to show (Read).

Sure GM can continue to assure Congress that cheap fuel cell vehicles are just around the corner, as GM has done for decades. Nonetheless, too many smart people have noted that this simply doesn't seem possible, and how many decades does it take to get around the corner?

How long will Americans continue to tolerate such unAmerican leadership from one of America's most important American companies. Neither consumers, nor citizens, but shareholders, are the only concern to GM.

Ultimately, the clean vehicle tax credits and much of the energy bill promotes and endorses complacency, rather than technological innovation. With such political and corporate ineptitude leading America, is it really any wonder that America continues to fall further and further behind in the technological battlefield?

Congress and corporation, an American disgrace.

Hybrid cars head into carpool lane

Under the new transportation bill, solo drivers in hybrid cars will be able to utilize the carpool lane.

At this time; however, according to a story in the LATimes, it is not certain which hybrid vehicles will qualify for the carpool lane. In places like California, the carpool lane was intended for hybrid vehicles because of their reduced emissions, not just because of fuel efficiency.

"The air emission standards are very important," said California Assemblywoman Fran Pavley on Friday. "We wouldn't want a hybrid that gets 45 miles a gallon but has higher emissions to be out there. It's more important to encourage those cars to operate at the cleanest emission levels."

Thus, in California, legislators are waiting for clarification from the EPA, as language in the current transportation bill isn't clear regarding qualifying hybrids.

Contrary to many hybrid critics, the issue of the car pool lane isn't just about fuel efficiency, in fact, in states like California it is about air quality, not fuel economy.

Thus, some hybrids might not qualify. Still, it seems that the EPA will probably qualify any vehicle that meets clean vehicle tax exemption. Under that legislation, even hybrid SUVs, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid would qualify, not just small hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic hybrid.

AutoWeek editors hate hybrid cars

Check out the homepage of autoweek where the main story is on the Lexus RX400h hybrid, and the caption states, "Most of my driving was on the highway, so this fuel mileage number would be disappointing if I owned this. Maybe the excessive heat this weekend had something to do with it; the engine rarely shut off. When I drove this at the launch we actually motored around parking lots at slow speed on the electric motor alone. The steering seemed off on this car, heavy with a pretty bad feel. This car also had a hard time on the grooved freeway pavement, jumping all over."

Yet, if you read the whole article, another AutoWeek test driver really liked the Lexus hybrid.

Every time that Autoweek puts a hybrid vehicle on its cover, it focuses only on negatives, yet it can put the H3 on the cover and only find reasons for praise. Obviously, AutoWeek has an agenda and is not an objective company.

How can AutoWeek justify its smear campaign of hybrid cars? Obviously anything objective might offend advertisers.

AutoWeek is definitely not the place to go for objective automotive research. If you are interested in objective automotive research, especially regarding hybrids, don't waste your time with the hacks at AutoWeek. The blatant bias of their editorial staff is simply unprofessional and unacceptable.

Automakers abusing fuel efficiency loopholes

The NYTimes is reporting that the EPA is not going to release a new report about how automakers are abusing fuel efficiency loopholes, setting America back 20 years in the fight against foreign oil dependency. Thus, Congress can pass another loopholed energy bill that actually provides incentives to companies, such as GM and Chrysler, to avoid developing hybrid cars in favor of diesel. While clean diesel offers some advantages over gasoline, the potential of hybrid vehicles is significantly greater than the potential of diesel. Just another example of how badly Congress sucks. Even in time of foreign-oil wars, and oil-driven terrorism, Congress still rewards auto companies and oil companies for making the problem worse. FIRE CONGRESS!

Congress blowing hybrid tax credits?

Congress is a joke. The only legislation they can adequately accomplish is pork-barrel legislation. Tax credits for hybrid vehicles are going to be limited to only 60,000 vehicles per manufacturer and it's not just hybrid cars. All 'fuel-efficient' vehicles will qualify, including diesel vehicles - due to the arm twisting of GM and Chrysler. "It's all about having the marketplace, not regulation, driving the move into cleaner cars," said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, sponsor of the car-tax credits. Yeah, right. So, taxpayers have to pick up the tab for the inefficiencies of the Big 3, as well as the terrorism and war costs of foreign oil dependency?

Only unique hybrids, such as the Prius, will dominate the hybrid world

According to a Scripps Howard News Service survey, 56% of Americans indicated that high gasoline prices are pushing them to "consider buying smaller, more fuel efficient automobiles in the future." (MotorTrend)

How will this affect hybrid cars, especially the way Detroit is focusing on hybrids?

Most hybrids are now SUVs, and they are expensive. The only small hybrids are the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Honda Civic hybrid. Costs and a return on investment; however, will ultimately be the most important requirements for the future of hybrids.

Thus far, the Big 3 views hybrids as only a niche, and mostly a niche for just big vehicles. If gas prices continue to rise, will Americans lose interest in hybrids like the Toyota Highlander hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid, instead preferring small cars, or small hybrids?

The Prius is the undisputed king of the hybrid world. It's unique, highly efficient, and extremely innovative in style, comfort, design, etc. While converting conventional vehicles into hybrid options is worthwhile, completely new hybrid vehicles, especially hybrid cars or crossovers, will dominate the future.

Recent consumer studies by Toyota hybrid drivers indicate that consumers of hybrids want their vehicles distinguished as hybrids. That isn't an issue for the Prius, and only new hybrid models, as unique as the Prius, will ever challenge the Prius.

Of course, there is one wild card, Hyundai. Hyundai is going to make hybrid cars and this dark horse could shock the automotive world if it plays its cards right, even if it just converts its conventional vehicles into hybrids.

Then again, I'm sure cheap gas is just around the corner.

The H3 and Hybrid SUVs: Helping or hating?

Environmentalists hate SUVs, and there are few vehicles that draw more green anger than the Hummer. While the new H3 has been downsized, one still has to ask, "What's the point?" Recently I skimmed a USA Today article that questioned the real functionality of the H3, but still noted that it makes quite a statement.

Is that what Americans should be proud of, making a statement? And what does that statement really say? I am materialistic, I am rich, I should be envied, or I am so cool because I bought a vehicle lacking any common sense in the modern world? Screw high gas prices, screw foreign oil dependency, screw terrorism, I don't have to worry about those things because I'm cool and rich.

Right on brother.

Many might extend this line of thinking to SUVs as well, but at least hybrid SUVs utilize the cutting edge of fuel efficient technology. Unfortunately, Americans simply cannot give up the 'big is better' belief. While the H3 does nothing to help balance this problem, hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h offer technological hope.

Hybrid SUVs make a statement that says 'I want to help'. The H3 screams, 'I don't care!'

Hybrid car reliability

I just finished responding to an e-mail that covered a common question that I receive, "Is it true that hybrid cars are unreliable?"

NO, it is not true! Recently there have been a few dozen complaints regarding a software glitch in the Toyota Prius hybrid. That glitch; however, has still not lead to a government recall, nor has it caused any deaths, injuries, or any accidents.

Additionally, consumer surveys have put the Prius atop customer satisfaction rankings. They have been exceedingly reliable and almost 100% of Prius owners would buy another Prius.

While there could be long term maintenance issues and battery pack problems, there is no proof thus far that either issue will actually ever materialize - it's pure speculation at this point. Many first generation Prii are soon approaching their first decades of operation and the evidence thus far suggests one thing, reliability.

Honda is high on natural gas

Before I rip on Honda, let me start out by acknowledging that Honda is the greenest auto company in the world, and they deserve kudos. Additionally, they produce excellent vehicles, and the Honda Civic GX is the cleanest vehicle on the road and it doesn't depend on foreign oil. Nonetheless, natural gas vehicles are not going to take over the American automarket, and anybody who thinks they will is just plain silly.

Thus, John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations of American Honda Motor Co., seems to have inhaled a few too many natural gas fumes. "We'll do hybrids as it makes sense, but I do not think they are the best solution. Right now hybrids don't make sense economically," Mandel was recently quoted as saying as he expressed his vision that natural gas vehicles are more important than hybrid vehicles.

I don't even know where to start on this one. First, natural gas simply isn't going to replace gasoline as the new energy infrastructure. The savings simply are not that great, and while Honda can sell home fueling systems, most consumers simply are not going to buy into the concept.

Second, while natural gas vehicles do offer independence from foreign oil, and burn cleaner than gasoline vehicles, new technologies - particularly hybrid vehicles - could easily outweigh every positive aspect of natural gas vehicles. One significant upgrade in hybrid batteries ends natural gas's cost effectiveness. Two upgrades and, well, you get the point.

Third, the hydrogen economy is the future. While it will probably take a few decades to achieve it, the hydrogen economy will be built upon fuel cells and those fuel cells will work in coordination with batteries. The hybrid powertrain can evolve into fuel cell-electric vehicles and help move the world entirely from fossil fuels. Natural gas is a fossil fuel.

Fourth, Mandel states, "you can use the car pool lane (in California)." Yes you can in the short term, but don't expect this privilege to last, if sales start numbering in the 1000's.

Additionally, if natural gas capabilities were to be added to trucks and SUVs, or even cars, which demand greater horsepower, the lure of natural gas begins to tarnish rather quickly. In terms of the future natural gas is already dead. In reality, the most interesting natural gas vehicle would be a natural gas-electric hybrid vehicle.

So, what is Honda's deal? I don't know. While Honda has been much more bullish on hybrids than the Big 3, they are still far behind Toyota. The Civic hybrid is a great vehicle, nothing flashy, but a quality vehicle. Still, in terms of hybrid technology, it really isn't Best of Breed. The Accord hybrid is the best Accord ever,but it also is a mediocre hybrid at best.

In terms of pure hybrid technology, Toyota and Ford stand above Honda. The Prius is simply the best hybrid vehicle. The Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Escape hybrid demonstrate that very fuel efficient hybrid SUVs are possible - as more efficient batteries are developed. This, while frustrating for environmentalists, is simply an important aspect of the American automobile market.

Natural gas is a new fuel for a dying technology. While it offers great potential for fleets, it does not offer the same for the average consumer.

Hybrid technology, on the other hand, is a step towards the future, a future that can offer unlimited horsepower without foreign oil, without pollution. More important, hybrids can work within the current energy infrastructure and the technology can naturally, transparently accommodate fickle consumers afraid of change, as the industry adapts and evolves into the hydrogen highway.

Yes, hybrid technology is a bit expensive, but not as expensive as the first calculators, cellphones, and computers.

London terror bomings and oil

London Mayor Ken Livingstone told BBC radio on Wednesday that Western intervention in the Middle East since the end of World War I had been motivated by a desire to control the flow of oil, according to CNN. This oil desire has contributed to the growth of Islamic extremism and terrorist groups such as al Qaeda. "Under foreign occupation and denied a right to vote, denied the right to run your own affairs ... I suspect that if it had happened here in England we would have produced a lot of suicide bombers ourselves," said Livingstone.

Hybrid cars versus hydrogen, ethanol?

Interesting little article questioning the amount of pork-barrel funding that goes into ethanol and the hydrogen economy and whether that money should be added to funding for hybrid cars. The article points out the 100mpg hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, could be just around the corner. Why doesn't the government seem to care? (Investor's Business Daily Via Yahoo)

Part's maker keys into hybrid cars

Toyota, the undisputed king of hybrid cars, has corporately stated that third party suppliers are key to bringing the costs of hybrid technology down. Today, the DetroitNews featured an article on how Bosch, "and other suppliers have turned their attention to hybrid technologies and the North American market". In fact Bernd Bohr, chairman of Bosch's automotive business, told a global technology conference last month at the company's proving grounds in Germany, "We think mass production of fuel cells is not going to happen in the next 20 years, to be provocative, at least not in an economical way."

Thus, Bosch is focusing on hybrid vehicles. With more than 50 models expected by 2010, it isn't hard to see why Bosch is bullishly pursing hybrids. Ultimately, as more and more third party companies become involved in hybrids, the better for hybrid technology and for hybrid consumers.

NY Times hybrid vehicle bias or ignorance?

I just finished reading the article, Hybrid Cars Burning Gas in the Drive for Power, published in yesterday's NY Times. What is it with journalists? Do they do any research, or do they just set out to make a point, whether it is founded in fact or not? It isn't very surprising when political journalists use bias, in fact, I expect it, but yellow journalism seems to be the norm in today's mainstream publications.

Anyway, the point of the article is to demonstrate how new hybrid vehicles are less about fuel efficiency and more about horsepower. To an extent this point is correct, which is why I was interested in the story. Nonetheless, the article ended up as a complete waste of time, as it focused almost entirely on comparing the Honda Accord hybrid to the conventional Accord. Please!?

Honda hybrids are just not in the same league as Toyota or Ford hybrids. The most important and innovative feature of Toyota and Ford hybrids is the ability to power their hybrids with electric power only. This means that an SUV, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, can sit in LA traffic using almost no gas and causing almost no pollution. Conventional vehicles, and even Honda hybrids, are least efficient and most polluting in these conditions.

While the Civic hybrid is a very fuel efficient vehicle, in city driving, it simply doesn't compare to the Prius hybrid.

The NYTimes is correct that new hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, the Lexus RX400h hybrid, and the upcoming Camry hybrid seem to be focused on horsepower as much as efficiency. Nevertheless, these vehicles do offer significant gains in both fuel efficiency and pollution compared to their conventional cousins, especially for urban drivers, or anyone whom drives in any type of congestion.

Yet, the Times doesn't even touch upon this distinction or point. This is important because while the Highlander hybrid or the Lexus RX400h hybrid could have been made more efficient if V4's, rather than V6 engines, were used, these vehicles still could become much more efficient - even with V6s - in their second, third and fourth generations. Ultimately, the electric motors of these vehicles, if coupled with more efficient batteries - which WILL be developed - could significantly increase their fuel efficiency with each new generation of hybrid battery, without losing any power.

When discussing HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles, it is the electric components which are key, and Honda has invested the least in the electric portion of their current hybrid electric vehicles.

At this point in time, the only objective way to focus on the point of horsepower versus efficiency is to use either the Highlander hybrid or the Lexus RX400h. By using the Accord hybrid, the NY Times is either demonstrating a bias against hybrids, or just plain hybrid ignorance. Either case is inexcusable for such an esteemed publication.

If you are still confused about which hybrid is right for you, check out Soultek's Hybrid Buyer's Guide.

Consumer concerns of hybrid vehicles

In the past few weeks there have been a few interesting studies regarding hybrid vehicles. Last week, I mentioned the R. L. Polk & Co. study which found that 97 percent of consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles and 78 percent would consider buying one; however, cost would still limit the majority from taking such action.

Another study - if you can call it that - by Kelly Blue Book cited by Money notes that "a majority of consumers are skeptical of hybrid technology even though they feel that hybrid vehicles, which use electric motors in addition to gasoline engines, are likely the future for the American automobile."

So what is the cause of hybrid skepticism according to Kelley? "The two most important causes of consumer skepticism, according to the survey, were the potential costs of servicing a hybrid vehicle and maintenance over its lifetime."

Nonetheless, while Jack Nerad, the editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, thinks that consumers still need convincing of the viability of hybrid cars, the supply of hybrids still trails demand.

More important, the 425 individuals comprising the Kelley survey, while somewhat skeptical of hybrid technology today, are still very optimistic for the future of hybrids. In fact most believe they will replace conventional vehicles.

Besides, change always brings fear, but there is little evidence - if any - to demonstrate that hybrid technology is anything but reliable. Recent studies of the Toyota Prius, for example, show that almost every Prius owner would buy another Prius.

Still, the early adopters of any technology always take some risk when helping to usher new technology into the mainstream. The success of the Toyota Prius; however, bodes well for all Toyota hybrids, as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive is pretty much the same in the Prius, Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h hybrid, and the not-to-far off Camry hybrid.

The Honda Civic hybrid also has a solid track record.

The Accord hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid are very new to the market, but have been reliable thus far.

While the long term life of the hybrid battery is a justified concern for consumers, most hybrid batteries are guaranteed for 8 to 10 years. Yes, replacing the hybrid battery in 10 years could be expensive, but if hybrids continue to increase in popularity, hybrid battery production will also significantly increase. This will not only add to supply, but create better batteries, which could increase the value of older hybrids - making them more efficient - instead of decreasing their value.

Early adoption and risk go hand in hand, but risk can also offer unexpected rewards. For example, should terrorism ever lead to decreased reliability of foreign oil, the fuel savings of hybrids could instantly diminish all skepticism.

Hybrid hater contradictions

Last month I made a post titled, Edmunds.com's Senseless Hybrid Vehicle Cost Study, that questioned the data behind the Edmunds study. Ultimately, like the EPA, Edmunds uses data which doesn't correspond to the real world driving conditions of a huge percentage of Americans. In particular, assuming that all Americans drive 75% of the time at the speed limit on the highway, while driving just 25% of the time in city driving.

Anybody that commutes in Los Angeles, San Francisco - most of California - or New York, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and many, many other urban areas knows how ridiculous is that assumption. Congestion has become an American epidemic that most transportation scholars say - via real world data - is rapidly becoming much worse, even in far-out suburban and rural areas.

In these areas, hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, can achieve unbelievable mileage - for those that care - almost entirely free from pollution. If every driver in America achieved Prius efficiency, the air would be drastically cleaner and foreign oil dependency would end.

Yet, American automakers continue to make their bread and butter off more expensive SUVs and trucks than the Prius. Still, Edmunds complains about the 'cost' of hybrid cars.

The costs? Doctors in Los Angeles insist that air pollution is killing people every day, as well as causing huge amounts of asthma and other respiratory problems. Yet pollution doesn't exist to these rocket scientists - paid by the polluter's advertisements.

Moreover, how many terrorist acts will it take for America to accept the cause and effects of foreign oil dependency? That doesn't cost?

Of course, every American isn't going to drive a vehicle the size of a Prius, and that is the beauty of hybrids. Hybrid technology is still just emerging, and the possibility of a SUV that achieves the same fuel efficiency and pollution reductions as the Prius is almost here.

Is the Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Lexus RX400h hybrid there yet? No, but just one significant battery development could make it happen.

Ultimately, the most pathetic of the contradictions is that we shouldn't waste our time with hybrid costs to focus on fuel cells. Well, in terms of costs, the Prius costs about $20,000, a fuel cell vehicle costs about $1,000,000. That's some interesting math.

In time, these hydrogen highway advocates claim costs will come down, but - somehow - hybrid costs will never come down - even though much of Toyota's fuel cell technology is built on a hybrid powertrain?

Ohhhh, GM is going to do it differently. GM tells America they are so excited about their fuel cell technology that they are going to give Americans their Employee Discount on the Hummer and the Yukon in the interim. Give me a break.

Fuel cell vehicles will happen, but they could still be decades away. Hybrid vehicles can make fuel cell vehicles happen much quicker. In fact, most fuel cell vehicles might be hybrid vehicles.

The hybrid haters simply make no sense. Do nothing. Build bigger SUVs, oil is cheap they tell us. Someday cheap technology...when has technology ever started out cheap? Even calculators used to be grossly expensive, let alone cell phones and computers.

Technology is made cheap by investment, and hybrid vehicles are the best investment Americans can make in the automotive sector. The conflicted interest of most hybrid critics is simply pathetic.

Hybrid trucks and other hybrid tidbits

As the fifth tropical storm Emily builds in the Gulf, and BP's new deep oil rig Crazyhorse (Thunderhorse Field) sits listing in the Gulf of Mexico, one cannot begin to underestimate the potential of much higher gasoline prices. And if gasoline prices rise, the technology behind hybrid cars becomes significantly more appealing.

According to a new R. L. Polk & Co. study, 97 percent of consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles and 78 percent would consider buying one; however, cost would still limit the majority from taking such action. (More from Car and Driver)

Obviously higher gas prices can help offset the cost barrier.

Yesterday, Ford released its second hybrid, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, and Toyota continues to suggest that a hybrid truck is soon coming. While Toyota has mentioned this possibility in the past, it indicated yesterday that Toyota seeks to offer the first hybrid truck. Still, Toyota has released few details about a Tundra hybrid.

Nonetheless, even if gas prices make hybrids more desirable, will it matter? Demand is still greater than supply, and the new Mariner hybrid really won't help, since only a few 1000 units are even planned.

Toyota, and the very successful Prius hybrid, combined with the Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Camry hybrid will still only hit about 500,000 total hybrids next year.

Honda's upgraded hybrids, the Civic and the Accord, will help, but American-made hybrids are the missing ingredient. Foreign oil dependency, terrorism, global oil demand, and global warming - America needs leadership and responsibility from American corporations.

It's furiously ironic that GM often speaks of hybrid costs, while touting fuel cells, which are exorbitantly more costly than hybrid vehicles. Yet, GM is considering a fuel cell agreement with Toyota - a company which is building its fuel cell future on the backbone of the hybrid powertrain?

'American-made' automobiles simply mean nothing if they also mean increased 'terrorist-supporting foreign oil dependency.' It's time for Ford and GM to stop talking about a stronger America and to start building a stronger America today, not tomorrow.

Mariner hybrid update

2000 Mercury Mariner hybrids per year? If you want a Mariner hybrid, you'll probably have to order it online, according to an AP report.

On Friday, I noted that Ford might sell 50,000 hybrid vehicles next year, while Toyota will sell 500,000 hybrids. Well, I was wrong. Ford won't even come close to selling 50,000 hybrids. Currently, Ford is only planning to produce between 2000 - 4000 Mariner hybrids per year. How weak is that?

Mercury Mariner hybrid saves the environment on July 11

I was forwarded a press release for the July 11 launch of the Mercury Mariner hybrid penned by Ford's Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid program director, Mary Ann Wright, which had almost nothing to do with the Mercury Mariner hybrid. In fact, it's reminiscent of Ford's current CEO, whom constantly speaks of his environmental passion, yet his company is consistently ranked as one of the least environmentally-friendly auto companies.

"Recycling and reusing were not just fads for us...they were a way of life that I still practice today, from being a vegan to not buying products that have been tested on animals," Mrs. Wright tells us about her background. "But, beyond the personal choices I make in my everyday life, I have channeled my love of the environment into my profession...which, for me, is the ultimate high."

While Ford has done an excellent job with the Ford Escape hybrid, and the Mercury Mariner hybrid is sure to please, 50,000 hybrid vehicles is but a tiny sliver of Ford automobile sales. Ford can do much better.

The truth is, Ford is not an environmentally friendly company. To be fair, even Toyota, king of hybrid cars, really isn't a very environmentally friendly auto company either. Nonetheless, Ford will probably sell about 50,000 hybrids next year, Toyota aims to sell 500,000 hybrids next year.

It's great that Ford employees love the environment...perhaps, one day, Ford Corporation will also love the environment. Until then, Ford should stick to talking about the quality of their hybrid SUVs - which is great - instead of their love for the environment.

Prius price increase

The price of the Toyota Prius hybrid will increase by $300 starting in August.

The importance of hybrid technology

Yesterday, President Bush told reporters covering the G8 that the U.S. seeks to utilize technology to help fight not only global warming, but foreign oil dependency as well.

Environmentalists were not impressed. Nonetheless, many environmentalists act like both radical Republicans and Democrats - it's either their extreme view or the highway.

While I would like America, and the world, to suddenly embrace conservation - it just isn't going to happen. The history of the world has been advanced by technological innovation. End of story.

Bush and Detroit have habitually pointed to the 'hydrogen economy' as the ultimate answer. Today's terrorist activities and the current escalating oil crisis demonstrate that the world cannot wait 2 or 3 more decades before achieving a solution.

Hybrid cars, especially the Toyota Prius, prove that the U.S. doesn't have to wait for the hydrogen economy. If everyone drove a Prius, it would drastically change America's foreign oil dependency, as well as pollution emissions.

Nonetheless, just as with conservation, the Prius is not the answer, but hybrid technology does provide a solid solution. It has become quite clear that Americans not only want choice, but they want power and size. The Prius, unfortunately, does not address those preferences.

Still, as Prius hybrid technology has been added to vehicles such as the Lexus RX400h, the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and the Ford Escape hybrid, the potential of hybrid technology begins to emerge.

It's still not enough many critics will argue, and they are right. Fortunately, that is the beauty of hybrid technology. The advances made in hybrid technology from the first generation Prius to the second generation Prius, for example, were simply fantastic. Like the technology behind notebook computers, hybrid vehicles could easily double, triple, even quadruple - not only their fuel efficiency, but their performance - in just the next several years.

This doesn't require a completely new energy infrastructure, nor does it require somehow making $1,000,000 fuel cell vehicles more cost effective.

And it isn't just Toyota. Honda will be releasing an updated hybrid powertrain in both its Civic hybrid and Accord hybrid that could truly challenge the Prius. As other manufacturers begin offering their proprietary hybrid technology, gains could be exponentially made.

The time for talking about the technology of the future is no longer acceptable. American consumers must demand that automakers either act today, or perish tomorrow, and hybrid technology is the first step.

Honda hybrid confusion?

Yesterday, I posted an article, Honda taking its hybrids to another level, in which I stated that Honda hybrids will be increasing their fuel efficiency by 20%. Instead, it appears Honda's new hybrid powertrain will increase the efficiency of their hybrids by just 5%, while increasing engine output 20%.

In addition to changing the gasoline engine part of the hybrid powertrain, Honda's new hybrids will also be able to run on electric power only at low speeds. This feature enables Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius and the Highlander hybrid, to achieve considerable fuel efficiency in traffic and congestion.

If Honda; however, is only going to achieve a 5% gain in efficiency with its new hybrid powertrain, then it appears that the electric components of Honda's hybrid cars will still not be as advanced as Toyota's.

In fact, I now think that in congestion, or stop-and-go traffic, Toyota hybrids will probably still be superior. Unfortunately, I'm a little inclined to believe that Honda's new hybrid developments are more hype than bite, but it is still to early to know for certain.

Still, Honda's new engine should lead to cheaper, faster Honda hybrid vehicles.

Honda taking its hybrids to another level

Honda has announced that it will be making its entire fleet of vehicles more fuel efficient, but none more so than its hybrid vehicles. Honda's improved i-VTEC engine technology will enable all Honda vehicles to increase their fuel efficiency by a few percent. However, this technology, combined with Honda's new hybrid powertrain, will enable gains in fuel efficiency of 20% for both the Civic hybrid and the Accord hybrid.

In fact, Honda's new hybrid powertrain, much like Toyota's hybrid powertrain, will enable the Civic and Accord hybrids to run on electric power only at low speeds. This ability has made the Prius hybrid, for example, extremely efficient in urban, or stop-and-go traffic. Other than Toyota hybrids, only the Ford Escape hybrid offers such capability.

While Honda has been in the shadow of Toyota hybrids, this development has the potential to enable Honda to challenge Toyota as hybrid king. Coupled with Nissan, Hyundai, GM, and Chrysler hybrids on the horizon, the hybrid competition is really set to heat up.

And as the energy crisis heats up, starting with today's Gulf tropical storms, hybrid interest is set to intensify.

Hybrid hype: Toyota to double hybrid production

Despite the constant crowing of critics against hybrids, demand for Toyota hybrid vehicles is still far greater than supply. As a result, once again, Toyota will be doubling the production of hybrid vehicles to half a million for 2006. The greatest increase in numbers will be directed towards the Prius hybrid car, but both the Lexus RX400h and the Highlander hybrid will also have their productions increased by 50 percent. Moreover, Toyota will start producing 50,000 Camry hybrids per year next year as well.

According to Asahi.com, "Toyota affiliates in charge of making hybrid-vehicle parts, such as batteries, have reinforced their manufacturing facilities, making it much easier for Toyota to obtain key components of the gas-electricity cars."

Hybrid battery manufacturers could have a huge impact on the success of hybrid vehicles, so this is great news for hybrid supporters.

NYC to test hybrid car taxis

New York City will join San Francisco in using hybrid vehicles as part of each city's taxi fleets. While San Francisco utilizes the Ford Escape hybrid, NYC has not yet stated which hybrids it will offer in its fleet.

Are GM and Ford responsible for the 911 attacks?

"We're hooked on oil from the Middle East, which is a national security problem and an economic security problem," George Bush acknowledged while defending his stance against the Kyoto protocol.

Yet, America still can't do anything about foreign oil dependency, but Brazil could? That's technological leadership.

When push comes to shove, American automakers are dependent upon America's foreign oil dependency. While GM's Bob Lutz is gloating about June's light truck sales - further extending America's dependence upon foreign oil - terrorists are making plans to disrupt the oil supply. (More)