Scion: The perfect city Prius?

The perfect small hybrid?

The Toyota Prius has been a big hit amongst those interested in hybrid cars.

Scion has been a big hit with the under 35 crowd - an age cohort very interested in global warming and Iraq.

So, why not offer a smaller Prius as a Scion? Toyota has already expressed the possibility of expanding the Prius line, and one such derivative is a smaller city-Prius. Wouldn't Scion make the perfect brand for such a vehicle?

The Malibu hybrid to be delayed?

GM announces that the redesigned Malibu could be delayed

GM informed the UAW that the production plans for the redesigned Chevy Malibu will probably be delayed according to CNN.

Might this delay also affect the Malibu hybrid? There has been no official word yet.

Chrysler announces 2008 hybrid vehicles

Chrysler adds Aspen to hybrid lineup

Move over Durango, here comes the Aspen. In addition to the Dodge Durango hybrid, Chrylser has announced that the 2008 Aspen will also be available as a hybrid.

Overall, Chrysler claims that both hybrid vehicles will offer a 25 percent overall increase in fuel economy. In city driving, however, both hybrids could achieve as much as a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

While that's great news for SUV fans whom want to increase their fuel economy, how long do car fans have to wait for a U.S.-manufactured Toyota Prius contender?

Gas prices set to reach "never before seen highs"

Just a few minutes ago, a CNBC Morning Call update claimed that because of increased refinery problems coupled with decreasing gasoline supplies, U.S. gasoline prices might reach "never before seen highs".

Foreign Oil Dependency: THE battle in the fight against global warming?

Could the fight against foreign oil dependency actually unite the people?

Watching a National Geographic show on global warming last night, I realized that I'm becoming anti-global warming activism. Ironically, however, I believe that - minimally - man is having a significant impact on the environment. I also believe that we should be developing technologies, such as hybrid cars, that help reduce carbon footprints.

So, what's my problem? Why am I so troubled by war against global warming? Finish Foreign Oil Dependency: The battle in the fight against global warming.

GM discontinues hybrid trucks

No more mild, mild hybrids

GM has discontinued a few of its hybrid vehicles - I guess. I never really considered either the Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra hybrid pickups as real hybrids. They really aren't even mild hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid from GM. Nonetheless, GM is done with hybrid pickups until 2008, when it launches its dual mode hybrid powertrain. So, don't worry truck fans, GM will offer the trucks in full hybrid mode soon.

Saudi suicide attacks planned against oil

Can America really leave Iraq if the U.S. is foreign oil dependant?

The BBC is reporting that Saudi Arabia has arrested a bunch of "militants" whom were planning "militant" attacks against Saudi Arabian oil interests, amongst other targets.

"Interior ministry spokesman Gen Mansur al-Turki said the suspects were "linked to foreign elements... not necessarily directly to al-Qaeda, but you know, there are many al-Qaeda and terrorism activities going on".

"The deviant group... takes advantage of trouble spots outside the kingdom in planning, recruitment and training," Gen Turki said, apparently referring to Iraq.

He added: "Some individuals were training to fly to carry out terrorist attacks... Some of the cells arrested planned to target oil installations and refineries."

So, the next time someone calls you a treehugger for driving a Prius or other hybrid vehicle, tell 'em you bought the hybrid vehicle to fight foreign oil dependency, and ask them what they are doing to help the cause.

Hybrids and Biofuels: Forget the Politicians?

Does it really matter which Party is in control?

If you ask me, competition works better than politicians. I'm not saying competition works perfectly, but it works better than a bunch of rich, special interest-funded partisan politicians.

Consequently, I've been very bothered that Congress has not extended Toyota's hybrid tax credits - something both Republicans and Democrats have ignored. Yet, in the last couple of years, both parties have talked considerably about energy dependence, especially foreign oil dependence and/or global warming. Yet, very little has been accomplished to alleviate these problems.

Obviously, the task is not simple. Still, it seems to me that the quickest way to make automakers deal with fuel efficiency is simple competition. Force them to act or risk losing customers.

Thus, the more success Toyota has selling hybrid vehicles, the more pressure there is.....Finish Hybrids and Biofuels: Forget the Politicians.

Phoenix Electric cars to offer plug-in option?

Your choice: All-electric or plug-in hybrid

I'm not a big fan of electric vehicles. It's not that I don't believe in the technology. I do. I just think that hybrid cars, especially plug-in hybrid vehicles, offer a better solution for more consumers than pure electric vehicles - at least until consumers become a bit more open-minded. Besides, plug-in hybrids will only help the development of electric vehicles.

Thus, I was excited to hear that Phoenix Motorcars is going to partner with UQM Technologies to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles based upon the current Phoenix Electric Truck. Now that's electrifying.

Sometimes GM is just pathetic

GM just makes me wanna holler

Back in January I was invited to attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as a guest of GM - whom sponsored my trip. I had a fantastic time, and I met a great number of wonderful GM employees. Moreover, GM finally gave me something in which to believe: the Chevy Volt.

Unfortunately, as time has gone on, I have tired a bit of the never-ending hype around the Volt. Since the Volt is still 3 years away, I'm far more concerned about GM's current line of full hybrid vehicles - or lack thereof. While I saw, for example, a Yukon hybrid at both the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Detroit Show, I still have yet to see a hybrid Yukon at a GM dealership.

Seriously, can GM drag their feet any longer on hybrid cars?

I guess America should be happy that Detroit is at least developing hybrids, unlike a few years ago when Bob Lutz ridiculed hybrids or when he said that GM could have developed a Prius-like vehicle before Toyota using just a fraction of ONE year's advertising budget. But that was the past, right?

Now GM is on a new advertising campaign - one to convince Americans not to worry about CO2 emissions from autos because - according to GM - buildings cause more CO2. (Read the Press Release)

$4.00 gas this summer

How big will oil profits be if gas hits $4.00 this summer?

Refiners are taking longer than expected to come back on line. The Nigerian elections are pointing to future civil unrest. Iranian tensions are easing little. Hurricane season is just beginning. And already gas prices are well over $3.00 in many areas of the U.S.

So get out there and buy your gas-guzzler to take full advantage of the summer driving season!

Ford's Mulally wants to fight global warming

Let's get this sucka on the road then!

I think Ford CEO Alan Mulally has the potential to turn Ford around. First, Mulally is an efficiency aficionado. Second, he has proven himself at Boeing. Third, he wants to fight global warming, even telling reporters that he believes humans are responsible for the "vast majority" of global warming.

Whether he's correct or not regarding global warming, Mulally at least appears cognizant of the fact the fuel efficiency is going to determine the success of automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. - foreign oil dependency isn't going anywhere even if science proves the sun is causing global warming. Perhaps, some U.S. auto manufacturers might choose to focus on selling sub-$5000.00 cars in China and India, but it appears that Ford is prepared to try to sell fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S..

So, c'mon Mr. Mulally, let's see a few new hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Reflex hybrid pictured above. Enough talking, time for a little walking. Show the world and the rest of Detroit that Ford ain't dead yet. Besides America could truly use some real leadership coming out of Michigan - apart from the Pistons and Red Wings.

Lexus LS 600 hybrid doesn't impress Edmunds

"interesting technological exercise"

The Straightline folks from Edmunds.com recently tested out the to-be-released in June, Lexus LS 600h L hybrid vehicle.

For the wealthy only....(more)

Hybrid buyers driven by "financial rewards"?

Hybrid sales all about the money?

I often argue that it shouldn't be surprising that hybrid vehicle buyers represent a minority of automobile consumers. Hybrid cars are still just an emerging technology. Not until lithium has survived a generation or two as the battery of choice for hybrid makers will hybrid vehicles truly become mainstream. Until then, hybrid buyers are still 'early adopters'.

That term, however, is not the correct description of hybrid buyers according to Topline Strategy Group. Topline claims that hybrid car buyers do not fit the classic description of technology early adopters. Instead, the majority of hybrid buyers buy hybrids because for "73 percent of purchasers, there were clear financial rewards for purchasing a hybrid over other alternatives." (more)

Whatever. I say hybrid buyers are still early adopters.

Travelers want to rent hybrid vehicles

According to a press release from Priceline.com, 72 percent of travelers indicated their interest to rent hybrid cars in a recent survey. Even more interesting, almost 50 percent of those surveyed would pay a premium to rent such a vehicle.

Fuel Economy: U.S. automakers blame thyself?

U.S. automakers simply out of touch regarding fuel economy?

There is an interesting article on MSNBC.com this morning titled, Detroit Jumps Into the Fuel Economy Debate. Now that Congress and the Supreme Court appear to be getting more tough on fuel economy and global warming, automakers are trying hard to frame the debate over these issues in their favor. Yet, should we listen to U.S. automakers?

I'm not sure. Part of Detroit's argument is that forcing U.S. automakers to increase fuel economy will prevent them from developing hybrid cars and fuel cell vehicles. That seems like an odd argument. Don't mandate we make hybrid vehicles because then we won't be able to afford to make hybrids. Huh????

Finish Fuel Economy: U.S. automakers blame thyself?

Hydrogen-powered Volt update

How long, how loooonnnnggggg?

Larry Burns has posted an article regarding the Chevy Volt that is being displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show, for those interested. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed to find out that the new iteration of the Volt - a rumor that hyped its way through the blogosphere for the last couple of weeks - is a fuel cell vehicle.

Yes, I believe fuel cells have great potential, but if an electric-gasoline version of the Volt is 3 years away, a fuel cell Volt is even further off in the distance. Quite honestly, I care much more about what GM and all automakers are doing today, and I would have been much happier with a dumbed down version of the Volt - a vehicle that could be sold, say, next year.

Imagine GM taking on the Toyota Prius head-to-head now, instead of 3 years from now. That's what America has been waiting for - an American-made freedom fighter. An American worker-supporting, foreign oil dependency-fighting, global warming-stopping, American-made vehicle. Is that so much to ask for?

Perhaps such a vehicle wouldn't resonate particularly well with a majority of the GM faithful, but such a Volt would, however, resonate with millions of Americans that don't particularly care for GM's environmental and fuel economy efforts.

Bright future for alternative fuels and hybrids in Europe?

How will Europe deal with CO2 emissions?

According to press releases from Frost & Sullivan, the future seems very bright for hybrid cars and alternative fuels, at least in Europe.

"As a medium-term strategy over the next three to five years, OEMs are expected to introduce micro hybrids, mild hybrids, ethanol, biofuels and LPG into their fleets to reduce CO2 emissions," notes Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com) Research Analyst Krishnasami Rajagopalan. "These technologies offer increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, which help OEMs reduce their fleet average CO2 emissions."

"Going forward, reducing emissions below 140 g/km of CO2 will be possible mainly with the help of alternative fuels and hybrids (micro, mild and full). While OEMs are aware of this fact, further development or market acceptance of these alternative fuels and hybrids is restrained by the distribution network, availability and high implementation costs."

Does Tesla's range reduction highlight the importance of today's hybrid vehicles?

Only 200 miles per charge?

Tesla has begun sending notices to the 400 or so customers that purchased the $100,000 Roadster, notifying them that their amazing electric sports car will only achieve 200 miles per charge, rather than 250 miles per charge advertised, according to the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Nonetheless, I would STILL buy one if I could afford one.

Still, this points out the complexities of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It also highlights the importance of today's hybrid vehicles. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will happen, but kinks still need to be resolved. More than anything, these lithium-driven automobiles need more investment, and the best way to achieve that investment is hybrid cars.

Already, Toyota has stated that not only will the 2009 Third Generation Prius utilize lithium-ion batteries, but that all Toyota hybrids will utilize Li-ion batteries. That's hundreds of thousands of battery packs per year - not 400. That kind of investment will be great for Tesla and anyone else interested in all types of hybrids and electric vehicles.

Poor fuel economy - It's the consumers, stupid?

Yesterday, the director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Margo Oge, told a crowd at SAE that automakers and energy companies needed to work together to achieve increased fuel economy and reduced emissions. Immediately, disagreement came from every direction, according to the DetroitNews. Is it hydrogen, is it ethanol, is it fuel cells, is it cleaner gasoline, is it hybrid cars?

While there was little consensus on any sort of answer to creating better fuel economy and reducing emissions, there was some consensus regarding consumers and their role in this conundrum. Typically, consumers want the cheapest fuel - regardless of emissions, regardless of foreign oil dependency - and consumers quickly tend to choose performance over fuel economy.

"The challenge we face is that a vast majority of our customers choose fuel based on cost and convenience even over concerns such as greenhouse gases," Shell Oil Vice President for Fuel Development Darran Messem said.

Steve Plotkin, transportation energy analyst at Argonne National Laboratory, added "Americans have chosen performance over efficiency for years," as he suggested that the government will have to mandate some standards.

I say forget mandates, let's do a gas tax. It makes consumers take action that will require a fuel economy-driven reaction from automakers. Ultimately, if consumers aren't part of the solution, then the problem will only get bigger.

Chinese hybrid vehicles coming to America soon?

China is the future of the auto market and Chinese automakers are quickly developing hybrids

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, China is largely attempting to demonstrate that China is the future of the world's automotive sector. However, China isn't just going to be a consumer - a spectator. Instead, China wants to be a major automobile manufacturer. Even more alarming, Chinese automakers aren't just pursuing cheap automobiles, they are pursuing next generation technologies, such as hybrid vehicles.

For example, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)will display the latest prototype of the Roewe 750 gas-electric hybrid vehicle that the company plans to begin selling in 2008. In addition, Chery will display a hybrid version of the Chery A5 sedan at the Shanghai show as well. Finally, Chang'an will show a hybrid version of its multipurpose Jiexun, which the company plans to begin selling next year for $12,000 - $19,000.

As the Insideline noted, "It won't be long before Chinese hybrids are running on American highways."

Isn't it kind of embarrassing that more American-made hybrids are not on the roads of the U.S.?

A diesel hybrid from Mercedes within 2 years?

A Mercedes Blutec Diesel at NAIAS

There are rumors in the blogoshpere that Mercedes might offer a Blutec Diesel hybrid vehicle within two years. However, it appears these rumors are purely speculation, or an educated guess. Nonetheless, a mild hybrid diesel seems to fit quite well with Mercedes' plans for diesel and hybrid technology.

Polls show outlook for hybrid sales iffy? C'mon Roland

The Commodore 64 didn't tempt many consumers - personal computers were still too much of an emerging technology

Yesterday I came across a poll a by Cargurus.com of 500 visitors to their automotive site which suggested that most consumers were still not interested in hybrid cars. As I read through the press release I noticed quotes from Tesla board members - also Cargurus.com board members - explaining that hybrids make little sense. Rather, a Tesla board member claimed, electric cars were a far better option. No conflict of interest there!

Please. I would love an electric vehicle. If I could afford Tesla's $100,000 Roadster, I would buy it today. Yet, the Roadster still has yet to hit the road for any consumers. And it costs $100,000!

Nonetheless, Roland Jones of MSNBC took this highly objective poll to claim that maybe hybrid vehicle sales have no future, a common thread in much of Roland's hybrid writing.

Yet, if Toyota offers the third generation Prius at the same costs as today's Prius, but with a significant increase in fuel efficiency, then nothing will stop the hybrid revolution - and that is less than 2 years away. Until then, hybrids still are an emerging technology, and anybody whom studies the sales patterns of emerging technologies wouldn't find any surprise in a poll that shows a majority of consumers are still "iffy" about buying a hybrid vehicle.

Lotus hybrid vehicle update

Proton / Lotus hybrid program updated

Proton and Lotus have created their first prototype of the new EVE Hybrid sports car according to BusinessWeek. "This project is an example of how the Proton / Lotus family can successfully deliver exceptional projects and products and the EVE Hybrid technology further reinforces the Group's position as creative technology leaders in 'green' automotive engineering." (more)

Hopefully, Lotus will move forward with this hybrid vehicle program.

GM "will" produce the Volt, but will it be a fuel cell vehicle?

A new iteration of the Volt will debut in China

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, GM will be showing off its hypester, the Chevy Volt plug-in vehicle. However, the Volt debuting in China will be a little different than the Volt that debuted in Detroit back in January. Instead of a electric-gasoline plug-in hybrid, the Chinese Volt will replace the gasoline engine with a fuel cell according to AutoWeek.

In other news, according to Car&Driver, GM's engineering chief Jim Queen told an automotive engineering conference regarding the Volt, "We will get this into production. We are very, very serious about this."

Still, when and what version? Will the gasoline plug-in be mothballed in favor of a fuel cell version? I hope not.

More Lexus hybrids coming

This Lexus coming in June

When it comes to hybrid vehicles Toyota is the leader, and when it comes to luxury hybrids, Toyota's Lexus division doesn't even have any competition.

Already, Lexus offers the RX 400h, the GS 450h, and in June Lexus will offer the LS 600h L, but that isn't the end of Lexus hybrids.

Recently, Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager, told Forbes that a unique hybrid - available only as a hybrid - will soon also be offered.

SAE: Fuel economy and safety one-in-the-same?

Some 35,000 automotive engineers will meet in Detroit this week for the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress where fuel economy will be an important focus due to the growing political concerns regarding global warming and foreign oil dependency. Thus, automakers will show off a host of hybrid cars, clean diesels and fuel cell vehicles.

Nonetheless, safety will also be an extremely important issue. Inevitably, consumers still value safety far more than fuel economy. Still, it's a bit surprising that there is such a disconnect between safety and fuel economy. With numerous national security experts claiming that foreign oil dependency is possibly the greatest National Security threat to the U.S., why is fuel economy not correlated with 'safety' by either consumers or U.S. automakers?

Ultimately, isn't foreign oil dependency the ultimate safety issue?

Nissan's lithium move points to 2010 hybrid wars?

Lithium-powered in 2009?

On Friday Nissan and NEC Group announced that they had finalized a partnership to produce lithium-ion batteries starting in 2009.

According to CNN, Nissan Senior Vice President Minoru Shinohara told a news conference, "the technology behind the partners' latest lithium-ion battery, which has twice the power of conventional batteries at half the size, was ready, and preparations were now underway for mass production and commercialisation."

While Nissan has been bearish regarding hybrid cars - only recently offering the Altima hybrid and only in a handful of states - Nissan's leader, Carlos Ghosn, has repeatedly reminded reporters that he is not opposed to hybrids. Instead, Ghosn believes.......

Finish Nissan's lithium move points to 2010 hybrid wars.

Fuel Economy: The Terminator warns Michigan

Get on the fuel economy train now, Detroit, or else

"Now, there's a billboard in Michigan that accuses me of costing the car industry $85 billion. The billboard says, 'Arnold to Michigan: Drop dead.' The fact of the matter is what I'm saying is, Arnold to Michigan: Get off your butt. Get off your butt and join us."

Those were the words of Arnold Schwarzenneger as he spoke at the Global Environment Conference at Georgetown University regarding U.S. automaker's fight against California's plan to reduce automobile emissions and increase fuel economy.

"I want them to sell the cars in California," Schwarzenegger said. "I believe strongly in American technology. And I think in the end it will be technology that will ultimately save Detroit."

GM and Chrysler took issue with Schwarzenegger. Ironically, neither GM nor Chrysler yet offer any full hybrid vehicles.

Summer gas prices could get ugly?

Hopefully hurricane season won't knock down many oil rigs

"Looks like deja vu this summer for American motorists, with $3-plus gasoline pump prices looming again as a double whammy of refinery outages and slow imports collide with strong demand." (Reuters via Yahoo)

Add a good hurricane or some escalated Middle East tensions and $4.00 gas might not be that far away. Driving hybrid cars will feel real good then.

Ultimate Green Excuse - I'm waiting for a plug-in hybrid?

Is this Escape hybrid the best investment in plug-in hybrid technology?

"I'm waiting for a plug-in hybrid before I buy my first hybrid vehicle," is a statement I often hear. Due to this consumer sentiment in plug-in hybrids, phantom buying lists exist on the Internet as an attempt to prove to automakers that consumers would buy them.

Yet, how could plug-in hybrids be cost-effective enough for consumers if most of today's hybrid cars are not cost-effective for most consumers - at least not in the short term (In the long term, most hybrids are cost-effective)?

Finish Ultimate Green Excuse - I'm waiting for a plug-in hybrid

PG&E's Car-to-Grid Technology Demo

Pacific Gas & Electric, one of California's electric utilities, recently held a demo of V2G Technology, or vehicle to grid technology, where battery charging stations not only charge up electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but enable these vehicles to also sell power back to the grid.

"In addition to reducing energy costs, V2G technology could provide the ability for customers to sell energy back to the utility during hot afternoons when demand is highest and most costly to avoid blackouts," Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said in a statement. "Vehicle owners will select a price threshold at which they are willing to sell energy, and when the price reaches this point the utility will be able to automatically draw energy out of the vehicle, leaving enough for the drive home if necessary. The utility's customers would then earn credit in the amount of energy used by the utility toward their monthly energy bill."

(Source: InsideLine)

Live Earth: Hollywood hypocrisy?

Hollywood loves to play the role of activist. Maybe one day they will stop acting.

"The likes of Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform at Live Earth at Wembley Stadium on July 7, yet campaigners say they are among the least "green" individuals on the planet" (DailyMail).

Please stop. Instead, use your millions to make a difference, to build a difference. Adding a couple of hybrid cars to your collection of limos, Maybachs, and RangerRovers while buying a few carbon credits is not nearly enough for wealthy stars. And singing about global warming is definitely not enough. You need to do much more, especially much more than talk about global warming - publicity hounds!

Al Gore has been speaking and writing about global warming for decades, yet he STILL lives in an environmentally-unfriendly mansion. If Al Gore and Hollywood care so much about the environment they could easily afford to build eco-friendly houses that exist completely off the electric grid. Instead, they choose mansions and lecture to the powerless claiming 'blame the corporations'.

Fine. I'll blame the corporations, but I'll blame you just as well. Besides, you are the mouthpieces of corporations, right?

Price gouging bill a distraction to fuel economy?

Will a gouging bill lead to gas lines?

Most following Congress believe that Congress will pass a gasoline and oil price gouging bill later this year. While gouging shouldn't be allowed, isn't America's gas and oil consumption a far greater problem?

Will America and Congress ever get real regarding foreign oil dependency?

Did Bush prove that plug-in hybrids are dangerous?

Just before almost electrifying himself, Bush plugs in a Ford hydrogen electric hybrid.

Many say they are not yet buying hybrid cars because they are waiting for plug-in hybrids. Yet, are plug-in hybrids even safe?

Let's say you have a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid vehicle. You know, one where you can use both gasoline and electric power.

Anyway.

One day you loan the hybrid to your aging father, but miles away you remember that the car is low on fuel. So, you call up the old-man and tell him just to plug it in for a few hours, then he'll have all the gas he needs for the day.

Days later, as you are planning your father's funeral, the fire inspector notifies you that your 'lost in the 70's' dad accidentally plugged the electric cord into the gasoline hole, rather than the hybrid's electric outlet. Apparently, your dad didn't know much about plug-in hybrids.

Sounds silly, but that is exactly what almost happened to President GWB. Read more....

Would you support a gas tax to fight foreign oil dependency or global warming?

So, you're worried about foreign oil dependency? Or, maybe you're more concerned about global warming? But, are you REALLY ready to do something about it? Or, maybe you're all talk and no action?

"Raising taxes in the United States, say, ten cents a year until they reach $2, would stop people from driving their Hummers to get a quart of milk. For those who would be economically impacted, the extra money they pay in gas taxes could be returned to them as a tax rebate."

"But any system so simple and so fair hasn't got a prayer of becoming law in the current political climate, where politicians quake at the thought of asking voters to make sacrifices. And without incentives, consumers will continue to choose cupholders over good citizenship."

Alex Taylor, Fortune Magazine

Is a gas tax the best way to fight foreign oil dependency, and global warming?

A $100,000 Lexus hybrid

You need a lotta mad money for this new hybrid

Toyota has announced the pricing on its newest hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h L. This $104,000 V8 will deliver the power of a 12 cylinder vehicle while emitting "nearly 70 percent fewer emissions than the "cleanest" of its competitors."

I'm picking up mine tomorrow, assuming all goes well with my lottery picks!

Lithium - Toyota's revolutionary 3rd Generation Prius?

Are Computers just the beginning of the lithium revolution?

Recently, someone asked if I truly believed that the integration of lithium into hybrid cars was revolutionary - something I had claimed regarding Toyota's decision to use lithium batteries in the third generation Prius.

Absolutely, I replied.

Finish --> Lithium - Toyota's revolutionary 3rd generation Prius

Does Edmunds.com hate Toyota?

Is Edmunds.com biased against Toyota?

Yesterday, some eco-activists used Toyota to bring some attention to global warming. Essentially, the protesters questioned Toyota's environmental commitment and their apparent hypocrisy on the matter claiming that producing hybrid cars doesn't balance also producing gas-guzzlers.

“Building Priuses does not give Toyota license to mass-produce the Tundra,” said Sarah Connolly, the co-director of the Freedom from Oil campaign for Rainforest Action Network. “If Toyota really believed in curbing global warming, why did they argue with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers in the Supreme Court that CO2 is not a pollutant and that the EPA should not have the right to help regulate greenhouse gas emissions?”

Edmunds.com took license to title this action 2007 New York Auto Show: Anti-Toyota Activists arrested. In reality, these activists are not anti-Toyota per se, rather, these activists are anti-gas guzzling - a U.S. automaker speciality. Since U.S. automakers aren't really doing anything to help the environment, Toyota is the natural scapegoat to use for this global warming message. That's fine, but why did Edmunds use the story as an indictment against Toyota, instead of an indictment against gas-guzzling - the real point of these activists?

Ford updates plug-in plans at NY Auto Show

Ford's hydrogen plug-in hybrid drive at NAIAS

In addition to Ford's plans to produce a hydrogen plug-in hybrid vehicle, Ford will also continue to develop gasoline electric plug-in hybrid vehicles as well according to Reuter's reports from the New York Auto Show.

When asked about the plug-in hybrid's ability to drive on electric power only, Ford product chief Derrick Kuzak stated, "Some automakers are saying 40, but we are saying 20 to 25 miles ... to offload the battery (give it a rest) and potentially make it more affordable".

Much like every other automaker, Kuzak also noted that batteries were critical to the success of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Is the Chevy Volt losing its charge?

A new iteration just months after its debut?

When rumors hit the Internet earlier this week that GM was going to debut the latest iteration of the Chevy Volt hybrid concept at the Shanghai Auto Show, I couldn't help but be unimpressed. Yes, I am extremely excited about the potential of the Volt but a real Volt, according to GM, is still 3 years away.

Besides, what can a new iteration of the Volt really accomplish? A vehicle with less plastic composites and a tighter wheel-base? Those aren't critical issues, the batteries are a critical issue.

Sometime next year, Toyota will probably start selling its third generation Prius which will utilize lithium-ion batteries according to Toyota. Unless GM is planning a less electric Volt for Shanghai, as an earlier-than-expected first generation vehicle, to compete with this new Prius while further developing the plug-in technology for the second generation Volt, I won't be very impressed.

Let's hope GM has something shocking planned, but don't count on it.

Fuel efficiency: GM just can't compete?

Are flex-fuel lies killing GM?

GM's Bob Lutz is claiming that President Bush's plans to increase automobile fuel efficiency could raise the cost of automobiles by $5000.00, according to the DetroitNews. Rather than increase fuel efficiency, Lutz claims increased availability of ethanol is a better solution.

I'm so tired of hearing about GM's ethanol plans. First, GM is using cheap flex-fuel technology as a loophole to violate CAFE. As a result GM can't even meet the CAFE laws created 20 years ago, let alone more stringent rules. Consequently, GM is using legal loopholes to avoid paying massive fines, while increasing America's foreign oil dependency more than should be allowed by law. Second, corn-based ethanol is not a good solution to resolving America's energy problems. Third, GM is an automaker, not an energy company, so focus on automotive technology.

While Toyota achieves record months of sales significantly helped by hybrid cars, such as the Prius, GM has yet to sell one full hybrid vehicle. Why? Why can't GM realize that fuel efficiency is becoming ever more a critical aspect of automobile manufacturing survival - possibly and probably the key to the automotive future?

The good 'ole days of gas-guzzling land yachts are over. Deal with it.

Hard sell? Hybrids help drive record Toyota sales

Almost 20,000 sold in March

With significant help from hybrid cars, Toyota posted "best-ever monthly sales" for the month of March. The Toyota Prius achieved the best month of sales for the second month in a row with 19, 156 vehicles sold, an increase of 133.2 percent according to Toyota.

The Camry hybrid achieved sales of 5,144 units sold in March, while the Highlander hybrid achieved 2,501 units sold. In addition, Toyota also sold 1,471 units of the Lexus RX400h hybrid.

While some of this increase in hybrid sales might be attributed to a decreasing tax credit for Toyota hybrids, that's still an amazing month. Too bad the credit is expiring, I guess Congress just doesn't feel the need to get as many foreign oil dependency fighting, global warming reducing automobiles on the road as fast as possible?

Karl on Cars CO2 stupidity

Is there a downside to taking global warming too seriously?

I'm not a global warming alarmist. I do, however, believe that humans should take the possibility of human-caused global warming seriously. Apparently, the Supreme Court feels the same, which irks many, including Edmunds.com's Karl on Cars.

Suddenly, Karl is more educated on the causes of global warming than are many scientists specializing in climate studies. Now that is a stupid idea.

Yes, humans might be a minor cause of global warming via CO2 emissions. Or, perhaps global warming is ultimately good for humans in its ice age prevention. Still, the alarmists might be correct and humans cannot act quickly enough. Ultimately, there is evidence supporting all 3 positions - that is a fact. Yet for Karl and many global warming critics, only one side of the story is important.

Finish Karl on Cars CO2 stupidity

Supreme Court CO2 ruling clears path to hybrid future?

According to the AP the Supreme Court decided 5-4 that the Federal Government should take a fresh look at regulating the CO2 emissions from automobiles, a development which could have a huge impact on hybrid vehicles.

Such a move has been tenaciously fought against by most major automakers, especially those in Detroit. Ultimately, the best way to reduce CO2 emissions is to increase fuel economy and to use hybrid technology. Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, not only cause a significant increase in fuel economy, they also cause a significant decrease in CO2 emissions by being able to use pure electric power instead of gasoline in stop-and-go driving conditions for example - the conditions that cause the greatest CO2 emissions and contribute to global warming.