Time to give Ford a little green credit?

I am typically pretty critical of Ford, but I think Ford might be heading in the right direction. Others; however, are not so impressed with Ford's new green movement. The Chicago Tribune stated, "Ford Long On Hype, Short on Detail" finding very little excitement in Ford's hybrid vehicles, even the flex-fuel Escape hybrid and the Reflex diesel hybrid.

While it is true that Ford's hybrid vehicles are more hype than reality in terms of pure business, don't they deserve a little hype? The Ford Escape hybrid is an excellent hybrid SUV, which is why it's going to be hyped during the SuperBowl.

Where are GM's hybrids?

If automakers are now in the golden age of automaking, as Toyota believes, then Ford has taken some solid steps toward the future. Yes, those steps might be small, but if they are just the beginning, then Ford could turn its fortunes around.

I think Ford deserves a little green credit - they've taken real action.

I wish I could say the same for GM.

Hemp and hybrid cars: A perfect marriage?

Tired of record oil profits, let's change America!

Tonight, when the President gives his State of the Union address, one of his main topics is expected to be energy. Oil and gasoline prices are rising and will continue to rise. Some have speculated that oil could even rise to $262 per barrel (more).

Thus many, such as Fortune, are speculating that the President is going to plug alternative fuels and energy, especially ethanol.

I've written about ethanol, diesel and biodiesel many times. I don't see them as the answer. I do; however, see them as an important part of the solution.

My solution, on the other hand, is flex-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles. The technology already exists today and will only become significantly better. Moreover, it is far cheaper than hydrogen. Additionally, such technology gives consumers the widest array of clean and efficient fueling choices - we don't want to put all of our eggs in one basket.

But, back to ethanol. If ethanol makes gasoline cheaper, then demand will simply increase, and much more ethanol will be needed. Where will all this ethanol come from? How many pesticides and fertilizers will be needed? What happens if there is a drought?

Couldn't hemp address many of these issues?

Hemp is not marijuana and the government has legalized hemp in the past to help fight wars. Why not legalize it again?

Hemp grows like a weed, doesn't need fertilizers, is drought resistant and helps enrich the soil. Thus, it could very efficiently provide a massive amount of material to convert into ethanol, while protecting the environment.

Ethanol and hybrid cars provide the tools to drastically change America in just a couple of decades to the benefit of everyone and America can start right now.

Will America care? Unfortunately, I doubt it, there just isn't enough bling in it.

Proof that hybrid vehicle costs will come down?

There is a rather interesting article in AutoWeek regarding how Toyota Camry hybrid production was integrated into standard Camry production. While this integration did take immense brain power, it really didn't take much money, which shocked many in the auto-world according to the magazine.

Toyota now claims that hybrid cars are profitable; however, many auto analysts find this impossible to believe. Perhaps they are profitable, but have yet to cover the original development costs, so it depends on how you measure 'costs'.

Nonetheless, Toyota, a champion of efficient auto-manufacturing, is also making the production of hybrids more efficient, which will further reduce costs. Already Toyota believes it can make its next generation hybrid technology, due out in just a couple of years, more fuel efficient, more powerful, and half as expensive.

Such a move would make the Prius an incredible buy, while making the rest of Toyota's hybrids extremely cost-effective, if not cost-superior, to their conventional counterparts.

Have hybrid vehicles launched a new golden age in the auto industry?

The auto industry has a huge responsibility to make sure its products don't inflict harm on society or the environment, at least that's Toyota's belief. And hybrid cars are leading this new golden age. Even Bono would like this move. (more)

Diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol not enough

Even hybrid cars, or plug-in hybrid vehicles do not push the envelope of auto technology far enough


Flex-fuel plug-in diesel/gasoline hybrid vehicles can completely change America's national energy paradigm - long before fuel cell vehicles become either cost-effective or technologically feasible.

Such vehicles could easily achieve well over 100 miles per gallon, utilizing gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, or combinations, while completely ending foreign oil dependency. (more)

Nationwide campaign for plug-in hybrids launched

Nationwide grassroots campaign of cities, public utilities, etc. promote plug-in hybrids

"Plug-in hybrids represent a real near-term solution to America's over-reliance on foreign oil imports and energy prices that escalate the cost of everything and threaten the very economic life of our nation," says Austin Mayor Will Wynn, who pledged $1 million in city rebates to help citizens and businesses purchase the first wave of plug-ins to roll off assembly lines. "The technology exists today," Wynn says. "This campaign will demonstrate to automakers that the market is also there." (Mototrend)

Many plug-in hybrids currently achieve 80 mpg and significantly reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Even when adding the extra emissions from electricity plants, plug-in hybrids still offer 50 - 75 percent cleaner emissions. Additionally, the cost of the 'electric gas' is just 75 cents per gallon.

Why not make all hybrids, plug-in hybrid vehicles?

GM's Three-Pronged Hybrid Strategy

Yesterday, GM kicked off its three-pronged hybrid vehicle strategy at that Washington Auto Show. The "low-cost" Chevrolet Silverado pickup, which barely qualifies as hybrid in my opinion, will be followed by the 'mild' Saturn Vue Greenline sport utility vehicle and, finally, GM's two-mode hybrid system will be installed on the Chevy Tahoe hybrid in 2008.

Flex-Fuel Ford Escape hybrid vehicle coming soon.

Soon the Ford Escape hybrid will run on gasoline or on any gasoline and E-85 combination. Ford is currently testing the Flex-Fuel Escape hybrid and plans to offer the technology in future models. According to Ford the technology only costs a few hundred dollars (Detroit News).

"Hybrids, small cars, jazzy designs": Will it work for Ford?

It's hard to make out out Ford's "way forward" plan.

"To stand out in a world awash in car manufacturers, Ford's brands and products have to be clear, relevant and distinct," said Ford Americas President Mark Fields.

According to the DetroitNews that means hybrids, crossovers and small cars, such as the Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Ford Edge and possibly the Reflex hybrid, an insanely hot concept car.

Ford's plan of 250,000 hybrid vehicles by 2010 is a nice step that could position Ford towards success well into the future. Additionally, Ford will enjoy some good P.R. with this move.

Still, let's face it, when it comes to hybrids, it's all about the Toyota Prius. Only the Camry hybrid seems like it could de-throne the Prius, but I wouldn't bet on it.

The Prius dominates because it is a model that is "clear, relevant and distinct."

Only the Honda Insight is as "clear, relevant and distinct", but it is simply too small. A two-seater will forever be a niche vehicle, regardless of whether it is a hybrid or not.

While I like the Ford Escape hybrid, or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, the price difference between a conventional vehicle and its hybrid twin is just too glaring. While I believe these hybrids are worth the price difference, especially in the long run, this math simply will not sell for the average buyer.

To what; however, do you compare the Reflex diesel hybrid?

In the short term, the move to a 'hybrid option' is a bad move for most automakers if they don't have at least one unique hybrid. If you want to be a future leader you can't keep one foot in the past and one foot in the future - it's all or nothing.

If Ford hybrid technology works in the Ford Escape hybrid, then it will work in a "clear, relevant, and distinct" hybrid vehicle as well. If Ford is too afraid to take its own advice regarding future models, then it's already over for Ford.

A Ford hybrid model that could move 100,000 units would be far more important than a hybrid option on 10 different models that will only move 20,000 units per vehicle. A combination of the two could immediately turn things around for Ford via P.R. alone.

It doesn't have to be the Reflex hybrid, but it should be just as "clear, relevant and distinct". If Ford simply follows its own advice it will move forward.

Are hybrid vehicles forever marginal or a step into the future?

Over the weekend I've been contemplating the article, Despite car show hype, hybrids, diesels will remain marginal.

Not only does the article dismiss hybrid cars, diesels and small autos, but even fuel cell vehicles, which is contrary to the typical hybrid critic. Many critics call hybrids an interim step to fuel cells - a distraction if you will - but they do see a changing market. While I disagree, seeing hybrids as an essential step toward fuel cell hybrid vehicles, that's not the point.

Mr. Winton, the author of the article, seems to think nothing will change and that America will forever be dominated by the size of the motor, not fuel efficiency. Now Mr.Winton does note that gas prices have to remain at $2.00 per gallon for his future to take place.

I say the days of $2.00 gas are long over, which immediately calls into question the entire logic of Mr. Winton.

This year, $3.00+ gasoline will become commonplace in many parts of the U.S. for an extended period of time - possibly forever - and the possibility of spikes as high as $4.00 or $5.00 are almost a certainty. This alone could significantly affect demand for hybrid vehicles and other alternative fuels, etc.

With significant hurricane activity expected the next several years, combined with limited oil refinery capacity and ever-increasing world demand, higher gasoline prices are inevitable for America.

But that isn't the whole story.

Environmental concerns and foreign oil dependency could also push many more Americans to completely rethink their vehicles and the relationship their vehicle has to world politics. Still, that isn't even the whole story.

I'm a Gen-X'er and I've grown up around computers. The way computer technology has advanced and become 'dirt' cheap in the last 20 years is truly mind-bending.

Well, hybrid technology is largely dependent upon the very same computer technology.

Hybrids will become cheaper; however, they will never match the cost of conventional vehicles. That is probably a fact. Nonetheless, as hybrid technology becomes cheaper, it will also become significantly more powerful.

This means that hybrids will not only offer significantly more fuel efficiency than their conventional counterparts in the next generations - more easily justifying the cost difference - but they will offer far more speed and power at the same time. That is the nature of computer technology.

Mr. Winton can continue to write about the marginality of hybrid cars on his typewriter, but hybrids, just as personal computers 20 years ago, are simply a young, barely-tapped, emerging technology. In 10 years hybrid technology will evolve significantly. Gasoline engine technology; on the other hand, will have changed about as much as, well, typewriter technology in the last 20 years.

Forget the Mustang, check out the Reflex hybrid vehicle

The Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, I say so what? Why do you need all that power? Where can you use it?

Yet, Ford tries to build buzz with these kinds of vehicles.

Forget the muscle cars. I say that if Ford could start selling the Reflex hybrid vehicle, right now, at a competitive price, they would have their biggest seller in years.

"J Mays, Ford’s group vice president of design and chief creative officer, described the Ford Reflex concept as the latest exploration of the American small car. Interior seating includes two front seats and an innovative rear seat that can fit two children, one adult, or a baby within an attachable integrated baby seat." (more)

But that isn't really the impressive part. How about 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds while getting about 65 mpg? How? The Ford Reflex Diesel hybrid vehicle is powered by next generation lithium-ion batteries. Sure these new lithium-ion batteries will probably add to the performance of the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid as well, but Ford needs some cool hybrid cars.

Tell me this wouldn't give the Toyota Prius hybrid a run for the money?

How much cooler could the Reflex Diesel hybrid be, literally? The Reflex will use a solar powered roof to run fans that will keep the interior of the vehicle cool when parked in the sun. Additionally, solar panels in the headlights and taillights will help recharge the hybrid batteries.

That's innovation and if Ford did more of that they wouldn't have to announce the lay-offs of thousands of employees next week.

Hybrid cars are breeding much needed innovation

Yesterday, I went off on the over-used statement, hybrid hype. Aside from what I discussed yesterday, hybrid vehicles are breeding much needed innovation in the automotive world.

Recently I've blogged that Ford has announced the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle and Mitsubishi has promoted the In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain (more).

In the past I've discussed experimental hybrids such as the Engima hybrid vehicle, an 80 mpg hybrid that goes from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds.

Hybrid cars have spawned massive exploration and innovation all across the automotive world. Every major automobile manufacturer is developing hybrid technologies, but so too are many smaller companies.

Yesterday, I came across another hybrid startup, Accelerated Composites, which is developing a 3-wheel parallel hybrid designed to achieve 330 mpg and cost under $20,000 (more).

In reality, technology, such as hybrid vehicles, demonstrates that automotive technology has so many more possibilities than what Detroit has explored. In fact, the complete lack of innovation coming out of Detroit is an embarrassment to the idea of American innovation.

Let's face it. Detroit has not been focused on innovation, but only on profit. Of course capitalistic corporations need to make money, but they need to make that money by creating products that make the world a better place, not products that simply maintain the status quo at a profit.

Not only are hybrid cars no longer hype, but their development will forever change the automotive world. Isn't it about time?

I have had enough "hybrid hype"

I am so tired of the phrase "hybrid hype".

Today, I read the article, Amid Hybrid Hype, a Lonely Advocate of Fuel Cells, that finally pushed me over the limit.

"It matters not that, in the automobile industry, hybrids generally are regarded as an interim step toward cleaner, more fuel-efficient technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells."

"Gas-electric and diesel-electric hybrids are of the moment. The news media love them. Toyota Motor Corp., the biggest purveyor of hybrids, gets lots of greener-than-thou credit for promoting them. There's a buzz; and where there's buzz, there are politicians; and when you mix buzz and politics together, you get policies, which beget certain permutations in business."

Wow, not long ago, GM's Bob Lutz also called hybrids a poor business case, which he now admits was a mistake. Ironically, GM has also admitted that its fuel cell vehicles will inevitably be fuel cell HYBRID VEHICLES.

If hybrid technology is an integral piece of fuel cell vehicle technology how can you call hybrids an "interim step"? If GM and Toyota, the two biggest automobile companies, are going to develop fuel cell hybrids, then hybrid technology cannot be labeled "interim".

Of course, there is a buzz around hybrids. Why shouldn't there be?

9/11, Katrina, global warming, and high gasoline prices have made many people decide the time for action is now and hybrids provide that action today. It isn't just about what the Toyota Prius hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid can achieve today, but what they could achieve tomorrow.

Plug-in hybrids can achieve 80 mpg and other experimental hybrids, with advanced lithium-ion batteries, have achieved more than 250 mpg. If we invest in today's hybrid vehicles, this can be the future for tomorrow's hybrid vehicles.

And, speaking of hype, where are the real world fuel cells vehicles? They aren't even a reality yet. Today, the average fuel cell vehicle costs $1,000,000.00 and there are still technology barriers, not to mention fueling obstacles. Yet, GM has lobbied the government since the Nixon administration not to raise national fuel economy regulations because fuel cells were just around the corner.

Let's face it, it isn't implausible to suggest that it might be 2 more decades before cost-effective fuel cell vehicles are available - if ever. If hybrids are hype, then fuel cell vehicles are pure fantasy.

So,we should wait two decades before taking foreign oil dependency or global warming seriously because fuel cells will save the world in two decades? Nothing like putting all your eggs in one basket.

Still, even if you want fuel cell vehicles to develop as quickly as possible, short term investing in hybrid vehicles might just be the best way to make that happen, unless of course GM and Toyota aren't going to be part of the fuel cell revolution.

Perhaps gasoline and diesel hybrids are a bridge to fuel cells, but to call them an "interim technology" simply doesn't make sense.

Inevitably, hybrid technology will also help power fuel cell vehicles, and it might just turn out that advancements made in gasoline and diesel hybrids help make fuel cell hybrids a reality much sooner than expected.

Ford to increase hybrid vehicle advertising

Ford will "put more marketing muscle behind our hybrid" in an effort to increase its appeal among buyers and boost the corporation's green image. (more)

Sure it's great that Ford is going to increase advertising around its hybrid vehicles, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid, but I imagine this move is more geared towards driving positive buzz around Ford than sales.

Let's face it, Ford isn't selling many hybrids. Still, according to Ford Corporate they could sell more hybrids if they could make more, but they are limited by the lack of availability of hybrid parts. If that's true, then the advertising isn't really needed to drive sales and becomes just a P.R. move.

Hopefully, they will at least create better hybrid commercials than Toyota. I love Toyota's hybrid cars, but their commercials are lacking in the 'cool' factor.

Re: AutoWeek's Newest Diesel versus Hybrid Vehicle article

"Heavy-duty diesel pickups have proved popular here, but hybrid-powered vehicles dominate the market for fuel-efficient cars, in part because they generate better environmental buzz. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for the gasoline-electric Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid." AutoWeek

Sometimes it's very hard to take AutoWeek seriously, especially when they write things that don't make sense.

First, I'm willing to admit that clean diesel achieves 20 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional gasoline engines, but the technology does cost more.

Second, in Los Angeles, where I live, the price of diesel is almost a dollar more than standard unleaded. So, how exactly is a clean diesel going to save me any money, even if it is 20% more efficient?

Third, in Los Angeles, almost all of my driving is stop and go driving. In such conditions, a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius will perform much better than a Jetta Diesel.

Fourth, the Big 3 are focusing almost exclusively on diesel trucks, not cars. So I have to wait a decade before I have a selection of diesel cars to compare to the Civic hybrid, Prius hybrid, Camry hybrid and Malibu hybrid, etc?

So in my case, in real world driving, selection and costs, how does a diesel compare to a hybrid vehicle? The facts demonstrate that it just doesn't. So, it isn't about environmental buzz, as AutoWeek states, it's just basic facts.

Granted if more petroleum were refined into diesel, the costs would go down, but that's a 'what if'.

If AutoWeek wants to play 'what if' games, let me counter with a 'what if' game.

What if new hybrid batteries become 100% more powerful at the same weight and cost as today's hybrid batteries? Such technology is completely possible within the next decade - which is the same period of time that AutoWeek speculates it would take diesels to really take off in the U.S. in a way that would drive diesel fuel prices lower.

If such hybrid technology were available, then diesels - even with cheaper diesel fuel prices - simply wouldn't compare with the capabilities of hybrid cars. The potential of hybrids has barely been tapped. In the coming decades, hybrids will become significantly more powerful, fuel efficient, and clean.

Diesel technology, on the other hand, has largely reached its potential. Yes, clean diesel technology is a good thing, which can compete with hybrids in the short term, but only in the short term. Inevitably, the best utilization of a diesel engine will be to put it in a hybrid vehicle.

Clean diesel hybrid vehicles are an excellent push into the future. To quit at clean diesel is just far too short-sighted, and a silly argument against hybrids.

Once again I just don't get AutoWeek. Why are they so afraid of hybrid cars?

The price of gasoline could get ugly in 2006

In 2005, before Katrina, the price of gasoline had already been on the rise. According to experts unexpectedly higher demand for oil from China disrupted the delicate balance of world wide oil supply and demand. Consequently, when Katrina hit the Gulf, disrupting the even more delicate balance of U.S. refining capacity, gas prices skyrocketed.

If a cold winter followed, energy analysts warned, things would not only get scary regarding natural gas and other heating oils, but the gasoline problem could also worsen.

So, was America lucky we've had a mild winter? That depends.

According to weather forecasters, the same weather patterns that have kept our winter warm, are the same weather patterns that breed hurricanes.

With gas prices already up more than 50 cents compared to last year, what happens if Chinese demand again exceeds expectations, or another hurricane wipes out a number of Gulf refineries?

As if that were not enough, Nigerian 'rebels' are attacking oil platforms in that country, the fifth largest exporter of U.S. oil (more).

But that's an insignificant problem compared to Iran.

Last week, Manouchehr Takin, of the Centre for Global Energy Studies, argued that crude prices could hit $100 a barrel if Iran stopped exporting. "Supply and demand are very tightly balanced," he said.

When it comes to energy, America is now playing Russian Roulette, and chances are America is going to get burned.

Unfortunately, it won't be just high energy costs affecting drivers and slowing the economy if all these events unfold. Sustained $100.00 oil could have devastating consequences for both Ford and GM. Even today, several years since 9/11, the success of these two auto companies is still intrinsically tied to the sale of gas guzzlers.

Sure Ford has the Mercury Mariner hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid, but GM has yet to put a full hybrid on the road, thus, they can put out about 25,000 hybrids combined.

How many warning signs does it take to realize the world has changed and gas guzzling is no longer acceptable?

In the 90's Congress perceived this problem, that's why they gave the Big 3 a billion dollars of TAXPAYER money to develop fuel efficient vehicles. The Big 3 even developed hybrid cars, but decided they had no future. I guess when you're making $10,000 in profit per gas-guzzler sold you don't think much about the future.

Ironically, even today, both companies are still pushing muscle cars in an attempt to generate new buzz around their companies.

Are the Big 3 still that blind?

How many more times can they pull the trigger before their luck runs out, and will Americans be willing to stop the bleeding if gas hits $4.00 or $5.00 per gallon. Will it be too late then?

When it comes to gasoline, 2006 could get real ugly.

What happens when the Prius loses its tax deduction?

Since the new Clean Vehicle Tax Credit was approved last year, I've complained that the credit was biased against Toyota. By capping the tax credits by manufacturer at just 60,000 hybrids, it's obvious that Toyota will quickly run out of deductions because of demand for the Toyota Prius.

In recent days Secretary Snow has essentially admitted that the credits were partially written to help out domestic automakers, and maybe - in hindsight - that wasn't such a bad idea.

Thus, the story of 2006, when it comes to hybrid cars, will continue to be the Toyota Prius hybrid. Because not every Toyota hybrid sold is going to qualify for a tax deduction, will this have an affect on the Prius and Toyota hybrid sales?

Will this simply even the playing field between Toyota and other automakers for the hybrid market? Will Toyota counter with some kind of discount? Will sales on the Honda Civic hybrid and Ford Escape hybrid explode? Will hybrid sales, overall, decline?

While the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit might offer a deduction of $3400.00 to buyers, how much will that affect most people's taxes? Sure, the tax credit could be worth several hundred dollars for the average buyer, but is that really the clinching factor for most Prius buyers?

I guess we'll see.

Of course, if gasoline prices continue to rise, the lack of tax credits for the Prius might not even matter. I think next year the U.S. will see sustained gasoline prices near $3.00, minimally. In California, $4.00 per gallon gasoline is going to be fairly common, and it won't just be a spike, such as after Katrina.

Speaking of hurricanes, if another Katrina hits next year, the predictions above will be blown away.

Anyway, that's hybrid story for 2006.

Cars: Are Americans really so superficial?

"As design has become increasingly important to a car company's success, almost every auto manufacturer is looking for a distinctive look that will help it stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace," states a new article, that adds, "'Design DNA' is all the rage as carmakers try to make their vehicles stand for something."

The article cites Chrysler as an example of how 'design DNA' can be successful. Chrysler, of course, is the only one of the 'Big 3' that is actually doing well, and design is a big reason according to the article.

So, America is nothing, but a nation of bling, bling? We really are as superficial as most of the world sees us?

We suck up huge amounts of the world's oil, paying off terrorists and governments that absolutely hate us, but that's O.K. as long as we look cool?

Many times I've been on the Forums of AutoWeek, and many members criticize the drivers of hybrid cars relentlessly. Why? For trying to help the environment, for trying to reduce foreign oil dependency?

Why are so many Americans more concerned with looking cool than being cool? Is the American psyche really so dysfuntional?

Help!? Need a a Center Console for a Honda Insight hybrid

Have you found a Center Console that fits well in a Honda Insight hybrid? If so, please leave a post. Thanks.

Re: Snow details tax breaks for hybrid cars

Were the hybrid vehicle tax credits designed to benefit domestic automakers?

"Development and use of hybrid vehicles is a key step toward reducing gasoline consumption, emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions," U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, said in a statement earlier today.

According to Reuters, Detroit was picked for this announcement because Mr. Snow "is aiming to boost the ailing domestic auto industry and encourage conservation, " with the "tax breaks for people who buy gasoline-electric vehicles."

Was it right to cap the hybrid car tax credit by manufacturer?

A performance versus fuel efficiency 'switch' on Toyota hybrids

Hybrid fuel efficiency versus performance

A couple of days ago, as Phil Lebeau was doing a segment at the North American International Auto Show for CNBC, the fuel efficiency of hybrids came up. Mr. Lebeau noted that Toyota was investigating a 'switch' for its hybrid vehicles that would enable the driver to choose to be more fuel efficient, or to have more performance.

Currently, the Toyota Prius hybrid, the Highlander hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid have the ability to be more fuel efficient, but drivers would have to give up some horsepower for this better fuel efficiency.

In Toyota hybrids, the balance between horsepower versus fuel efficiency is largely controlled by software. Nonetheless, Mr. Lebeau noted that such a development might be pretty expensive. Today, Car and Driver mentioned this possibility, but added no further details.

The myth of hybrid car fuel economy

"Indeed, hybrids have increasingly faced sobering publicity about the "myth" of real-life fuel economy. Many drivers have reported to be disillusioned about underperforming the advertised mileage on their hybrids, which are most effective in stop-and-go city driving but help little on highways." CNN

To date, I've not heard one owner of a Toyota Prius hybrid or Honda Civic hybrid complain about their fuel mileage. Yes, I have heard complaints from Lexus RX400h owners, but the Lexus is a performance hybrid.

Still, I've talked dozens and dozens of Prius owners and the average fuel economy, combining both city and highway, is between 45 and 55 mpg. I've also talked to drivers that have achieve more than 60 mpg in some driving conditions.

In real world driving, what other vehicles are even coming close to that kind of fuel economy?

All kinds of conventional vehicles are not coming close to their EPA estimates, but their owners don't care, they didn't buy their car for fuel economy.

Sure some owners of hybrid cars are unhappy, but consumer satisfaction surveys demonstrate that just under 100% of the owners of the Toyota Prius, by far the best selling hybrid vehicle, would buy another Prius.

So, who are all these "disillusioned" drivers? Or, have a handful of drivers created this "myth" of disillusionment?

Is clean diesel better than hybrid vehicles?

DaimlerChrylser is nowhere to be seen in the segment of hybrid cars. Why? They say clean diesel is better (more)

So is hybrid technology less important than clean diesel technology?

An interesting place to find an answer to that question is Europe. Europe is all about diesel, and in France, diesel is seen as the short term answer, but diesel hybrid vehicles are seen as the next step before fuel cells. (more)

Why? Because diesel hybrids would still be 20 - 30 percent more fuel efficient than clean diesel engines, and that is just with today's technology.

What the critics of hybrids are missing - in a huge way - is that experimental hybrids already demonstrate that is quite possible to achieve more than 200 mpg. When lithium-ion batteries take over NiMH batteries for use in hybrid cars, everything will change.

To assume that won't happen would be like assuming computers wouldn't overtake calculators.

The fact is, hybrid technology is just emerging, and the potential of hybrid technology has barely been tapped.

In reality, in the next decade, a diesel hybrid that achieves more than 200 mpg is completely feasible and cost effective. Within this same period, a completely feasible fuel cell vehicle will still cost more than $100,000.00.

In a decade, the potential of clean diesel technology simply won't be in the same league as hybrid technology.

Still, even if clean diesel is 20 or 30 percent more efficient than standard gasoline engines, diesel still costs almost a $1.00 more per gallon in California.

How cost effective is that?

Hybrid cars versus biodiesel

The EPA enabled Automaker lies

So, the EPA is probably going to change their methods for determining the fuel efficiency of automobiles. I say about time. What's sad; however, is the fact that automakers have designed their lines to achieve their best fuel efficiency in EPA laboratories, not in the real world. If consumers had known the truth about just how fuel inefficient their automobiles were, there probably would have been a lot more consumer interest in diesels and hybrid vehicles in America much sooner. For the last decade or two, we could have been fighting our foreign oil dependency, instead of increasing it at an obscene rate. Thanks Congress! More on the EPA's Fuel Economy Testing and Hybrids.

Why hybrid vehicles are ESSENTIAL to America

No, it isn't foreign oil dependency and supporting terrorism, although issues such as Iran will inevitably push gas prices much higher. No it isn't pollution, or even global warming, it isn't even Kartrina or limited oil refineries.

The reason hybrid cars have become so important to America is manufacturing.

There is a great article, China, India seen setting stage for environment-friendly world, which notes that "Energy guzzlers China and India are often blamed for some of the world's environmental problems, but a new study says the two most populous nations may well set the stage for a clean and green Earth."

Further the article states, "The two countries are mastering energy-efficient technologies, implementing cheap and environmentally-responsible transportation systems".

Yet, America is still hyping muscle cars and SUVs to generate buzz for the future at the North American International Auto Show. Fancier, bling-bling gas-guzzling vehicles have no future in India and China, perhaps not even in America.

The only chance America has to sell products to these countries is to sell them the best, most energy efficient technology, at reasonable costs. America, and American automakers, will never have cheaper labor to compete with China and India. Therefore, America MUST have the most efficient and intelligent labor and corporations.

Within 10 years, not only will gas be significantly more expensive around the world, American automobiles will be expensive and obsolete compared to foreign made vehicles, unless they offer extreme fuel efficiency, top engineering and reasonable prices.

Waiting for fuel cell vehicles, which will almost certainly be hybrids anyway, is the surest path to failure for American automakers. Making America the most fuel efficient fleet in the world is an absolute necessity for American auto manufacturers. Plus, wouldn't ending pollution and foreign oil dependency be pretty cool too?

Showing off hybrid vehicles in Detroit.

In Invasion of the Hybrids, BusinessWeek states that "The auto giants are putting the spotlight on their eco-offerings at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit."

"Hybrid vehicles are proliferating, and not just because gas prices spiked to above $3 per gallon last year. Auto makers showing off new hybrid vehicles and plans at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit realize that having a hybrid vehicle lineup is valuable public relations for their images."

While this might be true, it is very interesting to note that there are some very unique and radical ideas in many of these new hybrids. For example, GM will be releasing a dual mode hybrid powertrain, while Mitsubishi is showing off its In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, and Ford is displaying the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle.

The autoshow isn't just about hybrid vehicles, its about new hybrid technology, and it is also about new hybrid parts suppliers. To simply call this PR is an understatement.

So what hybrids are just around the corner?

Ford will add the Mercury Milan hybrid and the Ford Fusion to their hybrid lineup by 2008, along with their current hybrids, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid.

GM will offer its mild hybrid, the Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid, next year which will be followed by the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, Chevy Equinox hybrid, the Chevy Malibu hybrid, and the Cadillac Escalade hybrid.

Honda will add the Ridgeline hybrid and Pilot hybrid.

Nissan has already announced the Altima hybrid, but the Sentra and Murano hybrids won't be far behind.

Hyundai, Volkswagen, BMW, Chrsyler, Puegeot, Subaru and even Porsche have all announced they will also offer hybrids.

Obviously, Toyota, which launched the Camry hybrid in Detroit, will continue to push full steam ahead into hybrids. "I think everything will be a hybrid, eventually. It will either be a gas hybrid, a diesel hybrid or a fuel-cell hybrid," Jim Press, Toyota's North American president and chief operating officer said.

Hybrid cars aren't just critical for the public realtions of auto corporations, hybrid technology is critical for their very survival.

New EPA Fuel Mileage, Hybrid Cars and the Future

Boy, oh, boy some critics of hybrid cars couldn't wait to talk about how the new EPA estimates for fuel economy might affect hybrids.

The Detroit News just couldn't contain themselves in the article, Fuel test overhaul may dent hybrids, as you can tell from the title.

No, No, Detroit News, tell me how you really feel.

Anyway, the article states, "The Environmental Protection Agency announced an overhaul in the way it estimates fuel economy Tuesday, a move that could shake up showroom transactions, especially in the booming hybrid segment."

Under the new methods, the city fuel mileage estimates for most vehicles would drop 10 to 20 percent from today's estimates, depending on the vehicle. The highway mileage estimates would generally drop 5 percent to 15 percent, the EPA has stated.

The DetroitNews and others have noted that for hybrid vehicles; however, city driving numbers will drop 20 to 30 percent.

What I find most amusing about this whole discussion is how much hybrid critics like to discuss the shortcomings of hybrids. Critics constantly note that hybrids are only 1% of total sales and will never achieve more than 5% of U.S sales, therefore, they are insignificant.

Fine, if that's your belief, why do hybrid critics care so much about hybrids?

But let's get back to the EPA numbers.

When Consumer Reports did their fuel economy tests last year, it found that the biggest offenders in terms of real world city mileage were conventional vehicles, in contrast to the EPA. In fact, 9 out the 10 of the biggest offenders WERE NOT hybrids and those vehicles missed their EPA estimates by 35% on average. The worst offender, the Jeep Liberty diesel, missed its EPA estimates by 50%!

Another offender, according to CR, the Chrysler 300C, is supposed to achieve 17 mpg in the city, but actually only achieved 10 mpg. Yet, the DetroitNews and other hybrid critics are complaining about hybrids? In my mind, 10 mpg is simply unacceptable in today's world and that should be the real issue regarding American fuel economy.

Yet, the EPA numbers don't demonstrate CR's findings. Why?

While I don't know the answer, my guess is that because other cars don't fare as poorly, this raises the overall average for all vehicles in a particular class. In any regard, it demonstrates that the new EPA numbers are still very unreliable.

Also since these new numbers could affect the way CAFE is determined, one has to wonder if some politics aren't involved in the mix. If it were demonstrated that conventional vehicles were vastly less fuel efficient than the EPA has stated, then CAFE might have to be refigured. Such a move would probably immediately bankrupt both Ford and GM.

Since there aren't many hybrids available, on the other hand, one hybrid with poor city mileage can skew the whole hybrid fleet. Honda hybrids, for example, haven't performed as well in the city as Toyota hybrids, are the results of these hybrids averaged? If so, is that fair?

Ultimately, the testing methods of the EPA are still in question. Ironically, "Officials at the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers, the auto industry's Washington lobbying group, cautioned that real-world mileage still varies from driver to driver."

Do hybrids save money.

OK, let's say the Toyota Prius hybrid car only achieves 45 mpg in the city. CR found that the Ford Fusion only achieves 17 mpg in the city. While the new EPA estimates favor the fusion, the Prius is still THREE times more fuel efficient than the Fusion in the city.

Now, if you drive on the highway all the time and never drive in congestion, the Prius won't offer near the savings, but it will still offer significantly better fuel economy than the Fusion. On the other hand, if you live in any major urban area in the U.S., the Prius could save you around $1000.00 per year compared to similarly sized conventional vehicles. That makes the Prius a pretty awesome deal.

Perhaps you're somewhere in the middle, so in 5 years you've only saved $2500. That at least covers the base MSRP price difference between the Prius and the Fusion. Keep the Prius a couple more years and you've done well, and if gas prices spike in the next 7 years, then you've done really well.

With the situation in Iran brewing, spikes in gasoline prices are becoming almost inevitable. The real question regarding gas costs isn't will gasoline prices go higher, but how much higher will gasoline prices go?

In the end, hybrid vehicle buyers, not hybrid critics, will have the last laugh, despite the EPA's new numbers.

Mitsubishi's "groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car"

"Mitsubishi Motors North America has lifted the covers off its new Concept-CT, which it said is a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that “may influence development of future” models."

"The key contributor to roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the in-house-developed Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which uses an electric motor in each of the vehicle's four wheels." (more)

Toyota might be the leader in hybrid cars, but that dominance is certainly not guaranteed into the future. While hybrids might dominant the future, it is also possible that competition among automakers in hybrid technology might result in a new type of hybrid technology that is cheaper and more powerful than Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Naysayers can continue to call hybrids a niche, but the amount of development that is pouring into hybrids from multiple automakers and suppliers is destined to radically change the future of automobiles much sooner than naysayers believe. Competition always breeds unexpected innovations.

Diesel, then diesel hybrids, then fuel cells states PSA Peugeot Citroen

Recently PSA Peugeot Citroen announced it will begin developing hybrid cars in connection with a call to do so by French President Jacques Chirac (more). Yesterday, Puegeot announced that it has also made significant gains in its fuel cells, yet the company still believes that fuel cell vehicles are still a long way from commercial reality.

"SA Chairman Jean-Martin Folz told a news conference that the best way to save on fuel consumption of cars in the short term was by boosting the use of diesel and by adding bio-fuel to diesel."

"For the medium term, hybrid diesel engines would offer further reduction in consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while fuel cells, which release energy from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with a catalyst, were for a later stage, he said." (more)

Johnson Controls will start producing batteries for hybrid vehicles

Johnson Controls has announced that it has formed a partnership to build batteries for hybrid vehicles. "This new organization represents a significant step forward for our companies and the automotive industry overall," said Gregg Sherrill, group vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls. "Together, we will accelerate our participation in the HEV market, and drive to develop, commercialize and supply innovative power-storage technologies for environmentally friendly vehicles." (more)

Hybrids, the Cobra, the Camero and the Detroit Auto Show

I've been watching CNBC's coverage of the Detroit Auto Show all day long, and I've been struck by one thing: the past versus the future.

Today, Toyota's buzz has revolved around one thing, the future and hybrid cars. This morning the Lexus LS460 hybrid was unveiled, but the real hype, the real excitement is around the launch of the new Toyota Camry hybrid. Now, not to be too biased, the launch of the new conventional Camry is also big news, but the hype around the future for Toyota is still hybrids.

On the other hand, much of the buzz for Ford and GM seems to revolve around the past, particularly around the Cobra and Camero muscle cars.

Now I know that Ford has the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid, and GM will soon be launching its own hybrids, but the Detroit Show again demonstrates just how far ahead Toyota is pulling into the future.

And, regarding GM hybrids, some are even questioning 'how hybrid' GM hybrids are really going to be. "What GM is talking about in my book are not hybrids," said David Healy, an auto analyst with Burnham Securities. "These are trucks with humongous starter motors." (more)

What also struck me, unfortunately, was how much horsepower drives America, which clarifies why not only Ford and GM are hyping the Cobra and Camero, but why Toyota is hyping the Lexus LS460 hybrid.

Horsepower is even driving Toyota hybrids.

Phil Lebeau of CNBC noted how hybrids have become focused on horsepower as much as fuel efficiency. Therefore, the Toyota Highlander hybrid gives you V6 performance with V4 fuel efficiency, but the focus is not purely on fuel efficiency. In fact Mr. Lebeau noted that new hybrid batteries, combined with new micro-processors and software, offer hybrid vehicles the ability to be even more fuel efficient, but that efficiency would come at the expense of horsepower.

So, fuel efficiency isn't even the pure driver of hybrids, yet. If gas prices spike in the coming years, that might change; however, if a breakthrough in hybrid batteries occurs, it might not even matter. Such a breakthrough would afford hybrids the ability to offer significant horsepower coupled with unbelievable fuel efficiency.

While gasoline electric hybrids might not dominate the future before fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles, I wouldn't bet against them if I were an automaker. Since computer technology has essentially become the driver of hybrid success, betting against hybrids is like betting that computers don't have any room for improvement.

Hybrid car testimonials: Read others and add your own

Do you own a hybrid vehicle?

Have you added your experiences to our hybrid cars testimonials? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving with your hybrid? What else would you tell others that are interested in buying a hybrid?

Click on one of the links below to add your hybrid experiences.

Ford Escape Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Accord Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Insight Hybrid Testimonials
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Testimonials
Toyota Prius Testimonials
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Testimonials

Do hybrid vehicle owners get too many breaks?

Today, Travelers Insurance announced that it will give a 10% discount to hybrid drivers. Do you think hybrids get too many breaks?

Discounts on insurance, tax credits for hybrid cars, HOV lane access in some states, and even free parking in some cities.

Do hybrid vehicles receive too many perks?

I say no. I say gas-guzzlers get too many breaks. If the real costs of gasoline hit consumers directly at the pump, rather than being hidden in the our multi-trillion dollar deficit, then most Americans wouldn't be able to afford to gas-guzzle.

In addition to the political and military costs of cheap gas, there are also the ramifications of pollution on the environment and on human health. As Katrina recently demonstrated, the potential costs of pollution could be only just emerging.

What do you think? Do hybrid car owners receive too many breaks, or not enough incentives?

10% Insurance discount for hybrid drivers

Travelers Insurance is offering a 10% discount to the drivers of hybrid cars because they believe hybrid drivers offer less risk than regular drivers. "According to Travelers, hybrid owners it insures are typically married, aged 41 to 60, with both genders represented equally (more)." Travelers also notes that hybrid drivers are more likely to follow the speed limit.

PSA Puegeot Citroen going hybrid too!

In the past there has been a lot of indifference coming from Europe regarding hybrid vehicles, but that sentiment seems to be changing. According to Reuters, "France's second-biggest carmaker said on Thursday it would show off a Peugeot 307 and a Citroen C4 demonstration car with a hybrid diesel system on January 31."

"The announcement coincides with a call by French President Jacques Chirac to develop such cars within 10 years."

Both GM and Ford have both developed diesel hybrids and Toyota has announced numerous times that their hybrid vehicles can function with gasoline engines, diesel engines, or even hydrogen engines.

If hybrid technology is just hype, why is automaker after automaker investing more and more into hybrid development?

I think it has become obvious that hybrids are not hype, as hybrid technology will also be important for fuel cell vehicles. Hybrids are more than just an interim step to fuel cells. In fact, hybrids are even more than a bridge to fuel cells, for hybrid technology is an integral piece of fuel cell vehicle technology. At this point in time, fuel cell vehicles WILL also be hybrid vehicles.

Those automakers calling hybrids hype are simply trying to buy time as they recover from their lack of leadership and vision. The days of hybrid hype are over.

Toyota will again dominate the hybrid buzz in Detroit

Yesterday, I wrote about how GM's dual mode hybrid system would finally make its debut appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit via gasoline electric hybrids from GM, Chrysler and BMW. While it is nice to finally see some serious hybrid cars from these automakers, Toyota will once again dominate the buzz in Detroit.

Why?

The Toyota Camry hybrid. While there hasn't been a lot of official news regarding the hybrid version of the Camry, according to MotorTrend, "The Camry Hybrid will deliver the highest level of Camry performance ever achieved in both fuel efficiency and low emissions and also achieve impressive power."

Additionally, the whole line of Camrys is being redesigned and reengineered to greatly improve performance and comfort. Thus, the hybrid Camry will also benefit from these "significant" improvements.

So, will the Camry hybrid be as popular as the Prius hybrid car?

Probably not; however, pricing will largely determine the success of the Camry hybrid. While the Camry hybrid is certain to be a top hybrid seller, I'm certain that Toyota isn't yet ready for the hybrid Camry to out-sell the conventional Camry, so pricing will be set to lure early adopters, not average buyers.

Yes, GM, Chrysler and BMW will get some good buzz from their new hybrids, but the Camry hybrid is the real show-stopper.

GM, Daimler and BMW to showcase hybrids at Detroit Show

GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW will launch GM's dual mode hybrid technology in their respective gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains at this year's North American International Auto Show.

The three automakers formed an alliance in an attempt to catch up with Toyota, the leading seller of hybrid cars. The dual mode hybrids offered by these companies will offer very different performance compared to Toyota's hybrids.

GM's dual mode hybrid technology should be cheaper; however, it won't be as efficient at Toyota's technology, especially in urban driving. GM's technology, on the other hand, could offer advantages in certain areas of performance, such as towing.

Still, Toyota has some huge advantages regarding hybrids. Already Toyota believes that it can cut its hybrid costs in half when it releases its third generation hybrid drive in just a couple of years. If this is true, it will wipe out GM's cost advantage, while also offering significantly better fuel efficiency

Nonetheless, the competition that is developing in the hybrid segment will be good for all consumers. While Toyota and Ford hybrids utilize very similar technology, Honda has succeeded with its own technology, and now comes GM's hybrid technology. Additionally, both Volkswagen and Hyundai shouldn't be far behind with their hybrids.

This competition will increase hybrid supplies, which will make all hybrid vehicles cheaper. Moreover, the competition between hybrid technologies will, inevitably, lead to affordable, extremely fuel efficient vehicles.

Additionally, this competition is leading to other hybrid experiments. Ford isn't just going to offer gasoline electric hybrids, such as the Ford Escape hybrid. At Detroit's Auto Show, they will showcase the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle, according to the DetroitNews.

While the Toyota Prius hybrid continues to dominate hybrid sales, the second generation Honda Civic hybrid has also been a hot seller, and with all this new development into technology, a true Prius topper could be just around the corner.

A freezing China and Russian Gas: More good news for hybrids?

China is currently experiencing its coldest winter in 20 years and this weather is only supposed to get worse in the weeks ahead. (more)

In the U.S., cold weather not only affects natural gas and heating oil prices, but gasoline prices.

So, will this cold weather in China create even greater Chinese demand for oil than previously expected?

To add fuel to the fire, Russian and Ukraine cannot agree to pricing for natural gas, which has disrupted the entire European supply of natural gas (more). This pushed oil prices up more than $2.00 in Europe and has oil prices at $63.00 right now in America.

While these events probably won't have a lasting effect on U.S. oil prices, they again demonstrate how susceptible oil and gasoline prices are to spikes in price. In reality, these events are minor, and the potential for a so-called "super-spike" in oil prices isn't at all far-fetched.

Those with hybrid cars will see even more gains in the years ahead because gas prices will go higher next year and the year after - even without any major problems to supply, refineries, etc.

On the other hand, if there are problems with supply or refineries, that "super-spike" will become a reality and the benefits of hybrid vehicles will become even more valuable.

Despite the naysayers, hybrids are a good investment today, and an even better investment for tomorrow.

Hybrid car technology protects health of children

Oh, the costs of hybrid cars. Many a critic have ridiculed hybrid vehicles because they claim they don't save enough money. Of course, they never factor the benefit to society of cleaner air that hybrid technology provides.

No big deal? A new study begs to differ. "These results suggest that reductions in tailpipe emissions will translate into improved respiratory health of California children," said Dr. James Gauderman, lead author and associate professor of preventive medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine. (more)

"This is even more evidence of the clear link between vehicle pollution and respiratory illness," said Charlene Zettel, Consumer Affairs Director. "We must do everything we can to take high-polluting vehicles off the road."

I guess this is another example of the silliness of hybrid car buyers.