All I want for Christmas is a plug-in hybrid

Lately, I've received a number of inquiries about where to buy plug-in hybrids. This doesn't surprise me. I want a plug-in hybrid. Still, the technology isn't fully baked, at least not for mass production. Consequently, you can't venture down to your local auto dealer and buy a plug-in hybrid.

Sure, you can convert a hybrid into a plug-in hybrid, and while I envy those whom have converted current hybrid cars into plug-in hybrids, I'm just a little short of cash at the moment for such a venture.

Nonetheless, what is it about plug-in hybrids that is so appealing even to consumers not interested in current hybrids? Sure, I totally believe in the potential of such technology, but there is no doubt plug-in technology is going to be expensive, at least in the short term. Thus, if plug-in hybrids offered an end to foreign oil dependency and a solution to transportation-caused global warming, but no cost savings to American consumers, would so many consumers still be so excited?

Is the excitement regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles for many consumers focused upon doing the right thing or on saving lots of money at the gas pump?

For those whom don't buy American autos

Many whom drive hybrid cars or are interested in hybrid cars are often not very interested in American automobiles because of the Big 3's over reliance upon fuel inefficient vehicles. Still, if GM offered a plug-in hybrid vehicle before any other automaker, would you be interested? Would it change your opinion about GM? Would you wait until either Toyota or Honda offered their own plug-in hybrid?

Chevy to reveal electric vehicle at NAIAS

On Sunday, January 7th, Chevy will reveal an electric concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. While GM has been accused of killing the electric vehicle, the automaker has recently claimed that the future is electric. In addition to an electric concept vehicle, there is great speculation that GM might also debut a plug-in hybrid at the Detroit show. Or, perhaps the Chevy offers both possibilities?

Germans hoping to take over America with diesel

German automakers are hoping to leave hybrid cars in the dust and convert Americans into clean diesel guzzlers, rather than gasoline guzzlers. "That is the bet European automobile manufacturers are making as they talk the talk of gas-electric hybrid engines to show they care for the environment, but walk the walk down the diesel trail." (more)

Why is that hybrid vehicles are only seen as environment savers? Obviously the environment is a huge reason that many Americans buy hybrids, but just as many buy hybrids because of foreign oil dependency. Clean diesel technology simply isn't going to end foreign oil dependency, however, plug-in hybrid technology could.

Is global warming the MAIN reason to oppose ethanol

O.K., global warming isn't the main reason to oppose ethanol, however, global warming is the main reason to oppose ethanol as the solution to both foreign oil dependency and global warming gases. How can we put all our eggs in the alternative fuels basket when the same scientists warning the world about global warming also claim that today's global warming is going to lead to extreme weather, such as mini-ice ages, extreme droughts, massive hurricanes, flooding, etc, etc.? All of these conditions could wipe out the entire grain belt of the U.S. - our energy supply (not to mention our food supply) - for a year, for a decade, for a millennium.

While there is nothing wrong with pursuing alternative fuels, they cannot be pursued at the expense of efficiency.

Today, hybrid cars offer the greatest tool for efficiency. In addition, hybrids can utilize any alternative fuel developed. Most important, however, creating lighter vehicles with plug-in hybrid technology could easily increase fuel efficiency by more than 50%, even as much as 75% if carbon fibers, instead of steel, were used to build automobiles.

In the short term, alternative fuels are a distraction - an excuse - enabling automakers to continue to build more and more inefficient vehicles. 'Yes, it's a 12 mpg Hummer, but it uses flex-fuel' is neither the answer to energy dependence nor to global warming.

NO. Hybrid vehicles are not losing their appeal

Today, Roland Jones of MSNBC asked the question, Are hybrid vehicles losing their appeal?

No, Roland, they are not. Also, Roland, how can you utilize the Honda Accord hybrid to discuss hybrid vehicle economics? First, the Accord hybrid isn't a hot-selling hybrid, it's possibly the worst selling hybrid. Second, it's a performance hybrid, and was not produced purely to achieve fuel efficiency.

Sure, the sales of hybrid cars are down. Automobile sales overall are down and expected to be down into 2007. Yes, hybrids are down more, but that fact has nothing to deal with appeal, Roland. Obviously, the fact that Toyota's hybrid tax credits have been cut in half is a key issue since the Prius is by far the best selling hybrid, as is the drop in gasoline prices.

But there is also a bigger, non-hybrid issue. Why are automobile sales down and expected to be down next year? Are automobiles losing their appeal? Or, do consumers have a little less financial power? If economic times are tight, it isn't surprising fewer consumers can justify paying more for a hybrid when the tax credit has been cut in half and when gas prices are down.

Nonetheless, consumers are very interested in hybrid cars, especially the hybrids of the future. Consumers are not stupid, and they know the best of hybrid vehicles is yet to come. Currently, the public appears to be particularly fascinated with the idea of plug-in hybrid vehicles. So, since consumers have less cash and gas prices are low, many are waiting for next generation hybrid technology.

And no, Roland, diesel is not an alternative. Diesel might compete with hybrids today in some driving conditions, but reliance upon diesel instead of gasoline will NEVER end foreign oil dependency. Next generation hybrid technology, however, certainly has the capability to end foreign oil dependency.

Foreign oil dependency: Security versus profits

So, we know that America's current electric grid could handle the power demands of converting conventional automobiles into plug-in hybrid vehicles. We know that such a move would reduce pollution. We know that using advanced carbon-fibers could produce 50 percent lighter vehicles that are stronger than today's vehicles. We know that adding plug-in hybrid technology to such vehicles would produce super strong, super fuel efficient automobiles capable of ending foreign oil dependency and drastically reducing all forms of pollution.

The only thing we don't know is, are such vehicles profitable to automakers? While it is a sad commentary on society that health and security are bean-counted against profitability, that is today's reality.

Still, wouldn't funding an automotive revolution via advanced technology be a worthy investment for government via less military protection of oil, for automakers via retooling their entire operations in state of the art technology geared for the future, and for consumers via increased fuel savings and security?

Why not spawn the next great revolution in human history?

Worsening traffic congestion underscores need for hybrid technology

According to a very interesting article in BusinessWeek, traffic congestion has increased significantly every year since 1982, and within 10 years the problem is going to increase drastically, even in areas with only medium congestion.

What are the costs? "In 2003, the wasted time and fuel due to congestion cost the U.S. population $63.1 billion. This translates to nearly $800 per traveler and 2.3 billion gallons of fuel!" Unfortunately, the BW article also points out the lack of any easy solutions to this worsening problem. One can only imagine how many billions of gallons we will be wasting by 2010 - scary!

Greater congestion is simply the future, which underscores the need for hybrid technology. When it comes to real world fuel economy, automobiles perform horribly in congestion, yet hybrid cars offer significant improvements in these conditions. More important the potential of hybrids in these conditions is just emerging. Plug-in hybrids could largely function gasoline-free in such conditions.

Isn't it time to really start thinking about the future?

Fuel economy estimate revisions and hybrids

On Monday the EPA announced that it was going to revise fuel economy estimates on vehicles to provide better information to consumers. Mileage estimates for hybrids will also be affected. Accordingly, "mileage estimates for gas-electric hybrids probably will be 20 to 30 percent lower for city driving and 10 to 20 percent lower on the highway, the agency said."

One can expect hybrid critics to again claim that hybrids don't make sense, yet when real world fuel economy of all vehicles is compared - especially class-by-class - it will be demonstrated that hybrids are still significantly more fuel efficient than conventional vehicles.

Still, the real point regarding the EPA's revisions shouldn't be focused on hybrids, it should be focused on the fact that, in reality, automakers are horribly failing CAFE. Yet, ironically, the real world fuel economy of conventional vehicles isn't going to affect CAFE requirements. The fact that automakers have essentially violated the will of Congress for decades - causing massive increases in foreign oil dependency - just doesn't matter.

(Source:MSNBC)

Carlos Ghosn keeps talking about hybrids

Nissan executives keep talking about the profitability of hybrid cars, yet they keep promoting plans to develop hybrids. Recently Carlos Ghosn told reporters at the opening of a new Nissan design studio in the Tokyo suburb of Atsug, "The hybrid as a technology is a promising technology, we have always said it. Nobody can ignore that hybrids can be one potential solution for mass market car sometime in the future." He further stated, "That is a promising technology that we need to work on, and we need to develop, and we need to be ready in case this technology breaks through and becomes a mass-market technology. Which I think it's still not." (more)

DOE study shows grid can handle plug-in hybrid vehicles

A new study by the Department of Energy demonstrates that America's power grid could accommodate converting 84% of all vehicles into plug-in hybrids. Since plug-in hybrids could handle the average daily commute of most Americans, the study assumed owners would primarily fill up during non-peak hours - such as after 5.

"The estimates didn't include hydro, renewables or nuclear plants. It also didn't include plants designed to meet peak demand because they don't operate continuously. We still found that across the country 84 percent of the additional electricity demand created by PHEVs could be met by idle generation capacity," stated PNNL energy researcher Rob Pratt.

But the good news doesn't end there. The study also concluded that converting to electricity would also be much better for the environment, reducing global warming emissions and other forms of pollution.

On the downside, it could take from 5 - 8 years for plug-in hybrids to pay for themselves for consumers. Of course, since we'd end foreign oil dependency, why not offer some nice tax credits to consumers and subsidies to automakers? Then it's a win-win for everyone.

On a sidenote, Straightline from Edmunds.com also referenced the article and stated, "One thing no one has addressed however is: What happens when there is a regional power outage? If a hurricane or ice storm knocks out all the power in your area, how are you going to recharge your vehicle? If most people convert to this method, it could be a real problem."

What do you do? You fill it up with fuel, buddy. It's a plug-in hybrid, not an electric vehicle. It can use both fuel and electricity.

(Source: The AutoChannel)

Global Warming - It's the cows, not the cars

So, you want a gas-guzzling SUV, but you're afraid that people will accuse you of destroying the environment? Too bad, they will probably keep harassing you if drive a gas-guzzling SUV. Nonetheless, you could stop eating beef and let them know that you are fighting the REAL source of global warming.

"Livestock are responsible for 18 per cent of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together," states a new 400-page report by Britain's Food and Agricultural Organisation according to The Independent.

From fertilizer production to transportation to deforestation and pollution, eating beef is causing FAR, FAR more problems than even driving a gas-guzzler - at least in terms of pollution. Still, don't eat your veggie burger in your Hummer and think everything is O.K. - you're still funding terrorism and risking National Security.

Nissan still going to develop electric and hybrid vehicles

While numerous executives at Nissan have been hybrid skeptical, Nissan is still going to begin a five year green program which will include the production of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and bio-ethanol vehicles. While Nissan remains a bit cautious regarding hybrid cars and their electric motors, the company has also acknowledged that electric motors very well could replace internal combustion engines.

In 2007, Nissan will offer the Altima hybrid in some states, but that hybrid is mainly being built to meet the tougher emissions requirements in some states, and the hybrid Altima is being built from leased Toyota technology.

(AFP)

Tax incentives for oil drillers more important than clean vehicle tax incentives

Even in the final days of the current Republican led Congress, tax incentives for oil drillers are still of extreme importance. Even in these days of astronomical oil company profits, more tax incentives for oil companies are still far more important than tax incentives for hybrid cars and other clean vehicle technologies.

If filthy-profit rich oil companies can't afford to do more Gulf drilling without tax incentives, then too bad. If that means higher gas prices in the short term, then I guess it will just make alternative fuels and hybrid cars that much more cost-effective. Besides, the more we invest in alternative fuels and clean vehicle technologies, the less we'll have to be worried about the price of oil in the long term.

Toyota will offer plug-in hybrids as soon as technology is ready

Toyota is hearing the voice of Americans when it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles, Jim Press, President of Toyota North America told the Inside Line. However, just as GM has indicated, plug-in technology just isn't quite ready for prime time. "We are hearing the voice of the customer, and we want [plug-ins] as much as anyone else," Press said. "It is not a lack of desire; it is a lack of science. We don't want to come out with a technology prematurely that might not succeed." So, if you are interested in plug-in hybrid technology, buy one of today's hybrids - its the best way to invest in tomorrow's hybrid technology.

Nissan VP calls hybrids "unprofitable"

"Hybrids today are not a very viable economic proposition. It's still a loss-making proposition and we'll see," said Dominique Thormann, Nissan North America's senior vice president for administration and finance. "People don't want to pay more for a hybrid. They get a tax credit for it but they don't want to pay the price for the cost of the hybrid," he said.

Of course, what else can anyone from Nissan claim? Imagine the V.P. claiming "Hybrids are profitable, which is why we don't offer any." Of course Nissan will soon offer the Altima hybrid, but they had to borrow technology from Toyota to do so.

On the other hand, Thormann also stated that half the cars sold in America are sold by companies losing money, so it isn't just about hybrid vehicles . Such a statement speaks to the larger issue facing the auto industry: The vehicles that are profitable simply aren't healthy for America or the world in terms of global warming and foreign oil dependency.

Yet, as more and more hybrid supplies are produced, those parts will become cheaper, as will hybrid vehicles. If hybrid vehicles can evolve into plug-in hybrids achieving 100+ mpg fuel economy - including a significant reduction in fueling costs - then hybrids could become cost-effective for consumers and profitable for automakers.

Of course, only some automakers have that vision.

Capitalism, Competition, Free Markets & Hybrid Tax Credits

Today, the Pentagon is one of the biggest proponents of energy independence. Why? Quite frankly, the cost of protecting America's oil habit is very expensive, and it is possibly the greatest threat to American National Security. Most citizens are even starting to understand the problems foreign oil dependency has and is creating. As a result, Congress created a new tax credit to help Americans purchase clean, foreign-oil-dependency fighting automobiles, such as hybrid cars.

The plan worked so well, that Toyota met its quota in less than a year, long before GM has even sold ONE full hybrid vehicle. Consequently, sales of Toyota hybrids have slowed in recent months. Sure, high gas prices have dulled people's interest in fuel economy, but it seems obvious that reduced tax credits are also an important part of the skid.

In America, where the virtues of capitalism, competition and free markets are loudly promoted in corporations and Congress, shouldn't such ideals also be used to fight for energy independence? If Toyota could sell another 60,000 hybrid vehicles right now, utilizing GM's unused credits before GM even offers a full hybrid, shouldn't they have that right?

Isn't protecting National Security more important than protecting Detroit's failures? Is America afraid to end oil dependency too quickly? Is the status quo really more important than National Security? Why are we punishing Toyota for doing too much to help America fight foreign oil dependency?

Why are there even quotas on the tax credits? There are no quotas on the tax incentives given to small business owners that buy the worst gas-guzzlers, yet there is NO incentive for small business owners to buy fuel efficient vehicles.

I guess that only makes sense to members of Congress.

While GM's Rick Wagoner can complain about unfair trade advantages and currency manipulation in places like Japan, Toyota has every right to complain about protectionist legislation coming out of the U.S. Congress.

If GM were forced to compete for those credits in a free market, you can bet they would have gotten more hybrids on the road much faster. Instead, Congress has essentially given them a safety net NOT to act faster.

Great job Congress! I mean its only our National Security at stake!

Automakers turning green? Poppycock

There has been a lot of buzz in the media about how automakers are going green and the Los Angeles Auto Show has been cited as an example. I say poppycock.

Sure GM debuted the Saturn Aura hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid in LA, but GM's real green buzz was really generated by GM's plug-in hybrid development announcement - even though the company gave no timeline for an arrival. Is it 3 years, five years, 10 years?

Anyway, at the LA Auto Show, GM put far more effort into marketing their massive lineup of huge Flex-fuel trucks and SUVs - not their hybrids. Saturn hybrids, for crying-out-loud, were practically hidden at the show.

While I would applaud flex-fuel hybrids, or very fuel efficient flex-fuel compact vehicles, I cannot call GM's flex fuel trucks and SUVs a huge green move. Flex-fuel guzzlers are little better than gas-guzzlers. Even worse, flex-fuel guzzlers seem too much like another excuse for GM not to focus on real fuel economy.

Aside from GM, Nissan did debut the Altima hybrid, and Ford displayed the newly designed 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid and the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid, but Ford's real buzz was generated by the new Mustang more than anything. In reality hybrids were minor drivers for both Ford and Nissan at the LA Show.

Then there was a lot of talk about clean diesel and hydrogen. Blah, blah, blah.

Even Toyota, world leader in hybrid cars, was far more focused on promoting the Toyota Tundra, not its Hybrid Synergy Drive. Still, Toyota hybrids did drive significant buzz in LA and it was obvious many were checking out Toyota's hybrids as potential buyers, not just gawkers.

Ultimately, automakers have realized that Americans are interested in green issues, however, the keyword is interested. Most Americans are still unwilling to help fund the green revolution, and I think automakers are keenly aware of this fact. At this point in time, green marketing is possibly more important than green automobiles.

Americans might be interested in hearing and talking about the green revolution and energy independence, but they are definitely not yet willing to revolt against energy dependence by joining the green revolution.

Hybrid tax credits not on Congress' radar?

Toyota spokeswoman Martha Voss told the San Francisco Chronicle that hybrid tax credits do not seem to be on the radar screen of Congress, at least not in the near term. "There was talk of some people on the House and Senate side wanting to introduce bills" that would extend the hybrid tax credit for at least another year, Voss stated. "Since Congress changed hands, they're taking care of other business right now. They have a lot to do before they come back next year. We don't have any signals that there is something urgently pending," Voss says.

I wonder whether if it was GM or Ford that was running out of tax credits for their hybrid cars if Congress would take the matter more seriously? For some reason I'm sure Congress doesn't mind slowing down Toyota's foreign-oil dependency fighting success.

2007 Nissan Altima hybrid update

I was finally able to see the 2007 Nissan Altima hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Very nice. The price was not posted on this vehicle at the show, unlike most vehicles that were market ready. Since this new hybrid, Nissan's first, appears to be much more of a Camry hybrid contender, than a Prius contender, I'm sure its pricing will be more like the hybrid Camry.

Is there an issue more important than energy independence, right now?

Oil dependence aids terrorists, funds dictators and gives millions around the world a reason to point their finger at the imperialist, capitalist and evil American empire. Gas guzzling greed has produced complacency and ignorance that has stunted automotive development by focusing on speed and power rather than than on efficiency and clean technology. This greedy, ego-driven focus - produced by cheap oil dependence - has severely weakened the U.S. auto industry and now threatens the U.S. economy.

And for what? So, that yours is bigger than mine?

American automakers, their unions and representatives in Washington complain about imports and outsourcing, yet turn a blind eye to our extremely dangerous oil imports. How can one import be so good, yet another so bad?

One political party protects the oil industry, the other political party protects the gas-guzzler builders. Yet, our environment and National Security continue to deteriorate as politicians blame each other for a problem each party has contributed in creating.

Now politicians on both sides of the aisle are preparing to make energy independence the core issue for 2008 - at least in terms of political soundbites.

Why are waiting until 2008? I don't care about the next election, right now. I don't care about lame ducks, right now. I care about today, right now.

Right now, Congress could renew tax credits for Toyota hybrid cars. Right now, we could give small business owners the same tax incentives to buy clean vehicle technologies that we currently give small business owners to buy the worst gas-guzzlers.

When America went to the moon, it inspired the development of so many technologies and industries. Right now, striving for energy independence could do the same, while increasing National Security and fighting global warming.

Why isn't America doing more? Shouldn't we be doing everything we can, right now?

--> More on hybrid tax credits, etc.

Toyota hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Heading to the Los Angeles Auto Show this weekend, I had few expectations regarding Toyota and its hybrid vehicles. Pre-show hybrid buzz focused on the Aura and Yukon hybrids and GM's new green identity. Since, I started out on the GM side of the convention center, I thought the best of the show's hybrid displays were behind me, especially when I walked into the Toyota side of the convention center and saw Toyota Tundras everywhere.

Eventually, though, I did make my way through the Tundras and into Toyota's hybrid section.

The difference between GM's hybrid offerings and Toyota's was absolutely stunning. In fact, there was simply no comparison between Toyota and any other automaker at the show regarding hybrid vehicles. Ironically, Toyota's hybrid section was all business and no show gimmicks. There was a huge information bar where you could sit down, talk to a rep and obtain product literature. Then of course, there were Toyota's three hybrids, the Highlander hybrid, Camry hybrid and the Prius.

As I sat near the Toyota hybrid section I was amazed at the visitors to this area. This was a high traffic area, but it wasn't just people looking at hybrids. Here people were getting into hybrids - sitting in the front, then the back, opening the trunk, touching every gadget that the vehicles had to offer. These visitors looked like buyers.

Wow, I thought, not bad for a company without any new hybrid debuts. Then, however, I noticed the Lexus hybrid section and realized Toyota did debut a hybrid at the show, the Lexus LS600h L hybrid. While Lexus had the GS 450h hybrid the RX 400h hybrid at the show, in addition to a split 450h show gimmick, the LS 600h was the show stopper. Still, the Lexus hybrid section was pure auto show marketing, unlike the Toyota section, and it worked. The buzz around the Lexus hybrids was nothing short of phenomenal.

In terms of hybrid vehicles, Toyota didn't just dominate the LA Auto Show; it was the LA Auto Show.

GM's green side at the LA Auto Show

I spent the weekend at this year's LA Auto Show, and I have a lot to write on regarding that topic. I'll start with GM. There was a lot of pre-show hype regarding GM's new green revolution - as I've called it. Since I started my auto show tour on the GM side, I was very excited. Yet, I left the GM side of show unimpressed. Yes, I saw the Yukon hybrid and all of GM's Flex-fuel vehicles - every huge gas-guzzling one of them. Inevitably, a flex-fuel tank is still a tank.

The Yukon hybrid is, well, huge. Fine. Yet, the hybrid engine on display near the vehicle seemed to attract more attention than the hybrid itself. So, I went looking for GM's other hybrid debut, the Saturn Aura hybrid.

Saturn had a nice little hybrid section at the show that showcased a split Saturn Vue hybrid with lights demonstrating the different modes of its mild hybrid powertrain. It definitely caught people's attention - as they walked into the bathroom. Unfortunately, the display, just as with the Yukon hybrid, caught more attention than either the Vue hybrid or the Aura hybrid. And why did GM practically hide the Saturn hybrid display area?

Ultimately, I thought GM's green efforts were completely unimpressive, unless one believes flex-fuel is the solution to the world's energy problems. Unfortunately, I do not hold that view.

Camry hybrid green car of the year

The 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid was named the Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Award, sponsored by Green Car Journal, was given to the Camry hybrid for its "mainstream attraction".

(Source: AutoblogGreen)