UAW says Big 3 compete at fuel economy

Living la vida loca?

According to the UAW's Ron Gettelfinger, American automakers are unfairly portrayed as not competing on fuel economy, stating "Unfortunately, there is a misperception that the Big Three only make gas guzzlers, while Toyota is a division of Greenpeace."

I don't know, Ron. The Big 3 trail both Honda and Toyota year-after-year-after-year on fleet fuel economy. Are those facts based on misperception?

Without the profit margins of Detroit's most fuel inefficient vehicles, bankruptcy would be unavoidable. Yet, Toyota and Honda could survive.

Perhaps the real problem is Ron's misperception of reality? Time for a new UAW President?

GM steps up E-Flex plans

GM invests in the E-Flex platform - powertrain of the Volt

The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is an excellent concept vehicle. The keyword in that sentence is 'concept'. More impressive than the Volt, is the E-Flex platform powering the Volt.

Akin to the the Hybrid Synergy Drive of Toyota, the E-Flex Platform is, almost certainly, the powertrain of the future for most - if not all - GM vehicles. Thus, it's great to hear that GM continues to make solid investments in the E-Flex Drive.

"Word from GM’s design center in Michigan is that Bob Boniface, director of advanced design, has been ordered to take command of a studio solely dedicated to designing cars using the Volt/E-Flex powertrain. GM is investing $500 million in the project and hopes to put a version of the car on the road by 2010." (Autoweek)

GM's dual mode hybrid advantage?

Bigger hybrids are better?

Later this year GM's first dual mode hybrid vehicles are set to go on sale. The Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid will be GM's first full hybrid passenger vehicles, and already many are claiming GM's dual mode hybrids are superior to Toyota's hybrids.

And they are right. Well, sort of. OK, maybe, in some circumstances, although no one really knows, to be quite honest.


---> Finish GM's dual mode hybrid advantage

Efficiency study versus Detroit's excuses

Too many American excuses?

You've heard it many times. Legacy costs, currency manipulation, etc. are the reasons that U.S. automakers aren't as competitive as foreign automakers.

Excuses. Excuses.

Yes, these issues do cause problems for U.S. automakers. Nonetheless, for decades, foreign automakers have been far more efficient at making automobiles than U.S. automakers (more). Yes, Detroit, waste does have costs, significant costs. It's time for management and Union leadership to accept the fact that THEY significantly contributed to the decline of America's auto industry.

Many labor issues are now coming to the forefront of the U.S. auto industry. Let's hope both sides act a little more intelligently this time around.

GM determined to become the greenest automaker

"We have to have people think we are part of the solution, not part of the problem," the WSJ quoted Lawrence Burns, GM's vice president for research and development and global planning, as saying.

Thus, GM is fast-tracking the Chevy Volt, its dual mode hybrids, and its fuel cell program.

(Source: Car&Driver)

Toyota postpoing lithium powered Prius?

The next Prius won't be lithium powered?

Less than a month ago, Toyota announced that their lithium-ion batteries were ready for the next generation Prius, as well as all Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles.

Now there are rumors in Japan that Toyota is going to delay the launch of lithium-powered hybrid cars due to safety concerns.

Hopefully, these are just rumors.

Hybrids & CAFE: Is Toyota playing America?

Hybrid king and CAFE fighter?

Toyota has received an incredible amount of positive press over its very successful Toyota Prius hybrid car. Thus, one might assume that Toyota would love to see the U.S. become as aggressive as possible regarding fuel economy - something that almost guarantees the success of Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

So, why is Toyota also joining U.S. automakers in the fight against significant increases in CAFE?

Finish: Hybrids and CAFE: Is Toyota playing America.

Are you a hypermiler?

Are you a fuel economy wizard?

Obviously, most drivers of hybrid vehicles are concerned with fuel economy. Many are even obsessed. Some, however, are consumed by achieving unbelievable hypermileage with their hybrids.

A Honda Insight achieving 75 mpg. A Toyota Prius in Japan achieving 112 mpg - without plug-in technology. A Civic hybrid achieving 60 mpg. All these examples are the work of hypermilers according to the AP - people whom coast, draft, and slightly over inflate their tires.

Are you a hypermiler? What kind of crazy fuel economy have you achieved with your hybrid?

Want an Altima hybrid, but its not available where you live?

Just gotta have one?

I've received a few e-mails from some hybrid car buyers that decided to purchase a Nissan Altima hybrid, rather than a Toyota Prius, simply for the Altima's full tax credit compared to the almost expired, significantly reduced, tax credit on Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

I can see the sense in that.

Yet, Nissan is only selling the hybrid version of the Altima in just 8 states; California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Not all potential Altima hybrid buyers live in these states. So, many are driving hundreds of miles to buy one.

So, where will these 'out-of-area' Altima hybrids be serviced?

Nissan is warning Altima hybrid buyers outside of the 8 states where Nissan is selling the hybrid vehicle, that servicing outside of these 8 states will be very limited and might include several days of delay.

Hybrid tax credit, servicing hassles, tax credit????

President Hillary to protect gas-guzzling?

Winning is the only thing that matters?

According to the DetroitNews, Hillary Clinton is going to try very hard to distance herself from Barack Obama and his stance on Detroit and U.S. automakers. Mr.Obama wants to see significant increases in U.S. fuel economy and a move towards hybrid vehicles due to the dangers of foreign oil dependency and global warming.

Hillary, on the other hand, doesn't want to risk any votes by speaking the truth. Well, sometimes the truth hurts, and the truth is that U.S. automakers need to become as aggressive as possible regarding foreign oil dependency. There's no way to candy-coat that reality.

On that issue Barack Obama is dead-on.

I guess since Hillary saved the health care system, she probably has the perfect plan to save U.S. automakers as well.

Toyota's FT-HS hybrid closer to reality?

Built on the GS450h hybrid powertrain?

After the Chevy Volt, Toyota's FT-HS hybrid concept was my favorite hybrid at the North American International Auto Show. This potential Supra replacement is nearing reality according to the Winding Road and rumors out of Japan.

The 400 hp FT-HS will probably be built on the GS450h hybrid powertrain - possibly utilizing the next generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, and thus lithium-ion batteries.

PSE&G going hybrid

Adding 1,300 hybrids to fleet

"Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) today unveiled plans to reduce its carbon emissions by more than 81,000 tons by replacing 1,300 vehicles with hybrids and making changes in other areas of its corporate fleet.

During the next decade, the utility will invest in hybrid cars and light trucks, hybrid bucket truck prototypes, electric-drives and alternative fuels in an effort to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to global warming."

Nissan Altima hybrid testimonials

Altima hybrid driver?

Do you own a Nissan Altima hybrid? How is it going? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving? Have you had any problems? Is there anything you wish Nissan had done differently with its first hybrid?

Let us know about your Altima hybrid experiences and give us your testimonial today.

--> More hybrid testimonials

Japanese want cheaper hybrid cars

Japanese government to help develop cheaper hybrid vehicles

According to Satoshi Kusakabe, the director of the Automobile Division of the Trade Ministry of Japan, the Japanese government will spend $1.7 billion over the next five years to develop cheaper hybrid cars and cleaner fuels.

"Cost burdens on consumers should not exceed those of current gasoline cars," Kusakabe told reporters.

(Source: Reuters)

U.S. Automakers - A Memorial Day Insult?

Honor our soldiers by buying a foreign-oil dependence-increasing gas-guzzler?

Heading into the Memorial Day Weekend, U.S. automakers are beginning an ad campaign to convince Americans that CAFE increases are bad for America. Such a move, they argue, is too expensive, too limiting and too unsafe.

How safe and cost effective is America's foreign oil dependence?

(Finish U.S. Automakers - A Memorial Day Insult?)

Americans already used to $3.00 gas - proof a gas tax could work?

Will $4.00 make any difference?

A new poll suggests that while $3.00 plus gas hurts, most Americans are getting used to it. And, while $3.00 gas is pushing more to consider more fuel efficient vehicles, it's mostly just causing consideration, not action. Will $4.00 be the magic number to force real change? Will we hit $4.00 this summer?

One thing is for certain. At $4.00 per gallon, there is no question about the cost effectiveness of hybrid cars, which makes me wonder, does this prove a gas tax could revolutionize America?

Say gas stays at $3.50 per gallon. Add an extra $.50 tax to fund clean vehicle tax credits for the consumers of hybrids, etc. America could easily generate billions to subsidize the extra costs of hybrid technology, and the fuel savings would essentially negate the tax for wise consumers.

Oh yeah, and the gas tax would increase the cost-effectiveness of bio-fuels - maybe we could move the massive ethanol subsidies to consumers, rather than profit-driven corporations?

The Volt: Is it or is it not a hybrid vehicle?

Is the Volt a hybrid vehicle?

The Chevy Volt isn't a hybrid vehicle, I've been told a number of times. What is it I ask?

It's a plug-in electric vehicle, is usually the best answer I hear. Then I ask, "a plug-in electric vehicle with a range-extending gasoline engine?"

In other words, it's a plug-in hybrid vehicle, I conclude.

Yes, the Volt is a different kind of hybrid vehicle. Call it a series hybrid, or a plug-in series hybrid. Call it an electric-gasoline hybrid, but don't call it the end of hybrid cars. The Volt might be the best hybrid vehicle available when it hits the streets in about 3 years - if it hits the streets - but it will still be a hybrid.

Of course, considering that numerous lithium-ion companies have already converted today's Toyota Prius into 150 mpg+ Plug-in Prii, it seems pretty obvious that Toyota will be well positioned to give the Volt a run for the money.

And, really, what more could hybrid fans really ask for?

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend

For those of you driving this weekend, be safe! Hopefully your hybrid vehicles can save you some cash this weekend. Cheers!

Dreaming about a Volt SS - A true American hybrid

Lutz, Wagoner and the Chevy Volt

I can still feel the buzz created by the launch of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid at NAIAS earlier this year. Minimally, if successful, this concept puts GM in the same league as Toyota regarding hybrid cars.

Minimally.

Timing will also be important. The sooner the better, and I mean much sooner.

If GM can get the Volt right, it is a game changer. If successful, the Volt will be the definition of game changer. But there are many 'ifs'. And just because the Volt might be a game changer, doesn't mean it will be a Prius killer (but I'll address that another day - maybe tomorrow).

The Volt - as debuted in Detroit - might also....(finish Dreaming about a Volt SS - A true American hybrid)

Diesels to outgrow hybrids?

A Mercedes clean diesel vehicle

"Ricardo forecasts that combined diesel and hybrid gasoline will represent 15 percent of the U.S. light vehicle market by 2012, with sales of diesels outstripping gasoline hybrids by 1.5 million units versus 1.2 million. UBS highlights that European automakers and a number of global suppliers look set to benefit from the diesel trend."

I like a good clean diesel vehicle, but they are still no hybrid. Yes, in terms of costs, diesels are competitive to hybrids - at least with today's hybrid technology. Will that still be the case when lithium enters the hybrid powertrain? Inevitably, each new generation of hybrid vehicles will continue to become more fuel efficient and cheaper, and if plug-in hybrids are developed, can diesel really compete?

In the short term, clean diesel is a fine choice. Ultimately, however, the best future for diesel is as a diesel hybrid.

Automakers launching ads against CAFE increase

Because foreign oil dependency has no costs?

"Despite rising gas prices and a growing concern about climate change," the DetroitNews writes today "the auto industry is going on the offensive to convince Americans to oppose dramatically higher fuel economy requirements."

"Led by Detroit's Big Three and Toyota Motor Corp., the industry is launching print and radio ads this weekend warning consumers that fuel regulations under consideration by the U.S. Senate would lead to higher vehicle prices and smaller and less safe vehicles."

Most Americans not interested in hybrids, diesels or alt fuels

No serious changes until $4.00 gas?

A new survey by Consumer Reports shows that most people are interested in better fuel economy, but only about half are willing to sacrifice size or performance to achieve better fuel economy. Also, "47 percent of those currently shopping for a car said they would consider purchasing a hybrid, diesel or flex-fuel vehicles."

Third Generation Prius body design finalized?

Close to what the 2009 Prius will look like?

Some time next year fans of hybrid vehicles will be driving the sales people at Toyota crazy. Why? Because everyone will be dying to have a third generation Prius in 2008.

Still, there is far more that we don't know about this new Prius than what we know. According to Edmunds, however, we know the body design is in final design stages, and it will look similar to the Hybrid X concept pictured above - one of three main designs that Toyota was considering for the next gen Prius.

Nonetheless, it won't look exactly like the one pictured above. Then again, maybe Toyota will offer a few different Prii, such as a sporty Prius, or a smaller city Prius - something Toyota has indicated was possible in the past.

Excited yet?

Re: The hidden hybrid PR coup

Hybrid success is purely because of Hollywood?

GM's Bob Lutz, just a few years ago, claimed that GM could have beat Toyota to the Prius hybrid car by spending just a fraction of one year's marketing budget on such a plan. Instead, GM spent that money marketing a new line of large SUVs.

But who cares?

Instead, Fortune's Sue Callaway wants us to believe that the only reason hybrid cars are popular is because of a hidden hybrid PR coup in Hollywood. So, if you bought a hybrid, apparently, then you are a Hollywood-wannabe, Sue seems to imply.

While I don't doubt that some have bought hybrids because of some Hollywood-influence, is it really so hard for hybrid critics to understand that many whom buy hybrids are incredibly committed to issues such as global warming and foreign oil dependency? Sure such a purchase accomplishes little on a global scale, other than send a message and invest in the future.

Still, what message are gas-guzzlers sending? In what future does gas-guzzling invest?

How about the hidden PR coup that has enabled automakers to spend billions marketing the most extreme foreign-oil dependency-increasing gas-guzzlers - despite 9/11 and two wars in Iraq - because of profit, at the expense of U.S. soldiers and U.S. National Security. Now that's a real coup.

Some interesting Ford Escape hybrid facts

Escape hybrid taxi drivers can save as much as $6000.00 on gas, PER YEAR

Earlier today New York announced that it was going to convert its yellow taxi fleet to hybrids in the next 5 years. As a result, Ford issued a fact sheet regarding the Escape hybrid, including facts like the $6000.00 per year that some New York cabbies are saving by driving a hybrid.

Another point of interest - some Escape hybrid cabs in NY have accumulated some 175,000 miles, yet there have been no major mechanical issues according to Ford. That sounds like reliability to me.

In two years, 18 hybrid Escape taxis saved the city $250,000 in fuel costs.

So, in five years the fleet will have paid for itself in fuel savings? No wonder NY is converting to hybrid vehicles - it's a no brainer.

Electric cars versus plug-in hybrids: An achilles heal?

Could electric cars be a National Security threat?

Many fans of electric cars are some of the biggest supporters of plug-in hybrid vehicles. It's not that these supporters, however, believe that plug-in hybrids are superior to electric vehicles, rather they believe that plug-in hybrid cars are the best way to make Americans comfortable with pure electric autos.

On the other hand, while I like both plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, I believe that plug-in hybrids are superior to electric vehicles - in most circumstances. Mostly, it's the...(Finish electric vehicles versus plug-in hybrids)

Volt should give GM same PR as Prius did for Toyota, NOW?

O.K. I see the Prius, but where is the Volt

I am a big fan of GM's Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid concept, but I think too many fans of the Volt have simply become nonsensical, and David Kiley of BusinessWeek is one such fan.

"I would argue that since GM was the first one to bring out a concept (the Volt) and commit to a plan to bring it to market that GM deserves the same PR boost from that as Toyota has achieved with hybrids."

You have got to be kidding me?!!!! Toyota will have sold millions of hybrid vehicles before GM has sold one Volt - a vehicle that has a small possibility of NEVER existing - yet GM should already be receiving the same PR boost as Toyota because it has a plan? You mean like the fuel cell vehicle plan we've been hearing about for decades?

Wow. I'll be attacking this article later in Why the Volt IS NOT a Prius killer.

NY Cabs will be 100% hybrid vehicles

All cabs will be hybrid vehicles in 5 years?

Today New York's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, announced that the entire fleet of yellow taxis will be entirely hybrid in 5 years. Already the city uses a number of hybrid cars, including Toyota's Prius, Highlander hybrid and Lexus RX400h, in addition to the Ford Escape hybrid.

Many of New York's taxis average just 14 mpg, while the Escape hybrid averages 36 mpg.

“There’s an awful lot of taxicabs on the streets of New York City,” Bloomberg said. “These cars just sit there in traffic sometimes, belching fumes.

“This does a lot less. It’s a lot better for all of us,” he said of the hybrid plan.

(AP via MSNBC)

Could the X-prize prove Detroit has duped America?

The car that started it all?

When Toyota launched the Prius hybrid car, executives from the Big 3 almost couldn't stop laughing at such a ridiculous effort. Americans, they seemed to believe, could care less about hybrid cars and fuel efficiency.

Well, who is laughing now?

Sure, hybrids are a long way from ending the internal combustion engine, but the vehicles did wake up some Americans, especially those realizing the ever-growing dangers of foreign oil dependency and/or global warming.

Can the Automotive X-Prize challenge the auto establishment even more? Dan Carney comments for Edmunds "The winning cars will not use "fuel molecule aligners," "air vortex generators," "fish carburetors" or any of the other mythical and fraudulent add-on devices claimed to produce fantastic fuel economy. Of course, this [an X-Prize Winner] will prove to conspiracy theorists that there's still a nefarious conspiracy between Detroit and Big Oil."

Army keeps testing hybrid technology

Diesel hybrid vehicles reduce fuel logistics

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. today announced that it was awarded a contract to develop a diesel hybrid electric version of its Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) "Aggressor." This program is a follow on to Quantum's successful "Aggressor" vehicle, a high performance light-duty off-road fuel cell hybrid vehicle developed for the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), National Automotive Center (NAC). The contract has a total value of $4.88 million.

When will the Kia Rio hybrid hit America?

Maybe in 2009?

This morning AutoblogGreen posted an article about the Kia Rio hybrid coming to the U.S. in 2009. However, is that actually true?

Around 2009 Hyundai is supposed to develop a full production line of Rio hybrids, however, Kia has not announced how many vehicles will be built, nor in which markets the new hybrid will be sold.

While it's natural to assume that the hybrid will make it to the states, I wouldn't expect any before 2010. Furthermore, I doubt many of these mild hybrids will ever make it to the States.

Hyundai has announced that when lithium-ion batteries are cost-effectively integrated into automobiles, then hybrid cars become the future. Thus, I'm sure a full hybrid powertrain will quickly replace the mild hybrid powertrain currently slated to power the Rio hybrid.

Then, again, I'm just assuming.

A Toyota Sienna hybrid soon?

Would a hybrid Sienna be "home run"?

That's the sentiment of Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. General Manager. "Personally I think [a Sienna hybrid] would be a home run," Carter opined. "But that decision has not been made."

While Mr. Carter acknowledges the decision to move forward with a Sienna hybrid has not been made, Toyota has decided it is better to convert as many of their vehicles into hybrid vehicles "sooner rather than later" according to Edmunds.

Hydrogen: Perfecting the hybrid vehicle?

Ford's HySeries Hydrogen Plug-in hybrid drive

Could a new way of creating hydrogen turn hybrid cars into THE automotive technology of the future?

Researchers at the University of Purdue have developed a simple, on-demand form of hydrogen creation that could solve many problems related to the hydrogen economy - particularly storage and transportation (more).

Already there are hydrogen hybrids. Why? Because hydrogen is about as efficient as gasoline. Hybrid technology can make hydrogen 20-30 percent more efficient as a fuel with today's technology. Lithium-powered hybrid technology could double this efficiency, meaning the need for huge amounts of hydrogen would not be needed - making the hydrogen highway far less complicated.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles could further reduce the need for large amounts of hydrogen. Add in a small fuel cell, and even less hydrogen is needed. You get the picture.

Hydrogen and hybrids, a perfect marriage?

Hybrid HOV Access: Feds doing what states have already done?

Hybrids and HOVs: Do the Feds really need to get involved?

The EPA is reviewing its certification of clean and energy efficient vehicles to help states determine which hybrid vehicles should be allowed in HOV lanes. While I don't know every state's legislation, California, for example, is already more strict than the EPA. Maybe the Feds should just leave things alone?

(Source: CNN)

125 mpg Prius plug-in hybrid, but not from Toyota

Toyota's next generation hybrids will use lithium, but you still won't plug them in

There is an interesting experiment taking place in the workshops of many lithium-ion battery producers: the creation of 100 mpg+ plug-in versions of the Toyota Prius.

Thus far, both LTC and A123Systems have each demonstrated working plug-in hybrid vehicles built upon the Prius and each company's lithium battery packs. Both companies have achieved 125 mpg + performance with such plug-in hybrids.

Yet, when Toyota begins to sell the third generation Prius, probably sometime next year, the Prius will....(Finish: 125 mpg+ Prius plug-in hybrid, but not from Toyota)

Lexus LS600h series launches in Japan

LS600h and LS600hL launch in Japan today

Toyota is now selling the Lexus LS600h and the Lexus LS600h L in Japan, and the hybrid will soon find its way into other countries soon. Beginning at $80,300* for the LS600h and $84,850 for the longer wheel-based LS600h L, the LS600 series will be the most expensive Toyota vehicle sold outside of Japan.

"This car takes the concept of luxury beyond the conventional parameters and into the 21st century," President Katsuaki Watanabe said at the car's launch in Tokyo.

Reuters notes, "Pulling out all the stops on the car it calls the "Flagship of Lexus", Toyota packed the LS600h/LS600hL with several new components and systems including a 5-litre V8 engine, full-time all-wheel-drive and a high-output electric motor. The result, Toyota says, is a car with the power and acceleration of a 6-litre engine but half its carbon dioxide emissions."

* Other reports claim the LS600h will start at $124,000, possibly due to import tariffs, taxes, etc. into the U.S., where as the numbers above are Japanese prices.

Vue hybrid going full, but what about the Aura and the Malibu?

A full future for this mild hybrid?

I'm not a very big fan of large SUVs. Even when hybrid technology is added to large SUVs, they are still only more fuel-efficient gas-guzzlers - in my opinion. Nonetheless, I can gladly endorse a Yukon hybrid over a conventional Yukon, for example. Still, I would prefer to see America morph into a liking for smaller SUVs.

Thus, I am very excited about the fact that GM will offer a full Saturn Vue hybrid in 2008. A Vue hybrid...(Finish: Vue hybrid going full, but what about the Aura and Malibu hybrids)

CAFE: Can Democrats put Michigan in check?

Is Nancy Pelosi's biggest problem her own party?

Do Democrats really care about global warming and foreign oil dependency? While the answer to that question seems like a resounding yes, why is it that some Democrats are the BIGGEST laggards regarding real CAFE increases and real action on global warming? Isn't that supposed to be the domain of Big Oil-influenced Republicans?

At some point Democrats might have to ask, "Are Michigan Democrats really Democrats."

John Dingell (D) of Michigan is one of the biggest forces preventing a serious increase in CAFE, even though hybrid cars demonstrate that the CAFE requirements proposed for 2020 are essentially achievable today. Yet, Dingell has ripped....(Finish: CAFE: Can Democrats put Michigan in check?)

GM receives contract from King County for 500 hybrid buses

GM's dual mode hybrid buses will save 1.1 million gallons of fuel yearly

King County, WA awarded GM today with a contract for up to 500 GM hybrid buses. Already, King County has a fleet of 214 hybrid buses on the road today.

“We at General Motors share King County’s vision to reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tom Stephens, GM Group Vice President, Global Powertrain and Global Quality. “GM’s commitment to improving fuel economy, reducing vehicle emissions, and developing electrically driven vehicles is not a short-term strategy. We’re in this game for the long term. We see energy and environmental leadership as a critical element of GM’s ongoing turnaround plan and a key part of our business strategy. That is why we are introducing four all-new hybrid models in 2007, which is more than any automaker has ever introduced in one calendar year.”

Later this year GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain will make its way into the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, followed by a number of other hybrid vehicles in 2008. Already, GM offers 2 mild hybrids, the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Saturn Aura hybrid.

Hybrid vehicle battery wars?

Not your father's battery

Many call hybrid cars an interim technology to the hydrogen economy, to fuel cell vehicles or to pure electric vehicles. Much like Toyota, I believe the hybrid powertrain is the future, not some temporary technology.

For starters, hybrids make hydrogen powered vehicles more efficient. Hybrids could integrate smaller, therefore cheaper, fuel cells into automobiles - making fuel cell vehicles much more cost-effective. Hybrids can also extend the range of electric vehicles, while also providing a plethora of fuel options to electric vehicles when electric power is either unavailable or more expensive than an alternative fuel.

Nonetheless, whether hybrids are just an interim technology or not, the key to the hybrid future, as well as the key to these other alternative vehicles, is significantly influenced by battery development, particularly lithium-ion batteries. Thus, the flurry of news regarding.... (Finish hybrid vehicle battery wars)

SUV Madness: Americans still like SUVs, but they're smaller

As big as most SUVs need to be?

Last week, when blogging about a Senate panel's approval of a plan to lift CAFE to 34 mpg by 2020, I wondered whether most SUV owners couldn't move to a hybrid around the size of a Ford Escape Hybrid.

While I think many SUV owners simply want their SUV to be as big as possible, in terms of real world functionality, I still think most could downsize. Ultimately, this issue is so important because it is large SUVs and large pickups that are forcing Congress to baby Detroit when it comes to fuel economy.

Ironically, however, hybrids like the hybrid Escape almost meet 2020's proposed CAFE standards today, yet hybrid technology will advanced greatly in just the next few years - as hybrid cars move from NiMH batteries to lithium-ion batteries. In reality, 34 mpg by 2020 is child's play, at least in terms of technology - especially if Americans are willing to downsize their SUVs and pickups.

Consequently, I was refreshed to read a new JD Power study which demonstrates that higher gas prices have "some owners of large and midsize trucks trading to smaller vehicles."

GM Sequel hits 300 mile fuel cell mark

300 miles on one tank of hydrogen

"With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today's consumers," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. "And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower - a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle -- was virtually carbon dioxide free."

While an important fuel cell milestone, GM - and all automakers - still face another monumental obstacle regarding fuel cell vehicles: where will the hydrogen come from?

Then there is the cost of these vehicles, and we're not just talking fuel cell costs. Brake-by-wire, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries, advanced aluminum framework - all of these are not standard, production ready systems. So, even if a hydrogen highway, or some other fuel network can be developed, it might still be decades before such vehicles cost less than $100,000 per vehicle.

Nissan steadily ramping up hybrid efforts

The Hybrid Synergy Drive powered Altima hybrid

Nissan has been a bit of a laggard when it comes to hybrid cars. Yet, who could really blame this company that almost went under less than 10 years ago, for taking a slow approach? Still, it wasn't that Nissan was anti-hybrid, the company just didn't believe that hybrid technology was yet ready for prime time. Thus, Nissan was willing to borrow some hybrid technology from Toyota for the Altima hybrid until some critical breakthroughs occurred.

Now, however, that critical hybrid technology - next generation batteries - seems to be coming to fruition. Consequently, Nissan has opened a new technology center to develop and test lithium batteries and other experimental technologies. By 2010, the company hopes, this effort will evolve into a new line of hybrid vehicles that Nissan believes will rival hybrids from Toyota and Honda.

And Nissan better succeed, if they want to survive according to Yasuaki Iwamoto, auto analyst with Okasan Securities Co. in Tokyo. "Otherwise, Nissan has no chance of surviving the competition," he said. "Catching up won't be that easy for Nissan. It's not as though Toyota and Honda are going to sit still and do nothing."

Argonne lab to test Mawell ultracapacitors on hybrids

Could ultracapacitors take hybrids to the next level?

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Maxwell to collaborate with a world-renowned transportation research organization in demonstrating how ultracapacitors complement hybrid vehicle batteries," said Dr. Richard Balanson, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer. "We believe that this project will further validate the efficiency, low temperature performance, battery life and other advantages of combining ultracapacitor and lithium-ion technology."

New lithium-batteries, ultracapacitors: Is the hybrid revolution now inevitable?

FedEx adding more hybrids to fleet

At least 20 new hybrids

"FedEx Express introduced hybrid-electric vehicles to the commercial vehicle market six years ago, and we look forward to further advancing this important, environmentally-conscious initiative with Ford and Azure Dynamics," said John Formisano, Vice President, Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "We continue to look for opportunities for economic efficiencies, environmental stewardship and being a good corporate citizen. We are encouraged that this project can do just that."

Under the agreement, Fed Ex will test a new Ford E-450 hybrid, and once testing is complete, FedEx will purchase at least 20 of the hybrids.

Gasoline-steam hybrid vehicles?

More than just hot air?

Clean Power Technologies will be integrating its steam hybrid powertrain into a couple of Mazda RX8's this year to demonstrate how wasted energy from internal combustion engines can be captured and utilized as fuel. According to the company, such a hybrid vehicle could offer a 30 - 40 percent increase in fuel economy.

LTC ready to plug its batteries into the hybrid revolution?

It's all about iron phosphate chemistry

Lithium Technology Corporation announced yesterday that the company has made a significant advancement in their lithium iron phosphate battery technology which is now ready to power a new generation of hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

"The technology we can offer the automotive industry today is unmatched by any other battery power solution on the market," commented Dr. Klaus Brandt, executive vice president of LTC and managing director of LTC subsidiary GAIA Akkumulatorenwerke (GAIA). "Others have been estimating up to a year to deliver the technology we are proud to make available today. We have proven the superiority of our technology in the past, and with the iron phosphate product we have raised the bar even further."

"Batteries made of LTC's cells can provide 3000 charging cycles, which would be able to do 150,000 miles to 80% capacity for a 100 km or 60 mile all electric range plug in hybrid, which no other technology can claim," said Dr. Andrew Frank, Professor, Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of California, Davis. "The new cells from LTC provide improved safety with the iron phosphate chemistry while delivering the impeccable performance they are known for, which is what the auto makers have been in search of; this is a Company that is seriously committed to making hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles an affordable reality for the consumer."

Gas gouging and oil profits: An irony of Democratic proportions?

Hillary would like to tax oil company profits

A number of Democrats have loudly attacked Big Oil - probably because many Americans buy into the Republican - Big oil connection, and Americans love cheap gas. Thus, many Democrats have continually raised the issue of gas-gouging and gas-gouging legislation. Yet, the Democratic party is the largest supporter of global warming legislation and action.

Isn't that too ironic?

What if Democrats can make gasoline cheaper through windfall taxes, gouging legislation, etc.? Wouldn't Americans just increase their gasoline consumption, thereby increasing both foreign oil dependency and global warming emissions?

Ultimately and unfortunately, aren't high gas prices a good thing for those whom believe in global warming? Not only can increased gas prices reduce global warming-causing gasoline consumption, but higher prices can make alternative fuels more competitive, while also increasing the cost-effectiveness of clean technologies, such as hybrid cars?

Isn't that a good thing?

Obviously, Republicans didn't achieve any effective legislation towards fighting global warming, or even foreign oil dependency (if you don't believe in global warming) - something which is supposed to be a core Republican value. Sadly, I don't think Democrats can achieve much either if they keep engaging in double-speak.

Politics as usual? Are we, the people, simply incapable of accepting the truth, so we are habitually lied to by politicians whom just tell us what we want to hear? Are the people just too selfish and apathetic to even care about the truth?

2 new Honda hybrid vehicles by mid 2009

What Honda's next hybrid won't look like?

By mid-2009 Honda plans to begin selling its new economy hybrid, which will cost less than the Civic hybrid. Earlier reports indicated the vehicle might be a hybrid version of the Honda Fit, but now it appears the vehicle might be more like Honda's Remix concept.

In addition, Honda is also planning a sports coupe, but it will not look like the one pictured above - previewed at the Geneva Auto show. Instead, the new hybrid coupe is also supposed to be influenced by the Remix.

Perhaps, much like Toyota's plans for the Prius, will Honda make multiple derivatives of the same basic hybrid - two derivatives of a new, unique hybrid? Regardless, Honda is planning to produce 200,000 of these new hybrid cars - a significant uptick in Honda's hybrid vehicle production.

(Source: AutoBlog)

Lithium batteries ready for the 3rd Gen. Prius

Toyota's lithium batteries ready to go

Are you waiting for the third generation Toyota Prius? Well, the biggest issue regarding the third iteration of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive has been the lithium-ion batteries, and how soon those batteries could be available - not just for the third gen Prius, but for all of Toyota's hybrids.

Well, stop waiting.

Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of powertrain development, announced today that Toyota's lithium-ion battery, under development with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., was technically ready to be mounted on hybrid cars "any time".

CO2: All the money in the world couldn't help Chrysler

Chrysler: Impossible to cut CO2 emissions by 30 percent

"I seriously doubt that if you gave me all the money in the world and the same for all the other automakers that they could find enough resources ... to do this work," Bob Lee, a vice president at DaimlerChrysler, testified in April. (Reuters via Yahoo)

Despite the fact that today's hybrid cars already achieve this ends, Chrysler could not meet this goal with "all the money in the world"? How can Chrysler be believed when it's so obvious they are lying? Is it too expensive to meet these reductions? That's debatable. Impossible, however, that's pure nonsense. Besides, even if global warming isn't real, meeting this requirement, which would probably require extensive use of hybrid technology, would also have the unintended consequence of ending foreign oil dependency.

How much would that be worth?

GM's hybrids better than Toyota?

Michelle Krebs says two modes are better than one, but where is her proof?

Recently, GM sponsored an event for a few journalists to check out their new Tahoe hybrid. More important, it was a chance for journalists to check out the new hybrid powertrain that was co-developed by GM, Chrysler and BMW - a collaboration which Krebs calls "unprecedented" (read more from Krebs).

Additionally, Krebs insists that the two-mode hybrid is superior to, for example, Toyota's single mode hybrid powertrain because it has a bigger "toolbox" to control fuel efficiency optimization. As a result, the two-mode hybrid achieves about a 25 percent overall improvement in fuel economy.

Talk, talk, talk.

I say, settle down Mrs. Krebs. First, a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy is in the same league as other hybrid cars. Second, while the two-mode hybrid ...(Finish GM's hybrids better than Toyota?)

Toyota hybrids as profitable as gas vehicles by 2010

Updated at 12:41 Pacific

Toyota's latest hybrid, the Camry

"While hybrid technology has raised manufacturing costs, Toyota Motor Corp., maker of the Prius hybrid, expects cost-cutting on hybrid production to make the cars as profitable as traditional gasoline models by 2010. By that point it expects to be selling 1 million hybrids a year (Reuters).

And according to MSNBC, Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of powertrain development, said "cost-cutting efforts on the system's motor, battery and inverter were bearing fruit, and the cost structure would improve drastically by the time Toyota reaches its sales goal of one million hybrids annually in 2010 or soon after."

In addition Takimoto announced that hybrid cars would account for 100 percent of Toyota's vehicle sales by about 2020.

Expect more Mazda hybrids?

A hydrogen combustion hybrid soon?

According to the InsideLine "Mazda is putting its money where its mouth is in the effort to become a green leader."

"Mazda has several interesting green options in the pipeline, including a hybrid-electric vehicle with a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine that is due next year."

Already Mazda offers the Tribute hybrid, but the company has indicated an interest in developing its own proprietary hybrid powertrain. Will this powertrain be limited to hydrogen? Will it be a flex-fuel hybrid - either hydrogen or gasoline?

Ultimately, there are more questions than answers regarding Mazda's green drive and how it relates to hybrid cars, but if Mazda is going green, it seems unlikely that the move won't include a serious hybrid effort.

Hybrids, fuel economy dominate Intellichoice picks

Fuel efficiency scores

Intellichoice.com announced its Best Deals of the Month yesterday, and hybrid cars were very strong performers.

"A look at the list and it's not hard to see that fuel economy is a major factor for May's winners," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "The Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are perennial winners, and the Lexus RX 400h displaces the RX 350 on this month's list on the basis of fuel cost.

In addition, the Honda Civic hybrid also made the list.

A123 Hybrid plugged on Kudlow

Kudos to A123Systems

As I was watching a debate on gas gouging on Kudlow and Company today, a Toyota Prius converted into a plug-in hybrid vehicle by A123Systems was used as a case-in-point for what America should be doing. The Prius plug-in hybrid achieves 150 mpg with today's technology - good thing the U.S. Senate appears to be setting the fuel economy bar at 35 mpg by 2020!

Yeah, hybrid cars sure are stupid. I mean 150 mpg? That's just too much, too fast. We like to be a little more complacent, a little more conservative here in America, especially when gas prices are approaching $4.00 per gallon and soldiers are dying in Iraq to protect our oil interests.

Damn innovation! Damn technology! Damn the Prius! Damn A123!

GM to speed up Volt production?

Sooner than 3 years?

I am a huge fan of the potential of GM's Chevy Volt hybrid, but lately I have poked a little fan at the hype around the Volt. Ultimately, how excited can you become about a vehicle that is minimally 3 years away (more). Inevitably, the only thing that would really jolt me about the Volt is to hear that the Volt is coming sooner than announced, and it is possible that is going to happen.

While watching Kudlow & Company, just a few minutes ago, Lawrence Kudlow announced that GM was going to speed up the development of the Volt.

I quickly scanned the web for any new press releases, and I checked GM's FastLane blog, but found nothing. So, Mr. Kudlow might simply be behind the times. If, however, GM has decided to speed up the Volt, that would simply be fantastic news.

May 15 Gasout? Boycott Chevron? Stop playing and get real!

Boycott Chevron? Join the gas out May 15?

KROQ radio in Los Angeles covered the Great American Gas Boycott or May 15 Gas Out with John Schoen, whom researched this issue for MSNBC, this morning. Conclusion: It's complete nonsense. Of course, most of us already knew this. So, stop sending us the e-mail!

Mad about gas prices? Boycott your gas-guzzler! Stop trying to blame everyone else and take some damned responsibility. Use less gas regularly, not just for one day. PERIOD.

YOU have to change if you want the world to change. Carpool once a week, or take public transportation. Ride a bike. Walk to the store. Buy a more fuel efficient automobile, especially a hybrid car!

Stop the boycott nonsense, especially the e-mails, unless you are willing to boycott the use of any gasoline for at least a month, please!

Natural gas better than hybrids?

Honda natural gas Civic next to Phill

USA Today is wondering why people don't care about natural gas vehicles. It's cheaper than gasoline. Natural gas vehicles are clean. Why so much attention on hybrid vehicles rather than natural gas?

"Gasoline-electric hybrids have received attention because they are touted by Japanese automaking giant Toyota. They are being introduced haltingly by other automakers because their high-tech battery packs and dual gas-electric power plants make them costlier and less profitable to produce."

The article then claims there is a 60 year supply of natural gas. Hmmm. You mean at current consumption levels, right? If America started guzzling natural gas the way we guzzle gasoline, those reserves would dry up quite quickly, right?

More important, why is America moving to imported liquid natural gas if domestic natural gas is so plentiful? Ultimately, if America significantly increases natural gas use, it will be imported natural gas - much of which comes from countries that also hate the U.S. Is that really a significant improvement?

Fuel diversity is a good idea and natural gas is worth exploring, but it does only offer limited help. More important, comparing fuels to fuel efficiency-increasing technology, such as hybrid cars, is a very poor comparison.

Hybrid interest growing in Germany

Hybrids pique European interest

Interest in hybrid cars is growing in Germany according to recent surveys. "A new study by automotive supplier Continental has found that the recent debate in Germany about vehicles and CO2 emissions has increased considerably consumers' interest in buying cars with hybrid drives."

(Source: JustAuto)

GM joins U.S. Climate Action Partnership (Don't move too fast on climate change lobby?)

Playing it both ways?

"General Motors on Tuesday became the first automobile manufacturer to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a coalition of corporate executives that wants Congress to enact an economy-wide mandatory cap on carbon dioxide emissions."

Interesting. GM can both fight against climate change legislation and join a Climate Action Partnership? Perhaps the word partnership should be replaced with lobby?

How about if you increase your fleet fuel efficiency, stop using flex-fuel to violate CAFE, and stop fighting California's global warming legislation? How about a couple of hybrid cars, not just hybrid SUVs?

Walk the Walk, please.

(Source: AP)

Forget hybrids: Senate Panel approves Detroit-friendly CAFE increase

What percentage of Americans really need a bigger SUV than this Escape hybrid?

A Senate panel approved a plan to increase average fleet fuel economy in the U.S. to 35 mpg by 2020. Of course, the plan has yet to be approved by the full Senate and the House has its own plan, so it won't be surprising if the final plan is watered down, especially related to trucks and SUVs - Detroit's moneymakers.

Still, the Ford Escape hybrid can essentially meet 2020's standards, today. The Toyota Prius blows this requirement away, today. Hybrid cars provide the technology to meet this requirement, today.

Between now and 2020, lithium-ion battery technology will be available, offering significant increases to hybrid fuel economy and cheaper costs. Plug-in technology for both hybrids and full electric vehicles will be available, but let's keep living in the stone ages of the automobile industry!

The more that America strives for mediocrity, the more mediocre we'll become. It's not immigrants and out-sourcing destroying America, it's our lack of vision as automakers, consumers and politicians. We can conquer the moon, but it takes decades to achieve a 10 mpg increase in fuel economy!

Let's go America, let's be average! Greatness is so passe!

Seriously, GM is serious about the Chevy Volt

No. Seriously. GM will build the Volt

The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is a fantastic concept vehicle. Still, it is 3 years away from reality according to GM, and even then, it will be produced in limited numbers according to GM via AutoWeek.

While America waits for this Toyota Prius-fighter, Toyota will have sold more than a million Prii, possibly several million. By the time the Volt hits the streets, Toyota will also be using lithium-ion batteries. In fact, by the time the first Volt is sold, Toyota might have already sold more than a million lithium-powered hybrid cars. And, while GM brags about the plug-in potential of the Volt, there is every reason to believe that Toyota will also offer a plug-in option for its hybrids.

I'm certainly not trying to diminish GM's hybrid efforts, and I'm extremely glad that GM is moving forward with the Volt, but I get it already. GM is serious about producing the Volt.

Hybrid tax credits - Give me something to believe in Barack

Time to give Toyota some credit!

Congress sucks. Numerous Democrats and Republicans have been speaking about foreign oil dependency and global warming for at least a couple of years now, yet they've done little, despite the fact that a majority agree action is necessary.

O.K. Forget the past.

Barack Obama has now claimed that if he becomes President, he's going to push and to help U.S. automakers to develop hybrid cars. In addition, he also wants to change the tax credit for hybrid vehicles so that there is no cap by manufacturer - something Obama has also proposed as a legislator.

So, what are we waiting for? Foreign oil dependency and global warming are important, but not important enough .......(more).

Obama to U.S. automakers: Make more hybrids

Maybe Barack should drive a more fuel efficient vehicle?

Barack Obama wants U.S. automakers to make more fuel efficient vehicles, especially hybrid cars. To achieve this goal, Obama would like to provide healthcare assistance to U.S. automakers so that automakers could utilize half their healthcare savings to invest in producing hybrids.

"For years, while foreign competitors were investing in more fuel-efficient technology for their vehicles, American automakers were spending their time investing in bigger, faster cars," Obama has stated according to a text of the Illinois senator's remarks that were provided to The Associated Press (more).

And consumers, such as Mr. Obama, have been buying these vehicles. Do consumers not share some of this lack of vision?

Mr. Obama typically drives a gas-guzzling SUV. Of course Mr. Obama, when questioned about his inefficient vehicle, claims its a flex-fuel vehicle. Sadly, since Mr. Obama spends much of his Illinois time in the Chicago area, he can't utilize flex-fuel because there are simply so few E85 pumps in that area. So, Mr. Obama has been a part of the problem, not the solution.

Even worse, it's not just Obama, it's the far majority of politicians of both parties. Leadership?

Read Obama's plan in comments

35 mpg by 2020?

Under a compromise, the Senate is planning to put forth a bill that would require automakers to achieve an average fuel economy of 35 mpg by 2020. The House is putting together their own bill. Consequently, I'll bet more compromise is to be expected. (Reuters)

Are U.S. automakers already dead?

Would the Volt electrify GM's profits?

There have been some very interesting stories in the media regarding the slide in pickup truck sales for U.S. automakers. In addition, SUV sales - at least on the larger SUVs - are also down, as gas skips over $3.00 per gallon on its way higher.

While U.S. automakers offer smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles, those vehicles are not money makers for Detroit. Pickups and SUVs offer the big profit margins that U.S. automakers need to survive. Thus, I wonder, can U.S. automakers survive if fuel efficiency rules the auto market?

Even if GM had developed the Toyota Prius and was the king of hybrid cars, rather than Toyota, would it even matter? The profit margins on the Prius are even more narrow than economy vehicles - many of which are not profitable.

Scary days. I absolutely want to see U.S. automakers thrive, but not at the expense of increased foreign oil dependency, and I won't even get into global warming. And, while Detroit might be able to compete at producing fuel efficient technologies, the real question is, can Detroit profit from fuel efficiency?

Former CIA Chief: Why all Americans should drive a Prius

The best tool for America's battle for foreign oil independence?

Former CIA Chief "drives a Prius, and he says that if you live in a country dependent on imported oil, it's your patriotic duty to do the same. His argument is simple: It's a bad thing for transport to depend on oil when the great majority of that oil lies in volatile parts of the world whose governments are hostile to the West. Moreover, he argues that, by making the Middle East so wealthy, we're indirectly subsidizing terror. For Woolsey, the cash register at your local gas station is a collection box for Al Qaeda. "We're paying for both sides in this war, and that's not a good long-term strategy," he says. "I have a bumper sticker on the back of my Prius that reads, 'Bin Laden hates this car.'"

Read the complete MotorTrend article.

Half of America supports a gas tax?

A fuel tax to fund alternative fuel research?

According to a survey released by the Civil Society Institute "more than half of Americans would support higher gasoline taxes if the money went to research into alternative fuels." (CNN)

I say, what a silly study.

While I favor a gasoline tax, I think the revenues derived from the tax should go only to consumers whom purchase hybrid cars, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, clean diesel vehicles, etc. Instead of using a gasoline tax to fund research, simply leave alternative fuels exempt from the tax. Thus, alternative fuels become more price competitive.

Giving tax revenue to fund research sounds too much like pork to me. Give it to 'the people', not to the people whom are owed political favors.

Auto Group to defend foreign oil dependency before Congress today

Forget global warming, foreign oil dependency is just too good!

Today, automakers "will take their hardest line in urging Congress not to raise fuel efficiency standards."

"Automakers acknowledge the debate in Washington has dramatically shifted in the past six months in favor of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, in light of growing concerns over climate change. They worry Congress will quickly pass a bill that will cost the industry more than $100 billion in the decade to come and force them to drop some types of larger vehicles, the most profitable for the Detroit Three. Automakers also argue that new standards could add as much as $5,000 to a vehicle's cost because of hybrid technology and other improvements, and that customers may not be willing to pay that cost."

Costs, huh? And foreign oil dependency hasn't had any costs? $100 billion? That's just a fraction of the costs for just the second war in Iraq, but let's forget about those costs.

(Source: DetroitNews)

Only 3 hybrids on 'pump-buster' list

The Honda Civic Natural Gas Vehicle is the top 'pump-buster'

Only 3 hybrid vehicles qualified as top 'pump-busters' by vehicle category according to Forbes Magazine - a point that Forbes appears to relish. Of course, there simply aren't any hybrids that fit into most of the vehicle categories chosen by Forbes, but who cares about those kinds of details?

Still, the Honda Civic hybrid, the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid each qualified as the top 'pump-busters' in their respective categories.

A123 Systems buys plug-in conversion company

Lithium battery maker buys Hymotion

A123 Systems, a leading developer of lithium-ion batteries, has acquired Hymotion, a hybrid-to-plugin hybrid conversion company according to A123.

"BREM (Battery Range Extender Modules) technology is the near-term answer for plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and, thanks to recent joint contracts with NYSERDA and the South Coast AQMD, no company had nearly as much real-world data on engineering aftermarket modules with A123Systems' batteries as Hymotion," said Akos Toth, Co-Founder and Director of Engineering of Hymotion. "Joining forces with A123Systems enables us to more efficiently address demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles today."

Some day soon, perhaps, BREM technology will make old hybrid cars much more valuable - as platforms to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles!

Celebrate Foreign Oil Dependence Day!

Let's Celebrate Foreign Oil Dependence this Independence Day!

I'm making up my own holiday, and if anyone else has already created such a holiday, I apologize. Nevertheless, this 4th of July, I'm not going to just celebrate American Independence, I'm going to celebrate America's dependence upon foreign oil.

This 4th of July is going to be my Foreign Oil Dependence Day Celebration!

Let's celebrate not just the first Iraq War, but both Iraq Wars!
Let's celebrate the Iranian hostage crisis and gas lines!
Let's celebrate $3.00 gas and pray for $5.00 gas!
Let's celebrate oil-funded terrorism!
Let's celebrate record oil company profits, as the gap between the rich and the poor widens!
Let's celebrate the suppression of technology!
Let's celebrate acid rain, smog and global warming!

This 4th of July, let's celebrate Foreign Oil Dependency Day! More on Foreign Oil Dependence Day.

Congress lobbied to lift hybrid tax credit cap

A123 Systems and Tesla both lobby Congress for help

A horde of auto-orientated lobbyists asked Congress for help yesterday with a number of clean vehicle and clean fuel technologies. Included in that lobbying was a request to remove the cap on hybrid tax credits, which was set at 60,000 hybrid vehicles per manufacturer. Consequently, the leading selling of hybrid cars, Toyota, is already down to a reduced credit that will soon expire completely. Most automakers, on the other hand, have yet to sell one full hybrid.

A123 Systems also lobbied Congress for help in its quest to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles, as did Tesla Motors regarding fully electric vehicles. (more)

Tahoe, Yukon hybrids ready by end of year?

Tahoe and Yukon hybrids still in development stages

GM was able to show off working versions of both the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid yesterday, according to the DetroitNews, but neither hybrid is yet production-ready.

"We're still in the development stages, but we're on track to have these vehicles ready by the fourth quarter of this year," said Larry Nitz, GM's executive director of hybrid technology.

GM's first two full hybrid vehicles, utilizing GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain, are expected to offer a 25 percent increase in fuel economy.

April auto sales down? Not for the Prius

Prius posts best-ever April sales

Despite a severely reduced clean vehicle tax credit, the Toyota Prius still posted record sales for the month of April, selling 13,056 units.

While most automakers had a tough month of sales in April, it appears that once again hybrid cars have helped Toyota stay above the pack.

Ford's consumer research

I'll take the Reflex over the Explorer any day

According to Susan Cischke, senior vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering at Ford, "Research shows that Americans want more fuel-efficient cars, yet they don't want to drive smaller vehicles. And they still have a need to move people, haul things and tow boats and other loads," according to an article on CNN.

Obviously, there are many Americans whom want large vehicles, but many Americans have already switched to smaller vehicles - a fact which made Honda so successful, for example. Has Ford forever given up on these consumers? Is Ford becoming a niche automaker, only making trucks and SUVs? Can we expect nothing but hybrid trucks and SUVs from Ford?

I don't know, but I certainly have some questions about Ford's research.

Is the U.S. on the wrong end of hybrid technology?

I'm glad it's NOT powered by a Hemi

Toyota has received an incredible amount of green buzz because of the Toyota Prius. While some argue that Toyota isn't deserving of all this praise because they still make far more gas guzzlers than hybrid cars, Toyota definitely made a statement about the future with the Prius.

On the other hand, if Toyota had made its first hybrid a more power-focused hybrid, such as the Lexus RX 400h, then Toyota's hybrid efforts would have been largely ignored.

Yet, power hybrids are all that seem to be coming out of Detroit, except for the Ford Escape hybrid. Chrysler's first hybrids will include huge Hemi engines. GM's first dual mode hybrids will be large, powerful gas guzzlers, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. Yes, these hybrids will offer significant improvements in fuel economy, but they will still use a lot of fuel.

While I realize that the big truck segment is very important to Detroit, are these hybrids going to change Detroit's image? I doubt it. Without a Prius contender I just don't see Detroit's hybrid efforts offering much help to U.S. automakers until at least the Chevy Volt - and that's just too far into the future.