Is China becoming ground zero for hybrid vehicles?

According to CNNMoney, GM plans to introduce hybrid cars to the Chinese market by 2008 and is exploring options with its partner, SAIC Motor Corp.

This is the third hybrid development to occur in China. Earlier this year, Volkwagen and Toyota announced that they would also be building hybrids in China.

Many auto analysts believe that future success for most major automakers will ultimately be determined by success in China. Recently, high energy costs and severe pollution have pushed China to become very interested in clean, fuel efficient technologies. Hybrid success in China, therefore, could have much more impact on automakers than hybrid success in America.

Hybrid success in China would lead to cheaper hybrid parts and cheaper hybrid vehicles in all markets - possibly much sooner than expected. While America has been seen as the key to the development of hybrids, China could change everything.

Do creationists hate hybrid cars?

I make this post with a little tongue-in-cheek. Nonetheless, I read an interesting article the other day called, Is US becoming hostile to science? Ultimately, the article focuses on creationism versus evolution and it asserts that a significant percentage of Americans don't believe in evolution, nor the big bang, and many have become quite hostile towards science.

Similarly, an interesting video on CNN Video titled, America's Negative Numbers, notes that the U.S. has dropped to 28th in math compared to other countries and 22nd in science.

Is it any wonder China and Russia are sending men into space as America watches?

While I don't want to get into the debate between creationism and evolution, I have to admit that I believe in the power of science, but I also believe in god. To me science is simply the reproducible understanding of nature, and reviewing just the last 100 years it is hard to argue against what science has accomplished.

Some creationists that I know not only dismiss evolution, but also global warming and the dangers of oil dependency. Since hybrid cars are utilized by many as a solution to both global warming and oil dependency, then hybrids are equally dismissed as unnecessary.

Many bright bloggers and writers might argue that the dismissal of hybrids isn't due to a dislike of science, but is about simple facts. They argue that clean diesel or bio-diesel is a more affordable solution.

While I agree that both clean diesel and bio-diesel are significantly better options than our current path, I do not agree that either, by themselves, go far enough nor match the potential of hybrid technology. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain can accommodate both clean diesel and bio-diesel engines. Moreover, experimental hybrid technology demonstrates that even conventional vehicles can be converted into hybrids that can achieve well over 100 mpg. Consequently, it becomes obvious that the potential of hybrids has barely been tapped.

Neither bio-diesel nor clean diesel have demonstrated anywhere near such potential. Thus, while bio-diesel and clean diesel are important technologies, hybrid bio-diesels and clean diesel hybrids are even far more important technologies.

Is it a realization gap, rather than religion?

Is the problem that science and technology, much like evolution, isn't always visible via huge steps, but rather small incremental steps? For example, I have been using laptops for more than 10 years. Year after year, the performance of memory, speed, and battery power increases. From year to year the gains don't seem terribly significant, but comparing today's laptops to the laptops of 10 years ago, demonstrates that we've made amazing strides.

In my opinion, especially based on available, experimental technology, hybrids offer that same kind of potential, at a cost that is significantly less than fuel cells. That doesn't mean fuel cells won't replace hybrids, it just means that hybrid technology is important enough for investment until the many obstacles surrounding fuel cell vehicles can be resolved. In actuality, it might just be hybrid technology that resolves many fuel cell problems.

Yet, if America neither embraces nor believes in science and technology, what is the future for hybrids, for fuel cells, and for America?

The American auto industry might be an example of the path that America is taking. Decades of materialistically driven engineering and marketing have left GM on the verge of bankruptcy, as Ford continually becomes less and less significant. Appearance and useless power, not technological innovation, have been the drivers of the American automarket.

Likewise, if you work in technology, then you know of the void that exists in America when it comes to filling technical jobs - we have to import our programmers, engineers, and scientists. In America too much attention has been put on law and entertainment. We'd rather sue, act or be a professional athlete, rather than a scientist, engineer, or astronaut.

This has to change. As the population of the world booms in the next hundred years only pandemics or science can keep us moving forward. The world's demand for resources is growing so rapidly that only the death of billions and billions of us will allow us to move forward, or we can use science.

Somehow, America and the world must resolve our religious and scientific differences. Both god and science can co-exist. Our religious beliefs and values shouldn't hold science back, rather they should be used to ensure that we use science to benefit humankind, rather than to just control and profit from humankind.

Still, America's scientific problems aren't just about religion, as there are plenty of godless Americans that do not value science.

Ultimately, however, I believe that it is the religious Americans that will be the difference. If god is the ultimate creator, than science is nothing but an expression of god, an expression that should be embraced for good, not denied out of fear.

In recent years I've noticed a number of bumper stickers on the backs of luxury vehicles and SUVs that say, "Jesus was a liberal." While that might be true, Jesus would today drive neither a luxury vehicle, nor a gas-guzzler, Jesus would drive a hybrid.

Where is Ford's hybrid vehicle program going?

Ford's head of hybrid programs, Mary Ann Wright, gave her resignation on Friday according to the AP. A strong proponent of Ford's hybrids, Mrs. Wright, had often stated that clean vehicles were a lifelong passion. "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 once said 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."

So what does it mean for Ford's hybrid vehicles when their leader gives up the "ultimate high"? While one can only speculate, it is obvious that Ford isn't nearly as bullish on hybrids as Toyota is, for example. Toyota will produce more hybrids this year than Ford plans to produce in 2010.

Was this the source of Mrs. Wright's angst? Was Ford failing to live up to her expectations?

It will be interesting to see if Ford's new hybrid head, Nancy Gioia, will make any strong statments about the future of Ford's hybrid program to squash any negative speculation about Mrs. Wright's departure.

Hybrid driving DiCaprio takes on global warming

Yesterday, LEONARDO DiCAPRIO told an Oprah Winfrey audience that "Global warming is not only the number one environmental issue that we're facing today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity." (more)

DiCaprio, who has bought several hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, is working with Dr. Michael Oppenheimer, Princeton University professor, to promote a new documentary called Global Warming.

Unfortunately, while I applaud Mr. DiCaprio, it seems that much of Middle America just doesn't want to hear this message coming from Hollywood. Most Americans are willing to acknowledge the harm that pollution is causing, and I think even a majority of Americans are even willing to entertain the idea of global warming. Yet, many Americans just don't trust the voices coming from Hollywood.

And who can blame them? When the likes of Ben Affleck make strong political statements, but don't vote, how can they be taken seriously? Nonetheless, I wish Leo well. Regardless of whether global warming is real or not, shouldn't reducing pollution ALWAYS be a goal?

Still, I wish Leo would do more than buy a few hybrid cars and put together a documentary. When push comes to shove, Hollywood has money, actors have money. What does the average American have but a lot of bills?

Start a solar company or an experimental hybrid car company. Lead a revolution. Don't play Howard Hughes, be like Howard Hughes.

That's a lot to ask of anyone, but if Hollywood really wants people to listen, it's going to take a lot more than a documentary. It's going to take a lot more than songs like American idiot.

Still, why shouldn't big energy help with global warming? When Exxon Mobil can profit $10 billion in one quarter, while Royal Dutch Shell profits $9 billion in the same quarter - isn't it time for some corporate responsibility? (NyTimes)

Watch the documentary Global Warming

Related Posts

Hollywood's so-called obsession with the Prius

Hybrid technology poised for major evolution?

AutoWeek has posted a couple of intriguing articles regarding the future of the technology behind hybrid cars. First, Drive-by-wire braking technology could find a home on hybrid vehicles points to the possibility that one of the hybrid powertrain's key functions, regenerative braking, could possibly be significantly improved with drive-by-wire braking. Steve Brown, director of North America programs for SKF Automotive Division stated that such a "brake system would offer better regeneration of the vehicle's battery than a conventional hydraulic system because it is electronic."

Second, and even more significant, Japan's largest battery maker says lithium-ion will be hybrid battery standard of the future notes that one of the most critical hybrid components is about to be replaced. Currently, hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid, utilize NiMH, or Nickel-Metal Hydride, batteries to help power and store energy for their electric motors.

In the future; however, Lithium-ion batteries will be the standard and once those batteries become standardized the potential for significant gains in the fuel economy of hybrids will truly emerge. Each new generation of battery technology will become lighter, yet capacity will increase. This would enable a Toyota Highlander hybrid, for example, to make the daily commute of many city drivers utilizing mostly electric power.

Combined with more efficient regenerative braking, such as could be offered by drive-by-wire braking, the potential of what hybrid technology could achieve truly begins to emerge.

While today's hybrid vehicles can be very fuel efficient, critics counter that clean diesel can be just as efficient. While that might be true on the highway, it isn't true in the city, where a hybrid can simply shut off its gasoline engine and run on electric power only. Diesel vehicles must continue to burn fuel.

Still, as clean diesels become more popular, especially in Europe, the costs of that technology will become cheaper and that technology could then be utilized to make clean diesel hybrid vehicles. Such vehicles, combined with better and better hybrid batteries and other innovations, such as drive-by-wire breaking, demonstrate that amazingly efficient automobiles are within grasp as long as consumers demand them.

Imagine a flex-fuel-clean-diesel-plug-in hybrid vehicle. A highly fuel efficient vehicle that could use diesel, biodiesel, or even solar power as its fuel. A vehicle that could achieve 100 mpg, or even more, at a tiny fraction of the cost of fuel cells. A vehicle that could be a reality with just today's technology, while offering even better performance with tomorrow's technology.

Updated

I was sent an e-mail from A123Systems, a lithium battery maker that is also working with the government on hybrid vehicles. According to their representative, they have developed a lithium-ion battery that will offer 5 times the power of current batteries and 10 times the the life. Obviously, such increases could DRASTICALLY improve the performance of hybrids.

Exxon oil profits, Saudi oil supply questions: More reasons for hybrids

Hybrid cars are not the answer to today's oil problems. Sure, everyone could drive a Toyota Prius and America could end foreign oil dependency, but one vehicle isn't going to save America from foreign oil. Even if everyone wanted to drive a Prius it would still take years before that many hybrids could even be produced.

Thus, critics dismiss hybrids as hype, noting that today's hybrid technology costs do not justify the savings in fuel economy. As if investment never leads to cheaper costs and better technology - I mean look at computers, what a wasted investment!

Instead, America would rather rely on big energy, such as Exxon Mobil. That's right, the same Exxon Mobil that "said Thursday high oil and natural-gas prices helped its third-quarter profit surge almost 75 percent to $9.92 billion" according to the AP. The same Exxon Mobil that is going to be given tax payer money to help alleviate the oil shortage in America.

Now, that's a plan!

And we're going to need more oil, a lot more oil, not only in the U.S., but worldwide. Unfortunately, that oil might not exist. According to an extremely interesting NYTIMES article, Doubts Raised on Saudi Vow for More Oil, Saudi Arabia might have far less oil than they have been proclaiming to the world, and a serious oil crunch could be just around the corner.

Don't worry, I'm sure Exxon will use some of its profits and tax payer incentives to help out the average American!

If oil supplies do stagnate, where is the oil going to come from to run all the diesels that are going to save America according to the Detroit News? Nothing like putting all your eggs in one basket.

Why not invest in technology?

Experimental hybrid vehicles have already been built that can achieve more than 100 mpg, some even achieve as much as 250 mpg, and others have claimed that a flex-fuel plug-in hybrid could achieve as much as 500 mpg. Additionally, flex fuel plug-in hybrids could utilize gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, electricity or even hydrogen. Is that too many options?

What the hell are we waiting for? Why does America continue to provide tax dollars to the oil industry? Why do we allow automakers, including Toyota, to continue to sell gas-guzzlers? Why not subsidize the cost of a fleet of Ford Escape hybrids and Toyota Highlander hybrids that achieve at least 50 mpg? That technology exists right now, yet instead we give billions to oil companies?

Oil, not technology, is the solution to America's problems, at least if you ask Congress. I guess almost 10 billion in profits provides a lot of favors.

So yeah, 100 mpg hybrids are too expensive and hybrids are just hype, but spending billions and billions on oil companies, oil refineries, the hydrogen highway, and fuel cells is a bargain - at least for Exxon Mobil it is.

Are Toyota hybrid truck plans an opportunity for GM hybrids?

Sure GM offers a mild hybrid, but the Silverado hybrid truck barely offers any gains in fuel economy. Really, the best thing about the Chevy hybrid is the ability to plug some tools into the standard electric outlets it offers.

By 2007; however, GM should offer much better hybrid trucks - in terms of fuel efficiency. Of course, so to will the king of hybrid vehicles, Toyota.

Offering the best selling Prius, Toyota sells far more hybrids than any other automaker, but Toyota also sells two hybrid SUVs, the Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h, but what about hybrid trucks?

Currently, Toyota is working on a feasibility study to determine if a Toyota Tundra hybrid can meet consumer demands. According to AutoWeek, because "many truck owners require their vehicles to tow or haul heavy loads over long distances. Hybrid battery power is nearly useless in that aspect. As a result, a pickup cannot scrimp on engine displacement without sacrificing towing performance. That hurts fuel economy, the main benefit of a hybrid."

Only time will tell if Toyota can overcome this issue. For many hybrid truck consumers, towing might be a non-issue, but this could be an area for GM to capitalize. GM's dual-mode hybrid will not rely as much on batteries as much as Toyota hybrids. Thus, GM trucks will not face these towing problems; however, GM trucks might not be as fuel efficient as Toyota trucks. Nonetheless, the hybrid truck segment could offer GM a real window of opportunity.

In addition to Toyota, Ford hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, or the Mercury Mariner hybrid, also use a powertrain very similar to Toyota, which means that Ford will also face many of the same towing issues as Toyota with Ford hybrid trucks.

Trucks are a huge market in the U.S. and a top selling hybrid truck could be a real winner for GM. I expect the marketing hype to really begin to heat up around this market segment towards the end of 2006, early 2007.

The future of hybrid vehicles

I was recently interviewed for an article regarding hybrid cars and the question posed to me was, "Will the hybrid powertrain be the dominant powertrain by 2012?"

While I said that it would not, I noted that analysts currently predicting total hybrid sales achieving just 5% of the market by 2012, were just as wrong in that prediction as they were when they predicted the complete failure of the Toyota Prius.

Just today the article, Forget hybrids, America; diesels will provide economy, performance argues that America should focus on diesel, not hybrids, especially because Ford is a leading player.

So now diesel is the answer to America's oil problems? Please!

According to Ken Miller, an oil industry analyst with Purvin & Gertz in Houston, "New environmental rules for diesel will go into effect on Jan. 1 that are expected to add a few more cents per gallon to the cost of diesel. The day when diesel was cheaper than gasoline is probably over." (AutoWeek) Yet, diesel is the answer?

Others might say that bio-diesel can make diesel vehicles cheaper to run, but I doubt this to be true if a significant percentage of Americans begin to drive bio-diesel. Where will the fuel come from? What if severe weather causes drought or storm that destroys fuel crops? Bio-diesel can absolutely help end foreign oil dependency, but it cannot do it alone.

I say build flex-fuel hybrids because doing so could save America as much as a trillion dollars (more).

There was a time when technology was the strength of America, yet today, the strength of America seems controlled by whether oil is cheap or not. Additionally, many automotive writers, probably the ones who refused to use a computer for as long as possible, continue to wear blinders.

How many more conflicts in the Middle East, how much more evidence of pollution and global warming, how much more evidence that America is continually losing its technological stronghold, will it take before America embraces the future - a future that will be dominated by technology, not cheap oil?

America has for too long chosen the easy path, a path that has been enforced by military power and executed with a complete disregard for the environment. Suddenly, however, the easy path is neither so easy, nor cost-effective.

While hybrid cars might not dominate the future, hybrid technology is just an emerging technology that can lead to 100 mpg fuel efficiency within 10 years if automakers create bio-diesel hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or even solar-powered plug-in hybrids - while also helping hydrogen, electric, and fuel cell vehicle development.

Can diesel achieve that in a decade?

The future of the world, especially the automotive world, will not be driven by cheap oil, but by technology and that technological advancement needs to begin now. Sure America can wait, but the longer it waits, the more technologically obsolete America will become.

Besides, isn't it time America invests in America, rather than in filthy rich oil companies?

Hybrids and driving in the Midwest

I'm about to head to the airport and return home to Los Angeles. I've been in and around Madison, WI the past few days for a wedding. Since I was in a different area, I paid close attention to what people were driving in this area of the U.S.. While Buicks were far more common than the Camrys and Accords that I see during my daily commutes in Southern California, I still saw a number of hybrid cars.

Granted, I didn't do much driving and Madison is somewhat of a liberal town, but I saw at least one Toyota Prius every time I drove somewhere. In addition the Honda dealership next to my hotel boasted that more than 30 hybrids were in stock according to television commercials. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to stop in so that I could test drive the new Civic hybrid.

I was also surprised that more people didn't drive SUVs. These people definitely have more reasons to need the vehicles, considering their weather. Yet I think SUVs, especially the big ones, are actually more common in Southern California than in Madison, WI - something which I found very surprising. Heading to Madison, I thought I would be more likely to see a Ford Escape hybrid, or a Toyota Highlander hybrid rather than a Prius, but I was wrong.

Interesting trip and I guess I learned that SUVs were made for freeways, not rough driving conditions.

New Honda Civic hybrid goes on sale tomorrow.

Tomorrow the new Honda Civic Hybrid will go on sale. Featuring more horsepower, better fuel efficiency, and more elegant styling, the Civic hybrid is sure to cause a few potential Toyota Prius consumers to give the Civic a serious look.

Still, when it comes to hybrid cars, Toyota is still king. Honda is hoping to boost hybrid production to 50,000 cars, while Toyota will sell more than 100,000 Prii. Additionally, the Highlander hybrid is also an extremely hot seller.

Nonetheless, hybrids still aren't taking over the world yet, and price is the big factor. According to Honda Motor CEO Takeo Fukui, "We do still understand the price difference is rather significant for ordinary consumers."(USAToday via Yahoo)

The 2006 Civic hybrid will be priced at $21,850.

Flex fuel, biodiesel, or hybrids: Which is America's answer to oil dependency?

When the Iranian Revolution in 1979 caused massive gas lines in the United States, many Americans turned to small Japanese vehicles. Eventually, however, oil prices stabilized, gas prices dropped, and many Americans returned to gas-guzzling as SUVs became an expression of American freedom.

But the Iranian Revolution wasn't only felt in the U.S., and the problems of oil dependence, particularly foreign-oil dependence, pushed Brazil to do more than just buy a few small Japanese vehicles. By 1985 almost every vehicle produced in Brazil was designed for alcohol as fuel transportation and gasoline stations were updated to handle this new fuel.

So did Brazil kick the oil habit? Not exactly. According to an interesting article, Ethanol: Is it the answer?, a combination of cheap oil and droughts - which caused poor harvests and less ethanol - led Brazilians back to oil.

Today in Brazil, flex-fuel technology has changed everything. Able to run on both gasoline, ethanol, or a mixture of the two, flex fuel vehicles allow Brazilians to take advantage of which ever fuel they choose. Thus, drivers are hedged against either drought, or skyrocketing oil prices.

So should America just focus on flex-fuel vehicles as the solution to America's oil problems?

Absolutely not.

Flex-fuel vehicles definitely are part of the solution, but even Brazil hasn't been able to kick the oil habit. More important Brazil consumes SIGNIFICANTLY less fuel per year than the U.S.. Additionally, Brazil uses sugar to produce its ethanol fuel, the U.S. uses corn, which is far less efficient than sugar.

Of course new grains, etc., might offer better efficiency, but how long will it take to create enough fuel? Brazil produces only about 5 billion gallons of ethanol per year, U.S. demand is around 140 billion gallons per year. And what about drought, or another natural disaster?

The key to Brazil's struggles and successes boil down to one thing, flexibility. Flex-fuel vehicle technology should be the standard in America, but it shouldn't stop there. Hybrid technology, or even better, plug-in hybrid technology, offers even far more flexibility.

Hybrid cars, or better yet, flex-fuel hybrid cars, could significantly improve fuel efficiency, while opening up new fuel possibilities beyond oil. In reality; however, fuel competition alone won't be enough to handle the oil monster, and that's why hybrid technology is so important.

Plug-in flex-fuel advanced diesel hybrid vehicles could offer fuel efficiency of more than 100 mpg with today's technology - even for SUVs. Sure the technology is somewhat expensive today, but it is FAR less expensive than fuel cell technology. Additionally, a national fleet of 100 mpg vehicles would end the need for foreign oil in about 5 years, which I've argued could save America more than a TRILLION dollars (more).

Even better, plug-in power could lead to another revolution in the automotive world, the utilization of solar power. Already solar power is cost-effective to power a home - if you are going to live in that home for at least 15 years - but what if you could also help power your car with your home energy system, with totally clean energy? Even more interesting, garage mechanics have already created plug-in hybrids with solar panels and Mazda is now showing a solar hybrid concept vehicle that includes embedded solar panels in the roof of the vehicle.

Ultimately, the good old days of the U.S. auto industry are over. Constant innovation and the best technology are an absolute requirement, and the best technology requires fuel flexibility, as well as the best possible fuel economy. It isn't just about saving money at the fuel pump, or protecting the environment, it is about protecting the security and welfare of Americans and the American economy.

Neither ethanol, bio-diesel or hybrids alone are going to take the oil monkey off America's back quickly enough, but combined, these alternative choices could radically change America within a decade.

Instead of subsidizing the cost of a foreign-oil-dependency-ending fleet of vehicles, America is going to build more oil refineries, drill in Alaska, and give billions of tax payer dollars to filthy rich oil companies, as GM increases production on the Hummer.

Is that really an investment in the future? Isn't it time to start investing in real American freedom, instead of investing in companies that can profit as much as $23 billion in just one quarter?

I guess it is pretty clear who Congress represents, and it isn't the majority of Americans.

Hollywood's so-called obsession with the Prius

When I saw the AutoWeek headline, Starring Role: Hollywood's love affair with Toyota's Prius continues, I thought why are the autorags so against hybrids? I'm pretty confident that every time a hybrid has been the lead story on AutoWeek's home page, it has always included a negative headline, yet some gas-guzzler can always take the cover guilt free.

So what if some members of Hollywood promote the Toyota Prius hybrid car - it's an awesome car if you believe in ending foreign oil dependency. It's an awesome vehicle if you are trying to help the environment. Yet, what percentage of automobile spots in Hollywood productions are reserved for the Prius, or any hybrid cars, for that matter? Not many.

Fortunately, the article wasn't really negative and I guess it is about the most positive press that can be expected from AutoWeek, whose editors seem to hate hybrids.

Sports cars and big gas-guzzling vehicles are the normal Hollywood prop, and what message do they send? That Americans are above the rest of the world? That America doesn't have to worry about the environment? That America is so great we can act stupid just to show the rest of the world how omnipotent America is?

Well America's materialistic greed has had consequences and it will continue to have consequences. Actions cannot continue to be judged only by how cool one looks, or at least how cool one thinks they look, but by the consequences of their actions.

Oil put America in Saudi Arabia and Bin Laden attacked because of it. Oil put America in Iraq and thousands of Americans have died because of it. Oil has made America Enemy Number 1 in the eyes of much of the world.

Hybrids, such as the Prius, the Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Ford Escape hybrid might not be cost-effective for the average American yet. Still, somehow, they seem more cost effective than risking GM and Ford bankruptcy, energy shortages, oil wars, funding terrorism and the war on terror.

A recent study claimed that America could save as much as a trillion dollars by ending foreign oil dependency. So are hybrids really that expensive? Yet the government puts limits on hybrid vehicle tax deductions as it gives billions of tax payer dollars to the oil industry.

Ultimately, buying a hybrid means you are willing to fund a change and that's a statement that should cause pride. What kind of a statement does buying a Hummer or gas guzzler really make?

Prius hybrid vehicle stalling update

Toyota will send out a letter to about 75,000 Prius owners asking them to take their vehicles to their dealer to fix a potential software glitch, according to Reuters. Some Prius drivers have reported sudden stalling or stopping. According to Toyota, "if the gasoline engine stalls, the electric motor in the vehicles will have enough power to allow the driver to pull the vehicle over and away from the traffic."

The software update is free and is intended for 2004 and 2005 Prius models. While the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation into the problem several months ago, a recall has not been issued. Still, it is better to be safe than sorry, even though only a minimal number of Prii have experienced the problem.

It is also important to note that at last report, there have been no reported injuries or accidents from the potential software problem. As hybrid cars are an emerging technology, such software bugs really aren't surprising, and are becoming more common, even in conventional vehicles.

Toyota hybrid vehicle supply running on empty

According to Reuters, Toyota is now buying additional electric motors from Hitachi to meet the increasing demand for its hybrid cars. Recently, it was announced that the supply of Toyota's Prius hybrid car is now down to hours, and the situation isn't much better for the Highlander hybrid. Everything seems to indicate that Toyota will still not be able to catch up to demand even with this new deal.

As Ford has also had problems finding hybrid parts for its Escape hybrid and Mariner hybrid, the problem of hybrids parts - or the lack of - is becoming a serious problem that will require massive restructuring of auto suppliers.

Still, despite the hybrid critics, hybrids are hot and only getting hotter.

The pathetic irony of hybrids, fuel economy, and the automotive press

Hybrid critics make me laugh. Hybrid cars don't achieve EPA fuel efficiency numbers and they don't save money these critics keep harping.

Sure, according to Consumer Reports, hybrid cars often do not achieve the EPA's fuel economy estimates. Of course, the Consumer Report's study also shows that of the 6 hybrids available, 3 of them are the MOST FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES you can buy. More ironically, however, these critics glance over the fact that most vehicles miss their EPA estimates, and that in city driving, conventional vehicles miss their EPA estimates miserably.

So let's be clear about this. The Toyota Prius only achieves a pathetic 45 mpg in the city, the Jeep Liberty Diesel achieves a whopping 11 mpg, the Chrysler 300C achieves 17, and a number of Dodges achieve a stellar 8 mpg. Ohhh, those crappy hybrids.

Good thing hybrids only account for around 1 percent of U.S. auto sales otherwise America would be in real trouble! PHEW!

"Hybrids suck, man," these critics seem to say, "they don't achieve EPA estimates, so it's OK if I only achieve 8 mpg. The Prius only achieves 45 mpg, not 60! Thats the real problem!"

What's going on here? If foreign oil dependency is a problem, if oil consumption is a problem, shouldn't our attention be on the source of the problem? Why is the President asking Americans to conserve, as GM increases output of its most gas-guzzling vehicles?

Now I get it, cause we don't want more hyped hybrids on the road - they're dangerous! I mean, according to a recent study, if all vehicles achieved 45 mpg, not only could America end foreign oil dependency, but it could save as much as a trillion dollars. That would be blasphemous. Americans aren't supposed to save money, our duty in life is to spend money, dammit!

Fortunately, 9 out of 10 of the 'best' offenders, according to the CR study, were conventional vehicles. Almost every conventional vehicle is achieving less than 20 mpg when driven in the city, stuck at street lights and stop signs, caught in rushhour, etc. In fact, many conventional vehicles are only achieving around 10 mpg in these conditions. Now that's American, baby!

So, is it the fact that hybrids only achieve 45 mpg, instead of 60 mpg, that is increasing foreign oil dependency every year, or is it the fact the millions of conventional vehicles are only achieving 10 mpg? Damn those hybrids.

I wonder how much advertising money is spent on hybrid vehicles versus conventional vehicles? Hmm. Well, GM spends billions on advertising every year and they don't offer any hybrids - NO the current Silverado DOESN't COUNT - so I'd say hybrids are already at a huge disadvantage.

OOPs, I didn't just criticize GM. I better watch it, they might pull all their ads from my site like they did to the LATimes.

In reality, promoting hybrids is worth millions in advertising dollars, while promoting 8 mpg gas-guzzlers is worth billions, but I'm sure there isn't any connection. Just as there isn't any connection between 8 mpg and foreign oil dependency. Just as there isn't any connection between automobile pollution and lung cancer, and asthma, and allergies, and smog-influenced skin cancer, and global warming.

Hybrids are hype and everyone should drive a Hummer because oil dependency is a god-given, perfectly harmless action. Those that disagree are part of the oppressive, supremely powerful tree-hugging conspiracy.

If ending foreign oil dependency could save America a trillion dollars, how much does 8 mpg, or even 20 mpg, really cost America? Since there are billions of reasons not to ask that question, you can be sure that criticisms of hybrids will continue, but that question won't get asked.

Of course, what's a trillion dollars? Just add it to the deficit and let someone else deal with it in a decade or two. Now that's American! God bless us!

More oil refineries a band-aide, Dems a joke

More oil refineries are a band aide to America's oil problems, particularly American foreign oil dependency. Nonetheless, it isn't surprising that Republicans are promoting such an effort, nor is it surprising that Democrats are attacking the bill (more).

While oil refineries can help with gasoline prices, they will only increase oil consumption and foreign oil dependency, which should be great for terrorists.

Why not get real about fuel economy? Hybrid cars, or even better, some bio-diesel hybrid cars can end foreign oil dependency as fast as we can build them.

Too expensive?

According to a recent study, ending foreign oil dependency could save America as much as a Trillion dollars (more). Instead of giving billions to the oil industry, why not subsidize a massive fleet of hybrids from GM and Ford?

Hmmmm. Spend money so that we can increase our foreign oil dependency versus ending foreign oil dependency, making American automakers the best in the world again, and saving a trillion dollars?????

I don't know, the best investment seems pretty clear to me.

While Democrats can hiss at the Republican bill, what have they done? Enough Republicans were willing to join Democrats to raise fuel efficiency standards earlier this year, instead Labor Dems balked.

If real action were taken regarding fuel economy, oil refineries would be a non-issue. Unfortunately, neither the Democrat, nor the Republican, parties have the courage to truly lead America.

Hybrid vehicles & Bio-diesel: Can't we all just get along?

Earlier this week I made a post that paired off hybrid cars and bio-diesel vehicles (Read the article). Every time I write something about bio-diesel, I seem to offend some bio-diesel proponents. Still, I'm glad there are so many fans of bio-diesel because I DO believe this fuel offers immense possibilities to reduce foreign oil dependency.

While I ultimately believe that hybrid technology is more important than bio-diesel, I also believe that a bio-diesel hybrid would make the best hybrid vehicle, except for a solar-plug-in-biodiesel hybrid vehicle.

Of course, today, there simply aren't enough hybrids to make much of a difference in fighting foreign oil dependency, which highlights why bio-diesel is so important right now.

Tomorrow; however, today's 30 or 40 mpg bio-diesel cars could be 100, 200, or even 500 mpg plug-in-bio-diesel hybrids, and that is why it is so important that we invest in hybrid technology.

The focus of alternative energy and fuels shouldn't be on hybrids OR bio-diesel, but hybrids AND bio-diesel, especially bio-diesel hybrid vehicles.

(Click here for more on experimental hybrid vehicles)

Mazda's solar powered hybrid vehicle, Tribute Hybrid details coming soon

Mazda is preparing five new vehicles for the Tokyo Auto Show and three of them are hybrid cars. My favorite is the Senku hybrid, based off the RX-8. It will offer "flying wing" doors and, most interestingly, it will include solar cells that are embedded in the roof, according to AutoWeek. Presumably, the solar cells will be used to help keep the hybrid batteries charged.

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also be shown, which is a minivan.

Finally, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, which will be similar to the Ford Escape hybrid, will also debut. Reports indicate that sale's details will be released for the Tribute Hybrid at the show.

I really hope that Mazda moves forward with the Senku. I have numerous times promoted solar cells on hybrids, and already a few inventive garage mechanics have accomplished this task (more). Hopefully, this will pressure other hybrid makers to do the same, or to at least offer solar cells as an option.

A hybrid deal: Subaru and Toyota

As GM sells off its share in Subaru, Toyota is picking up much of the stake, which has strong implications for hybrid vehicles. Subaru has already indicated that it is interested in developing hybrids, and Toyota can obviously help with that goal. Still, Subaru also has a nice offering for Toyota, batteries for its hybrids. This could be a great move, not only for both companies, but for the consumers of hybrid cars. (More on the deal)

Two hybrids tops for resale value cars

Kelly Blue Book rated two hybrid cars in the Overall Top 10 of Resale Value Cars. The Honda Accord Hybrid and the Toyota Prius took honors in the sedan and hatchback categories in addition to being rated Overall Top 10 Best Resale Value Cars. (CNNStory)

Hydrogen powered hybrid vehicles demonstrate importance of hybrid technology

You've heard the criticisms of hybrid cars.

They aren't as fuel efficient as the EPA suggests. They don't save you money. Biodiesel is better.

In reality; however, the EPA is off on all vehicles. When push comes to shove, hybrids are significantly more fuel efficient than conventional vehicles, especially in city driving.

Hybrids can save you money over the long haul, but if you drive in the city, in congestion, or in stop-and-go traffic, hybrids CAN be very economical.

Biodiesel does make a good short term case, but it is the potential of hybrids that makes the technology so important. Sure, a biodiesel vehicle might be able to achieve 30 or 40 mpg without oil, but a plug-in biodiesel hybrid vehicle might achieve 200 or 300 mpg.

Moreover, hybrids can help make fuel cell vehicles a reality. Energy Conversion Devices is working on hydrogen electric hybrids that demonstrate that hybrids can lead the way to the hydrogen highway (more).

What all the criticisms of hybrid vehicles miss, is that hybrids are only an emerging technology. Just like computers 20 years ago, the power behind hybrid technology will get lighter, more powerful, more efficient and cheaper.

Hybrid cars versus diesel and biodiesel

I just responded to a post of my criticism of CNN's hybrid hype article, where someone commented that hybrid cars were hype and that biodiesel was the answer. (more)

This train of thought seems to come up often.

While I commend biodiesel users, I do not see it as viable answer to oil dependency, though I can see it as a part of the solution. In particular, I would love to see a biodiesel hybrid vehicle.

Still, it does take a extra energy to produce biodiesel. Is that energy clean and cheap? Additionally, it would take a lot of land to create enough biodiesel to end foreign oil dependency. Inevitably, I believe, it would be agribusiness that would dominate biodiesel, and the land would become even more polluted with pesticides and fertilizers.

Is that really the best solution?

Granted, compared with today's hybrid technology, biodiesel makes a strong case. However, plug-in hybrids and experimental hybrids have been demonstrated to achieve as much as 250 mpg, and some believe a biodiesel hybrid could achieve as much as 500 mpg.

The potential of hybrid technology offers too much upside not to invest, and if combined with diesel and biodiesel, offers a real solution to ending foreign oil dependency in the short term, while ending oil dependency in the long term.

Hybrid cars could save America a Trillion dollars

The costs of hybrid cars. Critics love to talk about how the costs of hybrids don't add up, but what about the costs of gas-guzzling?

The Toyota Prius, minimally, achieves 45 mpg, even in the worst driving conditions, where the average conventional vehicle achieves less than 20 mpg. So what you ask?

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), if the U.S. required 40 mpg fleet mileage by 2015, the U.S. could save well over a trillion dollars by 2015. (more)

The Prius achieves better than that today. In 10 years, there is no reason crossover SUVs and light trucks couldn't also achieve the same levels of fuel efficiency. Currently, hybrids are only an emerging technology. Plug in hybrids, new Lithium batteries, and diesel hybrids offer the technology to make 40 mpg a reality.

Are there costs? Of course, but wouldn't it be worth it to invest $100 billion to save more than a trillion dollars - while ending foreign oil dependency, cleaning the environment, and helping American automakers become the technological leaders of the automotive world?

What are we waiting for?

Hybrid cars are for wimps!

Do you care about clean air? Are you worried about your child's asthma? Wimp!

Do you care about global warming? Wimp!

Do you worry about foreign oil dependency? Wimp!

Do you like hybrid cars? Wimp!

If you said yes to any of the above, then you aren't SUV material.

"We haven't turned into wimps overnight," AutoPacific's George Peterson tells Newsweek in the October 10 issue (on newsstands Monday, October 3). "People still like a tough looking SUV." (more)

A sign of change?

While calling for an increased gasoline tax on CNBC this morning Mike Jackson, AutoNation Chairmen and CEO, noted that fuel efficiency is now more important than cupholders when making vehicle purchasing decisions.

When Americans make fuel efficiency more important than where they put their morning cup of Joe, you know the world is changing!

Is an increased gasoline tax a good way to get Americans to realize the importance of fuel efficiency?

Top 3 Reasons to buy a hybrid car

To save money

O.K. this isn't the best reason to buy a hybrid, but it isn't as impossible as many critics would have you believe. If you live in a city, hybrid cars offer the best ability to save money on gasoline; however, not all hybrids are equal in city driving.

Honda hybrids are not the best for city conditions. Unlike Ford and Toyota hybrids, Honda hybrids do not function on electric power only at low speeds.

In city driving, the Toyota Prius can easily achieve 45 mpg or more. Something like the Ford Focus, achieves just 17 mpg. In fact, in the city, the far majority of ALL conventional vehicles are going to achieve less than 20 mpg. Even worse, many trucks and SUVs will achieve less than 10 mpg in the city. Here again, the Toyota Highlander hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid offer their best gasoline savings. The Lexus RX400h does its best here as well, but who buys a Lexus to save money?

To reduce pollution

Pollution, like fuel economy, is a tricky subject. For example, why does smog develop in cities? Is it just because of the large number of cars, or are driving conditions an important factor?

Congestion, stop-and-go, and idling bring out the worst in our vehicles, except for hybrids. A Prius or Escape hybrid will function on mostly electric power in these conditions, and in these conditions, conventional vehicles simply offer no competition. Overall, hybrids produce far less pollution than conventional vehicles, and in the conditions that produce the most pollution, hybrids perform their best.

To help end foreign oil dependency

Why do people buy Hummers, Cadillacs, and BMWs? Why do people put rims on their cars? Don't they want to make a statement?

For many hybrid buyers, buying a hybrid is a message that says, 'I am willing to fund fuel efficient technology.' This message is especially aimed at automakers whom have contributed to America's yearly increase in foreign oil consumption - automakers that have for decades successfully lobbied Congress not to raise fuel efficiency standards nor to make the EPA accurate.

How do you put a cost on foreign oil consumption? How much does it cost to maintain a military presence in the Middle East to protect America's oil addiction? How much money does it cost to influence the politics of the Middle East? How much money does it cost to try to stop the flow of money that moves from oil into the hands of terrorists?

How much? How many lives?

If the real costs of foreign oil dependency were added into the price of gasoline, the question of hybrid costs would immediately be over. Since oil wealth largely runs America, should we be surprised those costs are separated?

Only in America can Hummer ads fill the advertising slots of articles criticizing the costs of hybrid cars. Only in America is materialistic ignorance more acceptable than intelligence.

Iran threatens oil saber, again, and Japan leads the way, again, with hybrids

Iran could use oil to protect itself if the UN Security Council imposes any sanctions on Iran over its nuclear development program. "If Iran's case is sent to the Security Council, we will respond by many ways, for example by holding back on oil sales or limiting inspections of our nuclear facilities," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Saturday. (more)

Just what America needs, more oil problems.

Scientists claim that hurricanes the likes of Rita and Katrina are going to be a lot more common in the next decade for certain, possibly the next few decades - causing further oil problems. Then there are issues in the Middle East, including the connection between foreign oil and terrorism.

Now Iran is threatening to join the oil party.

Didn't Iran cause oil problems once before for the U.S.? Wasn't that when Japanese cars finally gained some serious ground in America?

Now it seems the Japanese are the first to the party, again.

Eventually, the costs of oil were going to come calling. So what have GM and Ford been doing? Lobbying the government to extend the gas-guzzling craze as long as possible, that's what..

What were the Japanese doing? Developing hybrid cars, as Detroit laughed at them.

Who is laughing now?