Army converting Escape hybrid into hydrogen hybrid

The Army is going to convert the Ford Escape hybrid from a gasoline electric hybrid vehicle into a hydrogen electric hybrid vehicle. "The idea is to start using hydrogen with internal combustion engines because the alternative, fuel cells, is still cost prohibitive."

Speaking of hydrogen hybrids, Toyota also has a fleet of Prius hydrogen hybrids. Just more proof of the potential of hybrid cars.(MSNBC)

Hybrid cars: Why Toyota is the Most Important Automaker in the World

I was reading an article this morning, Honda sees hybrid owners buying fuel cell cars, and it struck me how Toyota has become the most important automaker in the world.

It turns out Honda is looking to the drivers of its hybrid cars to drive Honda Fuel Cell Vehicles.

"Honda has a rough idea of who its first fuel-cell customers will be, people trading in their gasoline-electric hybrid cars," states this AP article.

"We already hear of people saying, 'gee I like my hybrid but what's next. I want to go beyond gasoline'," says Steve Ellis, manager of fuel-cell marketing for American Honda Motor Co.

Yet, Ellis also notes that, "fuel-cell cars will make up only a fraction of the auto market for two or more decades."

While it's great that Honda is looking beyond hybrid vehicles, is the status quo of the world's fleet of automobiles good enough for the next two or three decades?

What happens when millions and millions of new drivers from China and India demand more oil in the next decade? What happens if Iran cuts oil production to the West? What happens if 10 years of increased, severe hurricane activity batters oil refineries in the Gulf of Mexico? What happens if global warming is actually much more serious than believed?

Even worse, what happens if the 'hydrogen economy' is found to result in some unintended consequence that actually makes gasoline still a better a solution?

How Green is Green Enough?

Sure Honda is the greenest automaker in the world, but none of the world's automakers are green enough, and that's why Toyota is so important.

Toyota's aggressive push into hybrid cars has made the public realize that much better automobiles - in terms of fuel economy and pollution - are available now, not in decades.

Yet, the best thing about hybrids is that hybrid technology offers much more potential than is currently offered. For example, hybrid technology could be added to flex-fuel vehicles, to diesel vehicles, to bio-diesel vehicles, to hydrogen vehicles, etc. Moreover, more and more research will lead to significantly better hybrid batteries. Consequently, 100 mpg hybrid vehicles could easily be less than a decade away.

100 mpg vehicles aren't worth striving for along the way to fuel cell vehicles in today's world? The status quo is simply good enough for another few decades?

Inevitably, when America experiences sustained gas prices of more than $3.00 per gallon combined with the constant threat of gas spikes of more than $5.00 per gallon, automakers won't - at least those that want to survive - have any choice but to build as many hybrids as possible.

Thanks to Toyota, Americans and the world will know, automakers can do better, much better.

Accord hybrid versus the Camry hybrid

Hybrid Competition Heats Up, A little

Slowly, albeit very slowly, competition amongst hybrid cars is building.

Already we have the Toyota Highlander hybrid versus the Ford Escape hybrid versus the Lexus RX 400h, as well the Toyota Prius versus the Honda Civic hybrid, and soon we'll have the Toyota Camry hybrid versus the Honda Accord hybrid.

Both the Accord and the Camry are already top selling cars in America. So, how will the hybrid battle between these two champions play out?

Unfortunately, it probably won't be much of a battle.

The Accord hybrid is a performance hybrid, offering some of the best performance of any Accord. For the power offered, the Accord hybrid offers good fuel efficiency. Ultimately, however, the hybrid Accord was built to perform on the highway, not to set fuel efficiency records.

The Camry hybrid, on the other hand, will offer significant gains in both fuel economy and pollution reductions compared to a standard Camry. While the hybrid Camry will still perform well, it wasn't designed for 0 to 60 supremacy, however the hybrid Camry should offer exceptional fuel efficiency.

Ironically, the real competition in the hybrid vehicle wars will probably be between the Camry hybrid and the Prius.

Pricing for the 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid announced

The 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid will be available for sale starting in May for $25,900.00.

Soon, Toyota might have the two hottest hybrid cars on the market.

French diesel hybrids coming soon?

Peugeot hopes to sell the Peugeot 307 and Citroen C4 hybrids by 2010

Yesterday, I blogged that I was tired of reporters whom claim that clean diesel is an alternative to hybrid cars, especially since diesel vehicles can also be hybrid vehicles.

Case in Point

"Imagine a car that gets 82 miles a gallon -- doubling the average fuel efficiency of the green-automotive market leader Toyota Prius. French auto maker PSA Peugeot-Citroen believes it can deliver such a car by 2010 with hybrid diesel engines that will join two fuel-efficient technologies. "That's the future. It combines the best of both worlds," says Thomas Sedran, partner at Munich consultancy Roland Berger." (BusinessWeek)

Whether the fuel is diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, ethanol, bio-diesel, or electricity, hybrid technology makes each of these fuels, and the vehicles powered by them, cleaner and more fuel efficient.

Join the Hybrid Car Revolution!

Diesel technology is not a hybrid vehicle alternative

Quite often when new clean diesel technology is talked about, it is referenced as an alternative to hybrid cars. For example the article Audi race victory helps put diesel on the map states, "The cause of diesel powertrains, seen by certain automakers and suppliers as a strong alternative to hybrids in the U.S., just received a significant boost."

I say diesel technology is an alternative to gasoline technology, but not to hybrid technology. Quite simply hybrid vehicles can be diesel vehicles. Hybrid technology doesn't just make gasoline vehicles more fuel efficient, it makes clean diesel vehicles more fuel efficient.

While diesel technology can compete with current hybrid technology in some fuel efficiency comparisons, it still isn't as clean. More important, however, the technology powering hybrid vehicles will become more powerful, more fuel efficient, lighter and cheaper in the next decade.

Ultimately, comparing hybrid technology to diesel technology is about one thing: complacency. In today's world good products just aren't good enough. In the future, only great products will survive, especially in the auto industry.

Sure, clean diesel vehicles are a good technology, but clean diesel hybrid vehicles are a great technology.

Can automakers do the right thing? Join the hybrid revolution

Talking 'bout a revolution

Recently, IBM held a think tank calling on business leaders to lead the green revolution, before the government forces them to do it with messy and expensive regulations.

Automakers need to heed this call.

Let's face it, can we really afford to wait much longer before taking oil dependency seriously? Political tensions in Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, the War in Iraq, bomb attacks on Saudi oil refineries and increased hurricane activity over the next decade are already great reasons to act, but they are only the beginning.

New evidence suggests that global warming is picking up fast. In less than 100 years, Miami could be a memory as oceans rise as much as 20 feet (NewScientist).

Additionally, yesterday I blogged about the potential of a billion new drivers from Asia and asked, "Where will the oil come from?"

Today, even China is beginning to tax SUVs and other gas guzzlers in an attempt to spur the sales and development of efficient automobiles.

Yet in America, we can only propose new fuel efficiency standards on large SUVs, but not on trucks - a huge source of gas-guzzling - because we wouldn't want to upset the American consumer or the American auto industry. (MORE)

We must do more, much more.

Even Flex fuel cars, hybrid cars, and plug-in hybrid cars are not enough. We need even better cars. We need to make automobiles smaller, and we need to make them flex fuel, plug-in hybrid vehicles. We need the best technology that the entire auto industry has to offer and we need it to be affordable. Most important, we need it NOW!

Yet, AutoWeek questions, "Do consumers even want plug-in hybrids?"

Since when did consumerism become more important than health or national security? So, what about smoking? What about seat belts? What about the Dubai port deal?

Ultimately, consumers will mostly do what is in their best interest, however, national security takes priority over consumer choice - ALWAYS. Still, if consumers know they can reduce fuel costs by 50%, they will gladly plug-in their vehicles.

Imagine the competition that could be created by flex-fuel plug-in hybrids for fuel choices. Ethanol, diesel, bio-diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, clean coal-powered electric, solar-powered electric, wind-powered electric, etc. all could play an important part in the new energy revolution that can fundamentally change the world. Ultimately, the green revolution and energy independence are not about protecting America, it's about liberating the people of the world.

The green revolution can be driven with the automobile. If the auto industry cannot focus on creating green choices for the world, then eventually the government will have to, and that won't be good for either consumers or businesses. Starting now might already be too late, but waiting any longer is simply suicidal.

Let's Revolt!

Congress doesn't need to build the green revolution, they need to inspire the green revolution with intelligent tax incentives. Let's keep the pressure on Congress and Business to do the right thing. Join the Hybrid Car Revolution Campaign.

Imagine a billion new car drivers!!!!!!!!!!!

"Imagine a rapidly growing economy in which billions of increasingly affluent citizens cannot wait to buy their first car and take to the freedom of the open road. No, this isn't a multinational auto executive's fantasy: it is the reality of China and India." (BusinessWeek)

Man, won't that be great for GM? They can get rid of all their expensive American labor and just build cars in Asia for this boom and export the rest back to America - at least they will still be an American company. That's all that really matters, right?

O.K., all kidding aside, where will all the extra oil come from?

I know, I know. Suddenly, we'll all be driving fuel cell vehicles, so this won't matter, right?

I knew there was a reason why new technology, such as hybrid cars, is silly. Now I can go back to gas-guzzling in peace. PHEWWWW!

The Beautiful Lexus RX 400h hybrid vehicle

For those who need luxury, but want a hybrid

I'm a take-the-subway-everywhere kind of guy, and when it comes to hybrid cars I'm more inclined to the Toyota Prius, Civic hybrid, or Insight.

For me a vehicle purchase is more about transportation not some sort of status symbol. I don't take public transportation, walk to the store, or drive a hybrid to make others feel guilty. I do it because I feel guilty if I don't.

So, when my friend told me he was interested in hybrids, I strongly urged him to buy the new Civic hybrid or the Prius - he needed seating for four, so the Insight wasn't an option. Thus, I was a little surprised when he stopped by last night in his new Lexus RX 400h hybrid.

He was in a rush, but he still took me for a quick trip around my neighborhood.

I hate to admit it, but I'm a bit jealous. The Lexus 400h is a gorgeous vehicle. While still not my cup of tea, I'm proud of my friend. Inevitably, he is causing significantly less pollution and he is investing in hybrid technology. Considering he was a devout gas-guzzler not long ago, this is a huge improvement.

Do hybrids need more tax incentives?

Earlier today I referenced a Business Week article, which noted that hybrid cars are going to need more marketing and more tax incentives to keep pushing sales. While there are tax credits for hybrid vehicles, those credits are capped and will quickly run out.

Hopefully, a new budget will include more tax incentives for hybrid cars. Recently, there has been a push in Congress to make hybrids eligible for the Small Business Tax Deduction. Currently, only the biggest gas guzzlers qualify for this $25,000 tax deduction, but soon hybrids could as well, if Congress acts.

So do hybrids need more tax incentives? If you think so, join our Hybrid Car Revolution Campaign.

Where is the Tahoe hybrid? Bothersome to GM faithful?

I am contacted often about the Tahoe hybrid. It seems many of GM's faithful customers would love to buy one of GM's hybrid vehicles. The only problem is that GM isn't selling any hybrid vehicles, well, other than buses.

I don't get it. I think that if GM produced a unique hybrid, similar to the Toyota Prius or a new hybrid SUV, and ran an ad campaign about the dangers of oil dependency and how American corporations and citizens need to work together to make a better world, they would have a blockbuster on their hands.

Does if bother the GM faithful that GM is taking so long on hybrids?

Are automakers destroying hybrid technology?

Yesterday, Business Week printed the article, Are hybrid sales running out of gas, which argues that other than the Toyota Prius hybrid, the sales of most other hybrid cars are slowing.

Unfortunately, I basically agree with Business Week that the costs of hybrids are an issue that is slowing hybrid sales. Hybrid vehicles do save gas, but they do not always save enough gas to justify the higher costs, especially hybrid SUVs.

Thus, only those with the wallet and the passion to fight foreign oil dependency or for the environment, can afford these vehicles.

A much larger customer segment; however, can afford vehicles such as the Prius or the Honda Civic hybrid. Still, the conventional Civic isn't a gas-guzzler, so you inevitably start comparing the Civic hybrid to the conventional Civic. For most consumers, up-front costs will eventually dominate.

The Prius, on the other hand, is unique. It is the hybrid vehicle, not a conventional vehicle with hybrid technology.

If someone wants to buy a sports car, they wouldn't typically want to buy a souped-up Chevy Malibu, they would want to buy a Corvette. Simply putting a badge on a Chevy Malibu that states 'Corvette Powered' doesn't make the Malibu a Corvette, even if they both have the same engine and performance.

Vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, will always have an audience, but they will never meet the sales demand of the Prius. If there were a unique hybrid SUV; however, it would dominate hybrid SUV sales.

Nonetheless, in the next year gas prices are going to go up significantly as refineries go from MTBE to ethanol additives. Additionally, in the next couple of years we will probably see multiple, significant spikes in the price of gasoline. All of these events will renew interest in ALL hybrid vehicles.

Additionally, hybrid technology is and will continue to advance. These advancements, and the potential small business tax credit for hybrid vehicles, could make hybrids, such as the Escape and Highlander, very cost-effective - perhaps even long term bargains.

Still, the only way hybrid technology will ever take off is when a number of unique hybrid vehicles are competing against each other. If automakers don't take this approach, the potential of hybrids will never be reached.

Mercury Mariner hybrid Green Car of the Year

The Green Car Journal has picked the Mercury Mariner hybrid as the Green Car of the Year. (more)

Intellichoice Best Overall Values of 2006: A lot of hybrids

In the last 2 weeks, hybrid cars have picked up some great press.

Consumer Reports picked two hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, for it's Top 10 Best Values in automobile's issue. The Prius hybrid was also found to be the most satisfying to owners, with 95% of those owners interested in buying another Prius.

Then Edmunds/CNN released a report that the Prius, Ford Escape hybrid and the Lexus RX400h hybrid were among the 10 hottest cars in America because these vehicles fly off the sale's lot.

Intellichoice also picked a number of hybrids as the Best Overall Values for 2006. The Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape hybrid, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid were included in the 8 Overall Best Values. The Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Insight also picked up awards in Best Values in their Class. (more)

Opel and Saab adding hybrid technology by end of decade

Opel and Saab will offer hybrid cars by the end of the decade. "Before the end of the decade, you will see a hybrid application in an Opel," said Hans Demant, Opel's managing director, during an interview at the Geneva auto show. (more)

Hottest Cars In America List includes 3 hybrids

Hybrids are hot

Edmunds.com helped CNN.com determine the 10 hottest cars in America.

"To find the 10 hottest cars in America for CNNMoney.com, Edmunds.com, a partner providing data and content for CNN Web sites, looked for three things: Actual selling prices closest to the vehicle's full sticker price; lowest amounts in rebates or other sales incentives; shortest times spent on dealer lots before being snapped up by buyers." (more)

Surprise, surprise, the Toyota Prius hybrid is the hottest car in America. Also, 3 of the top 10 hottest cars in America are hybrid cars. Joining the Prius are the Ford Escape hybrid and the Lexus RX400h.

With gas prices destined to rise significantly this year, and with the possibility of gas spikes - either due to terrorism or hurricanes - these hybrids will only get hotter.

Oil: Why are Americans so irresponsible?

CNN did a very interesting survey on oil.

"Although Americans don't believe the country faces an imminent energy crisis, most believe there are "major problems" --- from potential oil shortages to possible terrorist attacks -- and they are harshly critical of the leadership on the issue from the White House, according to a new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll."

Yet, only 1 in 4 Americans believe consumers brunt any responsibility and only about the same amount blame automakers. While Bush receives much of the blame, oil companies are the most hated.

So, what are Americans doing about? Buying more oil.

In reality, what can Bush really do? Most energy experts note the majority of the problem is refinery capacity. Yet, there has been little support the last few decades to build new refineries and even if Bush said, build ten more, they wouldn't be online until long after he's out of office.

Yet, Dems like Hillary Clinton complain that Bush isn't being tough enough with Iran, at the same time Iran is devising plans to use oil as a weapon against the U.S. If problems with Iran escalate, gasoline prices would easily surge beyond $4.00 or $5.00 per gallon.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't

Lame duck Bush simply can't win, even though there is little he, or anyone, can really do about short term oil prices. All we can do in the short term is conserve.

Then there are the oil companies. I'm tired of this one. Too much of the oil industry is controlled outside of the United States. We, the consumers, need to buy less oil - that's it.

Of course that's hard since automakers haven't provided a lot of choice when it comes to fuel efficiency. GM still doesn't have any hybrid vehicles on the road - no their 'mild' hybrid doesn't count. Additionally, GM's 'GoYellow' compaign is complete B.S., since there aren't any gasoline stations with E85. So, who is GM kidding?

Apparently, most Americans!!! It's too expensive for GM to build hybrids, but not too expensive to spend $3 billion per year on advertising lying about ethanol and other 'professional grade' technologies.

In reality Congress deserves far more blame than the President and if any President deserves blame for oil, you'd have to blame Clinton, the first Bush, or Reagan.

Ultimately, however, Americans should blame automakers and themselves for buying the billions of dollars of propaganda that the big 3 have been selling to America. The right to gas guzzle isn't about American freedom, it's about American stupidity.

And these people laugh at us for buying hybrids.

Interest-free financing for Escape hybrid, for some

Ford will be offering interest-free financing on the Escape hybrid in California and Washington, D.C. - the two hottest markets for both the hybrid Escape and hybrid cars. You cannot; however, take advantage of the $1000.00 rebate that Ford is also offering on the Escape hybrid if you choose interest-free financing. Those that do not live in California or Washington, D.C. can still qualify for the $1000.00 rebate.

California: The hybrids are coming?

Breaking - California's new measure to increase emissions standards from automobiles has won a major ruling. This is sure to have a big effect on the production of hybrid vehicles. More hybrids, more competition equals better and cheaper hybrids.

Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan on sale next month

Lexus has started to sell the GS 450h hybrid vehicle in Japan and should start selling Toyota's newest hybrid in America next month. (MSNBC)

With an MSRP of $54,900, the GS450h will offer 339 horsepower and go from 0 - 60 in 5.2 seconds, while achieving a combined 28 mpg.

Bio-diesel hybrid coming soon?

Last week I made a post about the Land Rover e Concept hybrid vehicle that I didn't give much attention. Since; however, I've read a feature that MSN published on this hybrid. MSN states, "The Land_e is one of the most unusual concept presentations in the show, but potentially one of the most significant."

Not only will the Land Rover hybrid offer 30 percent gains in fuel efficiency, it's innovative hybrid technology will enable this hybrid to function off-road with the same performance for which it is known. In fact the hybrid Land Rover might actually perform better than a conventional Land Rover in off-road conditions, as well as on the highway.

And to top it off, the Land Rover e Concept will be able to utilize bio-diesel.

Just another example of how the technology behind hybrid cars is just emerging and that there is far more potential to be tapped.

Re: Hybrids: Seven worries, seven answers

CNNMoney.com has posted the article, Hybrids: Seven worries, seven answers to cover a survey that was done by Harris Interactive, Kelley Blue Book's Web site, and KBB.com gauging the consumer concerns of hybrid cars.

Potential hybrid consumers are concerned about 1.) Expensive technology repairs, 2.) Reliability of the battery pack, 3.) Technical problems like stalling, 4.) Cost effectiveness, 5.) Performance, 6.) Resale Value and 7.) Real world mileage.

According to CNNMONEY, most of these concerns are not founded in fact; however, cost effectiveness and resale value are potential, real concerns for buyers. Also, real world gas mileage is a point worth noting.

Most of these issues were also covered by Consumer Report's Best of 2006 Auto Survey (more).

While there are legitimate concerns regarding hybrids, they are concerns, not facts. For example, Consumer Reports predicts big losses in resale value, but they admit to a worst-case scenario prediction. This may or may not hold true. If hybrids prove reliable over the long term, then resale value should be much better than CR predicts. Additionally, if gas prices continue to rise AND hybrids prove reliable, then hybrid values will only increase as gas prices increase.

Moreover, if resale value ends up better than CR estimates, then the other main concern, cost effectiveness, will also prove to be a non-issue. Again, if resale value is strong on hybrids AND gas prices continue to rise, hybrids could easily end up as an excellent long term value.

In terms of fuel economy, according to CR, hybrids are the most fuel efficient vehicles. Yes, the EPA estimates are wrong, but they are wrong on all vehicles.

Inevitably, there are legitimate hybrid concerns for buyers; however, everyone of those concerns might ultimately be proven to be unfounded and incorrect. Furthermore, for those who care about the environment or the importance of dealing with foreign oil dependency, a little risk is worth the cause.

Of course, Congress could take most of this risk away. So, join the hybrid car revolution.

Honda taking a further step into hybrid vehicle production?

Asahi Shimbun is reporting that Honda is investing in a new manufacturing plant to develop its high end engines, such as those for hybrid cars. Not long ago, Honda also announced that it was probably going to create a Fit hybrid as well. While Honda hasn't been as bullish as Toyota regarding hybrids in the past, these moves do seem to demonstrate that Honda is significantly ramping up their hybrid capabilities.

China: The number one reason for hybrid cars

As I was watching CNBC today, one segment included an interview of the CEO of Ramada Hotels who was explaining why his company was going to experience huge growth in the future; new hotels in China.

The CEO explained that China was going through the same infrastructure changes that the U.S. went through in the 50's and 60's. Today, he went on, it isn't easy to drive from city to city or from town to town to city in China - highways and freeways just aren't that common.

That; however, is going to change quickly as miles and miles and miles of highways and freeways will soon connect China, the way highways and freeways now connect America.

If you build it, they will come

Why have highways and freeways if no one drives? Of course in the 40's and 50's in America, no one needed a car either. Thus, it isn't just hotels that are going to explode in China as the country becomes more connected, but automobile sales as well. In fact, the potential of the automobile in China is far greater than what America will ever achieve.

So, where will the fuel come from?

The advancement of hybrid cars and other alternative technologies simply cannot advance fast enough. Quite simply, there isn't enough oil to fuel China's development.

While new reports show that gasoline prices are the highest since November, and 30 cents higher than the same time last year, gas prices are going to go much higher. Even without increased oil demand from China, or India, gas prices in America have no where to go but up.

The days of cheap gas are over.

But that is only the beginning. In 10 years Chinese demand will have grown so significantly, that oil will not meet the energy needs of the world.

How expensive will gas be then?

We must act now. Join the hybrid car revolution!

The ABC Act and hybrid cars

The ABC's of Hybrid Vehicles

On the first of this month, Senator Charles Grassley, introduced the America's Business Choice (ABC) Act to provide the same tax benefits to hybrid cars that large SUVs receive.

"The tax code shouldn't favor SUVs over alternative energy cars for business owners," Grassley said. "Some business owners will want to use SUVs and some will want to use hybrid cars. The choice should be theirs and the tax code should be consistent. The purchase of either kind of vehicle will help business growth, especially for small businesses, which create most of the nation's jobs."

For small business owners, the Grassley Bill could make the purchase of all hybrid vehicles far more cost effective than buying their conventional counterparts. Such an incentive could significantly and immediately increase the demand for hybrids. Consequently, America could more quickly and seriously start addressing American dependence on foreign oil, while cleaning the environment.

Tell your Congressperson to mind their ABC's!

Join the Hybrid Car Revolution Campaign to push Congress on the ABC Bill.

The hybrid car revolution: Time to get Congress to Act

$25,000.00 Small Business Tax Deduction for Gas Guzzlers, but not hybrid cars? And how about a plug-in hybrid tax deduction?

Why are we giving huge tax deductions to small business owners that buy vehicles which cause the most pollution and offer the worst gas mileage? Why do we reward American automakers for continued complacency and incompetence?

Sure, Congress offers tax credits for hybrid cars, but they are capped. Yet there is no cap on how many extreme gas-guzzlers can receive a $25,000.00 tax deduction.

Why?

Even worse, the caps on hybrid cars are limited by manufacturer, which means that some manufactures, such as GM, can essentially sit on their credits for a couple of years. Why aren't these credits controlled by consumers, rather than greedy corporations?

Why?

Is this how Congress rewards technological innovation, or protects inept auto corporations?

We worry about the Dubai Port’s Deal and national security, even though numerous security experts say this is political issue, not a security issue. Yet, we don’t care that the security of the American economy is in the hands of terrorist-harboring countries that aren’t helping with the War on Terror, but countries which have explicitly exclaimed their hate for America and against the War on Terror.

Why?

But I don’t want to get too political. The point is, Congress can create real momentum towards a cleaner environment and towards energy security. The small business tax credit should immediately include hybrid vehicles and other forms of clean, alternative transportation.

Plug-in Hybrid Tax Incentives

Additionally, there should be some tax incentives for consumers that are willing to convert their hybrids into plug-in hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrid technology extends the benefits of hybrid vehicles, in addition to promoting more hybrid battery research.

The People, not the Corporations

Let's also move towards tax incentives on the buyer side, not the producer side. We’ve already given GM hundreds of millions of tax dollars to develop hybrids, instead, we got professional grade gas-guzzlers.

Put the power in the hands of consumers, not corporations.

Join the campaign to make Congress act on tax credits and deductions for hybrid cars.

Ohh those gas-guzzling lovin' stars!

The environment or bling bling?

Hybrid haters often love to portray hybrid cars as only some crazy movement perpetuated by Hollywood. While 25 stars took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the Fourth Annual "Red Carpet, Green Cars" event sponsored by Toyota and the environmental organization Global Green USA, the majority of Hollywood's stars arrived in gas-guzzlers.

"What the cameras didn't show were the Detroit-made rides stars got out of in front of the Kodak Theatre, like the 2006 Chrysler 300C luxury sedan and Jeep Commander SUV."

"The Chrysler Group shuttled stars to Hollywood's biggest event and after-parties in the vehicles." (DetroitNews)

On a night when this 'socially-driven' group picked Crash - a somewhat entertaining, but socially inept, contrived and stereotyped movie - as the Best Movie, foreign oil dependency and the environment took a back seat to stretched Cadillacs and 300Cs.

Perhaps George Clooney can make a real movie on the irony of Hollywood's self-perpetuated progressive portrayal versus their greedy, ego-centric, anti-environment and pro-War actions.

I say it's about time this brave group stops pointing their fingers at others in their attempt to save the world and take a look at the 3 fingers pointing back at themselves.

Walk the walk, don't talk the talk.

Volvo trucks going hybrid

Volvo has developed a hybrid system that it will offer in trucks and buses by 2009. "Hybrid technology has been used for cars for five or 10 years now. The oil price, technology and the lower cost of batteries now makes it an efficient option for trucks and buses, too," Volvo Technical Director Lars-Goeran Moberg told AFP. "This makes us weep with pleasure," he said. (MORE)

Consumer Reports and Hybrid Cars: What you need to know

What's the word on hybrids?

Consumer Report's Annual Auto Issue is one of the most important sources for unbiased ratings and reviews of automobiles. So, what can we learn from Consumer Reports when it comes to hybrid cars.?

First, we learned that the Toyota Highlander hybrid is the best SUV over $30,000 and that the Toyota Prius hybrid is the Best Green Vehicle.

Second, we learned that the Prius is the Most Satisfying vehicle according to owners. A whopping 95% of Prius owners would buy another Prius (more).

Third, we learned that hybrid vehicles have thus far proven to be extremely reliable. In fact, the Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid topped CR's rankings of Most reliable, with just 4% of owners reporting problems. In addition, the Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Accord hybrid also did very well in reliability.

Of course, the long term reliability of hybrids is still a question, a question that can only be answered once enough hybrids have been on the road for more than a decade. Ultimately, the reliability of hybrids is extremely important as it is the factor in determining the overall value of hybrids, which brings us to our final point.

Fourth, are hybrid vehicles worth the cost?

According to Consumer Reports, only two hybrids can save you money after the first five years: the Prius and the Civic hybrid. Of course, once the capped tax credits for hybrids expire, these vehicles will then cost more than their conventional counterparts, well, maybe.

The article, Hybrids: Save gas, lose money, notes that "six hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles, will lose 2 percent to 3 percent more in value over five years of ownership than otherwise identical non-hybrid vehicles." While the Prius can save $406 after 5 years and the Civic hybrid saves $317, the rest of the hybrids lose money after five years: Ford Escape Hybrid ($1,883), Honda Accord Hybrid ($4,263), Lexus RX400h ($4,171) and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($5,508).

Of course, as in life, few things are ever black and white.

To start, there is no "identical non-hybrid vehicle" to compare to the Prius. If the Prius were simply a hybrid Corolla, it would be called the Corolla hybrid. Quite simply, the Prius is a unique vehicle and when you consider performance, reliability and customer satisfaction, the Prius is a unique, awesome vehicle.

As for the rest of the hybrid vehicle segment, it is true that cost is an important concern. Still, for those that care, can you really put a cost on foreign oil dependency or a cleaner environment? Sometimes doing the right thing is neither the cheapest nor easiest thing to do.

Furthermore, the Consumer Reports study makes several important assumptions. For example, it assumes that your auto insurance will cost more. Overtime; however, this might not be true, especially when you consider that some insurance providers have already offered discounts to hybrid drivers.

CR also assumes extra financing costs for hybrids. Already, Ford has begun to offer incentives and better financing deals on its hybrid vehicles, so this 'cost' might not remain an extra cost.

The most important assumption affecting the costs of hybrids; however, is extra depreciation, which CR claims could range from $2,900 to 6,300 after 5 years. These are huge numbers that cannot, at this point in time, be backed by fact.

For example, if hybrid batteries generally last the life of these vehicles, which Toyota engineers claim is quite possible, then these numbers will be horribly wrong. Additionally, as more hybrids are built, hybrid battery costs will come down.

Moreover, it could turn out that replacing the battery packs of older hybrids could make hybrids twice as fuel efficient as before with new battery technology, such as lithium batteries. Not only would this reverse depreciation costs, but it would double fuel savings costs.

In 10 years, it could turn out that replacing the hybrid battery pack on an old hybrid actually results in a better hybrid than when new. Imagine the effect this would have on resale value.

Additionally, "Hybrid supporter and Prius owner James Bell, publisher of the automotive guide IntelliChoice, recently sold his two-year-old Prius for just $4,000 less than he originally paid for it -- a remarkably low rate of depreciation." (more)

So, hybrid depreciation is a complete wild card.

Furthermore, "We really like hybrids in terms of their overall performance" and environmental benefits, says Doug Love, a spokesman for Consumers Union.

In conclusion, the CR study does demonstrates that hybrid vehicles do pose some risk when it comes to long term value; however, the CR study largely assumes the worst case scenario. If hybrid batteries are very reliable and/or new battery technology could cost-effectively make old hybrids twice as fuel efficient, then hybrids could end up as long term bargains.

The evolution of the Ford Reflex hybrid vehicle

The new American muscle car

I say forget the Mustang and the Charger. American automakers don't need to look to the past to regain marketshare, but to the future.

Hybrid vehicles and other advanced technologies are the future and American automakers should be leading the way. Vehicles, such as the Ford Reflex hybrid vehicle, scream American automotive leadership. Mustangs and Chargers, on the other hand, scream we're afraid of the future.

Let's do it Ford!

If you're interested in the evolution of the Reflex hybrid vehicle, check out this cool article on MSNBC.

GM showcases fuel efficiency efforts

GM's fuel efficiency claims; Much ado about nothing

Eric Kaufman, GM engineering group manager for energy and drive quality said that while the buzz around fuel efficiency has been focused on hybrid cars, GM has made other important gains. (MotorTrend)

For example, they have made gasoline engines more efficient through a number of achievements and they now have almost 2 million flex-fuel vehicles on the road.

Why is GM such a joke? Why don't they just shut up regarding fuel efficiency?

Let's just be clear, GM is not focused on fuel efficiency, PERIOD.

As for flex-fuel vehicles, how much is a flex-fuel vehicle worth if you can't find ethanol? GM flex-fuel vehicles cause more harm than good. Since no one can fill them up with ethanol because there aren't any pumps, or it's too expensive, the only thing GM's flex-fuel program achieves is CAFE credits.

GM's flex-fuel vehicles simply enable GM to avoid fines on their gas-guzzlers, that's it. If GM cares so much about flex-fuel, why not offer it on all vehicles and not just those vehicles that might miss their CAFE requirements?

Even doing that wouldn't have much effect any time soon, but at least it would demonstrate some sincerity.

GM isn't going to go green by going yellow, they need to get real if they want to go green.

Consumer Reports and hybrid car costs

Civic and Prius hybrids DO save money

If you read the Consumer Reports Best and Worst Cars of 2006 issue, then you know that Consumer Reports reported that in the short term - 5 years - not one hybrid saves money compared to their conventional counterparts.

Well, CR has admitted that it made a mistake and that the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid actually do save money, $406 and $317 (more).

So, some hybrid cars actually do save money!

Slow hybrid sales push Ford incentives

Ford's hybrid slump isn't a surprise

So far this year Ford has sold about 1000 hybrid vehicles, as sales for both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid have slowed. Ironically, as Ford has increased hybrid marketing, sales have simply not kept pace and this has resulted in incentives as high as $1000.00 for Ford's hybrids (more).

Why?

I remember my first Escape hybrid test drive, which left me very unimpressed. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the vehicle - I did - I just thought the cost was simply far too expensive.

I felt the same away about the Toyota Highlander hybrid, which I also love, but the price difference between the Highlander hybrid and a conventional Highlander, is the definition of sticker shock.

That doesn't mean I wouldn't buy either of these vehicles, I would, if I had to drive SUVs, but I'm not an SUV driver. This highlights the main problem of hybrid SUVs: Who are the customers?

Fans of hybrids are driven mostly by two factors: the environment and foreign oil dependency. Most, but not all, of this customer segment is not interested in hybrid SUVs (I'm not saying hybrid SUV drivers aren't just as committed!!). While there are many others that are concerned about these same issues, they are not driven by these causes, and these people are inevitably going to be driven by cost when it comes to buying a hybrid versus a conventional vehicle.

Many of these hybrid buyers will buy a Prius without thinking about it because there isn't a conventional comparison -I don't buy the Corolla comparison. Every other hybrid, other than the Honda Insight, forces this compare and contrast mentality.

Consequently, until hybrid vehicle costs are more competitive, only unique hybrids such as the Toyota Prius will be hot sellers. There could be exceptions, such as the Toyota Camry hybrid, but that won't be the norm until hybrid battery technology advances.

Of course, all of this could change if the 3 ton SUV small business tax deduction were applied to hybrid vehicles. Let's hope the momentum for this in Congress keeps rolling.

MSNBC reviews the Mercury Mariner hybrid

The Mercury Mariner hybrid was very pleasing in city driving, but not as pleasing during highway driving according the author of this MSNBC article.

Why gas-guzzling is great!

What's better than a gas-guzzling SUV that can go offroad?

A more powerful, even greater guzzling SUV that can't go offroad. It's pure guzzling pleasure, a message to the world that the price of gasoline means nothing, nor does common sense.

Now that's saying something!

As for global warming and foreign oil dependency, those are just treehugging conspiracies - every real American knows that.

That's why I can't wait for the new muscle cars from Ford and GM, so I can fly by those granola-eating Prius and Civic hybrid drivers. They act like they are saving the world. Give me a break, they aren't making a dent in foreign oil dependency. That's why I buy GM products, they understand America. Just look at Bob Lutz.

"There's enormous good will for the glory days of American cars, when they really were American and didn't try to be Japanese or German," says GM car czar Bob Lutz.

Gas guzzling is the essence of America. Since we're the best in the world, we can do whatever we want. Besides, if I wasn't using so much gas, those people in the Middle East wouldn't have any money and that would breed real terrorism. The truth is gas-guzzling helps fight terrorism. The richer we make those people the less they'll want to kill us.

I'm the real American. America is about choice, even if it is a stupid choice, such as buying a hybrid car.

Be a real American, buy the biggest gas-guzzler you can find! Together we can change the world!

A Land Rover hybrid?

Land Rover is planning a new line of gasoline/diesel hybrid vehicles, dubbed the Land_e Concept, that the automaker believes can achieve 30 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional Land Rovers.(more)

Hybrid cars and reliability

Can you trust hybrid technology?

I regularly receive e-mails that ask, "Are hybrid cars reliable?"

Well, according to Consumer Reports, they are. In fact, both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid were found to be the most reliable vehicles by CR, with just 4% of owners reporting problems.

Additionally, the CR study also picked the Toyota Highlander hybrid as one of its Top 10 vehicles of 2006, a ranking which also includes reliability. Two other hybrids, the Lexus RX400h and the Honda Accord hybrid also received high marks.

Sure it is possible that the smaller production lines of these hybrid vehicles eases the ability to ensure their reliability. Moreover, the long term reliability of hybrids is still somewhat of question, since hybrids simply haven't been around long enough. Yet, first generation Prii and Honda Insight hybrids have proven to be reliable after several years.

While the long term reliability of the hybrid battery pack will remain a question for another decade, based upon current evidence hybrids appear extremely reliable. If the hybrid battery pack lasts the life of the vehicle, as many Toyota hybrid engineers believe, the long term value of hybrids has been significantly underestimated.

I'd like to thank all the 8 mpg SUV drivers!

A bunch of states are appealing to the government to get the EPA to start regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, I don't believe they will be successful simply because GM couldn't survive if the EPA actually started to regulate these emissions, and you know the EPA is biased.

While the critics of hybrid cars shout out that hybrids don't achieve their EPA fuel economy, they fail to mention that conventional vehicles also fail to meet their EPA fuel economy ratings. Thus, the EPA is going to start using more accurate methods to determine ratings; however, they aren't going to use these more accurate ratings to determine CAFE. For if they did, millions of Ford and GM vehicles wouldn't pass CAFE and these automakers would have to pay large fines.

Ironically, these vehicles that are essentially violating the law are some of Detroit's most profitable automobiles.

Of course, automakers are against the move, because it "would make cars smaller, lighter and less powerful, which they say, would strip cars of attributes consumers demand."(MSNBC)

So consumer demand is more important than public safety? I don't believe that is the main issue, I'd say it's money that is more important than public safety. Still, I'd like to thank all the 8 mpg SUV drivers out there. You're my hero!

The Toyota Prius is one awesome vehicle

Don't believe me?

Just look at what Consumer Reports said about the Toyota Prius hybrid, "an unbeatable combination of economy, acceleration and interior room."

Moreover, the Prius is the Most Satisfying Vehicle according to CR. 95% of owners are interested in buying another Prius. The only vehicles that even compare to this kind of customer satisfaction are the Corvette at 93% or the Infiniti M35/M45 at 92%.

Still not enough?

While there have been many myths regarding the reliability of hybrid cars, it has been much ado about nothing. The facts demonstrate that the Toyota Prius is extremely reliable. According to CR the 2005 Toyota Prius was the most reliable vehicle, as only 4% of owners reported problems.

O.K., that isn't totally true. The Honda Civic hybrid actually tied the Prius as most reliable according to owners.

While long term reliability will not be proven for a few years, at this point in time the evidence indicates that hybrids are very reliable.

Camry Hybrid built for Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Camry hybrid will be built for optimal fuel efficiency according to Consumer Reports. While this is great news, I don't fully understand what that really means. Toyota has admitted in the past that the Highlander hybrid was built for a mixture of performance and fuel efficiency. Yet, the Camry hybrid is still going to offer 192 hp. EPA estimates for this vehicle are 40 mpg, of course in the real world that will probably mean low 30's. Ultimately, I'd expect the Camry hybrid to achieve the best fuel efficiency of any Camry, while offering performance similar to the 6 cylinder Camry.

Small business tax deduction for hybrid vehicles?

A couple of weeks ago I complained about capped tax credits for hybrid cars in light of the fact that there were no caps on the $25,000.00+ small business tax deduction for the worst gas-guzzlers. In that post, I suggested transferring the small business tax deduction from gas-guzzlers to hybrids. Well, I wasn't the only one thinking about this issue.

“The tax code shouldn’t favor SUVs over alternative energy cars for business owners,” said Sen. Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican and chairman of the Finance Committee. (MSNBC)

While there is little talk of canceling the deduction for 3 ton plus SUVs, at least hybrids would be included in the mix.

Let's hope this gets pushed through!

Are luxury hybrids worth it?

Soon Lexus will be offering two luxury hybrids

What's the point of hybrid cars? To many it's all about fuel efficiency as hybrids represent an answer to foreign oil dependency or less cost on fuel. To many others, however, hybrids are simply about the environment.

Hybrids, even luxury hybrids, significantly reduce automobile emissions and that is great for the environment.

Still, some owners of the Lexus RX400h hybrid have complained about fuel efficiency. In reality; however, the RX400h offers very fair fuel economy for the performance that it provides.

Does this fuel economy justify the extra cost? Probably not. Yet, if fuel economy is your primary concern, why are you buying a luxury, performance-orientated vehicle?

The truth is, the Lexus RX400h is an "excellent" vehicle according to Consumer Reports. For the level of performance, the RX400h provides very good fuel economy. More important, the Lexus RX400h protects the environment and invests in hybrid technology. Eventually, this hybrid investment will lead to greater fuel economy in luxury hybrid vehicles.

Performance hybrids such as the Lexus RX400h and the upcoming Lexus GS450h hybrid sedan were not designed to save money at the gas pump. If you want to save money at the gas pump, then you buy a Toyota Prius or a Honda Civic hybrid.

While I'm not a huge fan of performance hybrids because foreign oil dependency is an important concern for me, I still appreciate these hybrids. Inevitably, an investment in any hybrid will lead to better, more fuel efficient hybrid technology for all hybrids, including luxury hybrid vehicles.

For luxury vehicle buyers, I give Lexus hybrids two thumbs up, way up.

Two hybrids in Consumer Reports Top 10

Prius and Highlander picked by Consumer Reports

Toyota's hybrid cars did very well in Consumer Reports Top Picks for 2006. The Toyota Highlander hybrid was the best Mid-sized SUV costing more than $30,000. Only the hybrid Highlander and the Lexus RX400h hybrid received "Excellent" scores in Consumer Report's Testing (more).

The Toyota Prius won the Green Car award for the third year in a row and is a good alternative to a mid-sized sedan, noted Consumer Reports. Only 4% of Prius owners reported serious problems, topping the customer satisfaction survey.

New Energy Bill to include plug-in hybrid vehicles?

Plug-in hybrids, just like a regular hybrid, only better

Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado was on CNBC's Morning Call this morning to discuss a panel that had been convened to discuss America's energy situation. He indicated that there is broad bipartisan support in Congress for a new energy bill that further pushes the country towards energy independence. Congressman Salazar noted a two step approach to make this happen: 1.) Alternative fuels and 2.) A whole new generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

I say excellent idea, but make them flex-fuel plug-in hybrids. Click here to help.

Pricing on the Lexus 450h announced

Lexus GS 450h will start at $54,900.00.

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan will come loaded with premium features and hit dealerships sometime in May. The GS is said to achieve 28 mpg, a 33 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the conventional V8 GS. (Car & Driver)

More hybrid vehicles.