Energy Bill: Billions and Billions for nuclear power, but not for hybrids?

No help for efficient-minded consumers?

"A one-sentence provision buried in the Senate’s recently passed energy bill, inserted without debate at the urging of the nuclear power industry, could make builders of new nuclear plants eligible for tens of billions of dollars in government loan guarantees."(NYTimes)

This is not the forum for a nuclear energy debate, but it seems ridiculous that the government's biggest handouts always go to big business - big businesses that use billions in tax incentives to achieve billions in profits. Yet, the benefits provided by these businesses seem to cost American consumers more and more.

What about giving smart consumers the power to reward companies that make smart decisions?

Over and over I have been told how important the clean vehicle tax credit has been to the buyers of hybrid cars? Yet, Toyota's hybrid tax credits are essentially expired. Is that how you reward companies for doing the right thing? More important, isn't it essential to help citizens and consumers to make better choices, such as buying more fuel efficient vehicles?

If it was GM or Ford, rather than Toyota, that was the hybrid sales leader, would hybrid tax credits still have been capped by manufacturer? Would they have been capped at all?

Whether it is Democrats or Republicans, it seems there is one phrase that best describes America's politicians - pork-barrel pigs.

Hybrid resale growth still growing

Almost as expensive as the new model?

Have you shopped hybrid vehicles lately? Did you think that looking for a used hybrid might be the better the path, as a way to save a few bucks?

If so, then you've probably been disappointed with the high resale value of many hybrids. According to Manheim, "the world's largest provider of auto remarketing services, resale of hybrids continues to enjoy strong and steady growth (up 53 percent from January to May, 2007)."

(Source: AutoTrader)

Can GM turn profits into increased U.S. auto sales?

More money for Volt development?

The U.S. auto industry is dead, right?

Well, maybe there is still a little life. Last week Ford surprised analysts with a better than expected quarter, and, today, GM reported its third profitable quarter in a row, achieving almost 900 million in profit for the second quarter.

And, GM needs this profit. While the company is doing well in foreign markets, U.S. vehicle sales continue to be sluggish.

"Slower-than-expected sales GM's new full-size pickup have hurt GM, which still relies heavily on sales of highly profitable trucks and SUV. A slowdown in the housing market and rising fuel prices are keeping keep buyers away, and competitors foreign and domestic have piled on incentives to move their trucks," writes the the DetroitNews this morning.

Something like the Chevy Volt, more dual mode hybrid vehicles, especially a full hybrid car, and a plug-in Saturn Vue have great potential to drive the same kind of green buzz that Toyota received from the Prius.

In a nutshell, new technologies have the ability to drive new consumers to GM and to increase U.S. marketshare, and, hopefully, a few profitable quarters can provide a large enough financial cushion to enable GM to fast track some of these emerging technologies.

Toyota adds cheaper 2008 Prius to lineup

Overall, Prius prices mostly unchanged

Sometime in August Toyota will begin selling the 2008 Toyota Prius. While there won't be any major changes to either the vehicle or its pricing, Toyota is adding a cheaper standard model, which will list for $20,950.

The hard-to-find Touring edition will begin at $23,220.

Possibly, in late 2008, Toyota will begin adding its third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive to the Prius and the rest of Toyota hybrid vehicles.

Th!nk Big - Now that's smart.

Now that's a mobile computer

Electric vehicles don't make sense in America. They are typically too small, too expensive and their range is too limited. In reality, electric vehicles don't meet the plethora of needs most Americans demand from their vehicles. Inevitably, electric vehicles require people to think differently, and Americans aren't always keen to change.

Nonetheless, Th!nk could be a force for such change. It's not that a Th!nk vehicle is so awesome, but it serves a purpose - commuting in the city, a task many do by themselves and within the range an electric vehicle can achieve, but that isn't really where Th!nk is thinking different.

When Dell started selling computers online, computer costs dropped. No stores, no rent and an efficient delivery system equaled cheaper computers, and Th!nk believes cars could be sold the same way - reducing the costs of EV technology.

So, it's ugly? Yup, but its not just an electric vehicle, it's an electronic gadet - an Ipod, a computer, and an IM and texting machine. In fact the Th!nk model is almost MySpace on wheels, and such an idea could be a big hit with teens and twenty-somethings, which could create future generations of Th!nkers.

Th!nk electric vehicles aren't going to kill the gasoline vehicle. Yet, they could help transform American transportation. For urbanites, an all electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle could meet almost every family's needs, while helping to completely change America's energy paradigm. Now that's Th!nking!

Besides, isn't it time for America to start thinking big about energy and transportation?

CAFE: Toyota's bad, growing addiction?

Toyota just loves trucks too much?

Toyota has long made excellent vehicles, but when it comes to the environment, Toyota has always lagged far behind its Japanese rival, Honda. Nevertheless, when Toyota pushed ahead with the Prius, despite mockery from the rest of the automotive world, it seemed the automaker might just be ready to push ahead of Honda.

Then again, it isn't just the Prius, it's all of Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

While most hybrid hype is placed upon the Prius, the Toyota Camry hybrid has quietly become a strong seller itself, a trend that I bet will only pick up pace. Moreover, if Toyota is correct when it claims that the price difference between hybrids and conventional gasoline vehicles will disappear within the next decade, then the Camry hybrid might soon outsell the Prius.

Thus, it's completely dumbfounding that Toyota continues to join the Big 3 against a significant increase in CAFE. If the future is all hybrid, as Toyota claims, and the hybrid price differential will soon end - another Toyota claim - then 35 mpg fleet economy should be a cake-walk by 2020.

So, what's up with Toyota? Does it fear high CAFE standards will destroy U.S. automakers and bring a backlash against foreign autos? Is Toyota still uncertain about the future of hybrids? Or, are the ridiculous profit margins of large, gas-guzzling vehicles just too bloody addictive?

Where's the kaizen?

Greenpeace doesn't see hybrid vehicles as a solution

Greenpeace protests Porsche hybrid announcement

Climate pigs. That's what Greenpeace calls the vehicles that Porsche produces, according to the Wall Street Journal.

"Greenpeace Thursday staged a demonstration outside the Porsche's Stuttgart, Germany headquarters on the same day the company gave a public demonstration of the new gas-electric vehicle."

"According to the group's spokesman, Guenter Hubmann, about 17 activists arrived in the early morning, bringing with them a pink-colored Cayenne disguised as a pig. A banner read, 'Porsche builds climate pigs'."

In addition, Greenpeace stated they do not support hybrid vehicles as a solution to global warming. Whether that means that Greenpeace simply doesn't support hybrids in general, or as a solution to Porsche's hybrids was not made clear.

Stop the gas hybrid versus plug-in hybrid nonsense

A Prius before Hymotion converted into a plug-in Prius

"I predict that the plug-in revolution will make the current gas-electric hybrid phenomenon look like a weak prelude to a much bigger change in our driving."

That's a quote by David Kiley, of BusinessWeek. I already attacked this article earlier this week, but I'm attacking it again, but from a different approach.

C'mon David. The Prius is much more than just a prelude to the so-called plug-in revolution, it IS the cause of the plug-in revolution. More important, the Prius will be an integral part of the hybrid revolution. Already, the Prius is being converted into a 100 mpg plug-in Prius with today's technology, David.

Ultimately, the gas-electric hybrid phenomenon is an integral piece of the so-called 'plug-in revolution'. In reality, however, it is 'plug-ins' that are part of the hybrid revolution. Hybrids ARE NOT limited to gasoline-electric technology. That is just one manifestation of hybrid technology, just as plug-in hybrids are another manifestation of hybrid technology.

Hybrid vehicles, because they have the ability to run on liquid fuel and/or electricity, have already started the revolution that lithium powered hybrids and plug-in hybrids will advance. A plug-in hybrid is simply the natural evolution of a hybrid.

Stop this hybrid versus plug-in hybrid nonsense, David. The plug-in hybrid revolution has already begun, and it has begun because of gasoline-electric hybrids.

Swiss: Prius is world's greenest car

More accolades for the Prius

When it comes to hybrid cars, it isn't uncommon for most to think of the Toyota Prius. While many claim the Prius has become the poster-child of hybrid vehicles because of its unique look, many buy the Prius because of its great fuel economy, as well as its minimalist effect upon the environment.

And, the Prius has just achieved some more environmental creds. The Prius is now the World's Greenest Car according to the Swiss government (more).

2008 Lexus RX400h pricing announced

Lexus hybrid price stays the same

In 2008, the Lexus RX400h will start at the same price as it did in 2007, $41,800. The all-wheel drive RX400h will also remain the same at $42,580.

For the most part, the 2008 RX h will be the same as the 2007 RX h, except the 2008 model will receive "several styling enhancements including a restyled front grille design, new exterior chrome door handles, a new finish on the five-spoke, 18-inch wheels, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. The world's first luxury utility hybrid also receives seven new exterior colors including Smoky Granite Mica, Golden Almond Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Breakwater Blue Metallic, Brandy Wine Mica, Desert Sage Metallic and Matador Red Mica."

Will Toyota sell its Plug-in HV?

A Prius Plug-in hybrid from Hybrids-Plus

So, Toyota will test a plug-in hybrid vehicle based upon the Prius, but using NiMH batteries, rather than lithium-ion batteries.

For what purpose?

Most feel the future of hybrid cars is completely dependent upon lithium-ion technology. Unfortunately, there are still a few too many safety issues for any major automaker to make a push into lithium-powered hybrid vehicles, especially lithium-powered plug-in hybrid vehicles - at least at this time.

When push comes to shove, there seems little reason to test a plug-in hybrid with NiMH batteries if the future is lithium, UNLESS Toyota is willing to sell such a vehicle - even in limited quantities.

So, will Toyota sell a NiMH powered Toyota Plug-In HV?

--> More on Toyota's Plug-in HV

Study claims 35 mpg CAFE is 'economically feasible'

If the Volt is 'technologically feasible' by 2010, then how can 35 mpg not be?

Congress and Detroit. Two peas in a pod? If there was ever a common element between politicians and automakers, it has to be vision. Or, more precisely, a lack thereof.

O.K., the House of Reps. is going to delay any action regarding fuel economy until Fall - something that will make automakers breathe a little easier the next few months. While automakers show off fancy cars, possibly able to achieve 100 mpg by 2012, they also continue to argue that 35 mpg is not 'technologically feasible' by 2020 - a claim I disputed on Tuesday.

Yet, not only is 35 mpg easily 'technologically feasible' by 2020, it is even more economically feasible than not achieving this higher level of CAFE, according to a new study cited by Edmunds.

"Detroit's automakers would collectively earn $14.4 billion by 2017, the study says, under the toughest standards being considered by Congress: a combined car and truck average of 35 mpg by 2018. The U of M auto brain trust calculates that indexing mileage targets to vehicle size wouldn't penalize Detroit with its truck-heavy lineups the way the existing car and truck standards do. Instead, the domestic automakers would be allowed to aim for a lower target — around 33 mpg — while Japanese rivals that are top-heavy with passenger cars might need to average 38 mpg. "

Why doesn't Congress get off its ass and do something meaningful? Forcing, while helping, Detroit to build as many hybrid cars today, while developing tomorrow's plug-in hybrids, seems to be the best thing Congress could do for Detroit - and America.

So, show some vision already!

Green Technology: GM versus Toyota

Automotive Evolution: Adaptation versus the Big Bang?

Ever since the Chevy Volt Concept debuted at NAIAS, many auto journalists have called it a Prius killer, claiming the technology was so much more advanced than the Prius, or at least claiming that the Volt's technology was so much more advanced than Toyota's hybrid technology.

The other day, another similar comment was made by BW's David Kiley, "GM, of course, was the hit of last January’s Detroit auto show when it debuted the Chevy Volt plug in. It was the first time in recent years that GM appeared to be ahead of Toyota, or even equal, in the arena of alternative and greener vehicles."

What? Why?

Thus far GM offers a few mild hybrids (Yes, I know they offer full hybrid buses!). More important, there isn't yet a fully functional Volt, and yet some can claim the technology is better than Toyota's hybrid vehicles?

--> Finish Green Technology: GM versus Toyota

Porsche to go super hybrid

70 mph on the electric engine alone

Porsche has announced plans to develop a Porsche Cayenne hybrid that will be 25 percent more fuel efficient than a conventional Cayenne. More interesting, however, the hybrid Cayenne will be able to cruise on pure electricity up to 70 mph. Toyota hybrid vehicles, for example, can only drive in all-electric mode up to around 30 mph.

So, what is Porsche's secret? I wish I knew.

Hybrids have saved 230 million gallons of gas so far

Still just a drop in the gas bucket

Since hybrid vehicles first hit the road, they have saved 230 million gallons of gas according to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Unfortunately, that amount of fuel saved doesn't even equal a full day's worth of gasoline consumption. Nonetheless, NREL believes hybrids can have a huge impact on fuel consumption.

"Although the fuel savings from hybrid vehicles to date is relatively small compared to the total fuel use, as the technology matures and these numbers increase, they can have a significant impact on reducing our overall transportation fuel use."

Toyota's odd plug-in tests are official

Toyota will test plug-ins

Toyota has confirmed that it will test plug-in hybrids. Oddly, however, the Toyota Plug-in HV will be tested using NiMH batteries, rather than lithium-ion batteries. According to Toyota, the Toyota Plug-in HV, based upon the Prius, will only achieve about 8 miles of pure electric power.

So, what's going on? Does a NiMH-powered plug-in hybrid demonstrate that there are problems with Toyota's lithium batteries? Obviously, a lithium-powered plug-in hybrid would offer better performance than a NiMH-powered plug-in. Of course, lithium also would cost more, and there are still safety issues.

Is this just more proof that Toyota's third generation Prius will not be lithium powered? Might the third generation Prius include a plug-in option - still using NiMH batteries - as a way of advancing the Hybrid Synergy Drive without utilizing lithium?

Avis expands hybrid lineup

Altima hybrid is now part of the 'cool car' collection

In addition to the Toyota Prius, Avis will also add the Nissan Altima hybrid to their list of available hybrid vehicles for rent. So, if you've been contemplating a hybrid for your next purchase, rent one from Avis and test drive the technology of the future.

Unfortunately, however, the ability to rent hybrids is limited by state. According to Avis, "The Nissan Altima Hybrid will be available at Avis locations throughout California. The Toyota Prius is available at locations in California, Portland, Ore., Seattle and Washington, D.C. The Toyota Prius hybrid will also be available in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and Philadelphia by the end of the year. Both the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Prius are available with guaranteed reservations."

What is "technically feasible" fuel economy?

Aren't automakers duping consumers?

A 'technically feasible' approach to fuel economy has become the new buzzword among automakers, including Toyota, the king of hybrid cars. Yet, if a Toyota Prius can achieve almost 50 mpg and a Camry hybrid can achieve more than 40 mpg, then why are automakers fighting even 35 mpg as a new CAFE standard?

The new CAFE standards will not even go into effect until 2020. By then, Toyota, for example, will probably be on at least their 5th generation of hybrid technology. Even hybrid late-comers, such as GM and Ford, will have already moved through multiple generations of hybrid technology.

--> Finish: What is 'technically feasible' fuel economy?

Americans want 35 mpg CAFE standard

Pew finds overwhelming support from voters

A survey conducted in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Tennessee and Ohio between July 13 and July 20, found that "almost 90 percent of the 3,900 likely voters surveyed favor requiring the automobile industry to improve fuel efficiency" to 35 mpg by 2018.

Those surveyed believe that increasing fuel economy will both reduce gasoline prices and decrease fuel economy. Most surveyed also do not believe that increasing fuel economy would adversely affect the U.S. economy.

InsideLine chooses Camry as best hybrid sedan

Camry hybrid was "the obvious winner"

InsideLine recently completed a comparison of hybrid sedans, testing the Toyota Camry hybrid, the Saturn Aura hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid.

"It's the Camry's abundant features, comfortable ride and fuel-sipping efficiency that take it to the top of the podium in this test. Just like the standard Camry, the simple fact is the Camry Hybrid gives you a lot of car for your money."

Once again, Toyota proves it knows hybrid cars.

Still, the Nissan Altima hybrid did catch the attention of the testers at Edmunds. "Finally. A hybrid with decent steering and a responsive chassis. What took so long?" So, if you are willing to give up some fuel economy for sportier handling, then the Altima hybrid is worth a look in this segment.

The Aura hybrid, unfortunately, it just too much of a mild hybrid and achieved far less fuel economy than the other two hybrid sedans, especially in the city, where Camry hybrid was more than twice as fuel efficient as the Aura. However, for purely highway drivers, looking to spend as little as possible on a hybrid sedan, the Aura hybrid might work, especially if you are committed to GM products.

The reality of plug-in hybrid conversions

A Toyota Prius prepped for plug-in conversion

It was great to watch an actual plug-in hybrid conversion this weekend at Hybridfest in Madison, WI. It was equally as great to speak with plug-in conversion specialists, such as Davide Andrea and Ann Colcord of HybridsPlus.

Unfortunately, however, it isn't all great news regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles.

--> Finish: Reality of plug-in hybrid conversions

Compact Power sees billion dollar future in Volt

Compact ready to supply all of the Volt's battery needs

Compact Power, a subsidiary of LG Chem Ltd., wants to be the lithium battery maker of choice for GM's Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

"There's a lot of momentum now behind the electrification of the vehicle," Prabhakar Patil, CEO of Compact Power, told Reuters in an interview. "If it succeeds, it's going to be a game-changer."

And it won't just be a game changer, but a money maker, as Patil sees a billion dollar market for electric and plug-in hybrid batteries in the next 5 to 10 years.

Recently, Compact Power developed a new liquid cooling system and separator technology to help prevent their battery pack from overheating - a key concern regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles. In addition, Compact Power is developing a V2G, or Vehicle to Grid, feature that could help offset the cost of the Volt by enabling it to reduce home electricity costs.

HybridFest drives the hybrid experience

The hybrid future hits Madison, WI

Ever see a hybrid vehicle converted in a plug-in hybrid?

I did, this weekend at Hybridfest, where Hymotion converted a Toyota Prius into a plug-in hybrid vehicle to the delight of scores of hybrid fans. While that was a major highlight of the two day event, it was not the only major highlight.

Large crowds found numerous plug-in hybrids at the event, as well as the engineers and mechanics whom are converting hybrid cars into plug-in hybrids. In addition, private owners of plug-in hybrids offered their first hand experiences of plug-in hybrid ownership.

Hybridfest also included Toyota's mobile hybrid experience that enables visitors to learn about the technologies that are going to power the automotive future. And, of course, there were many hybrid cars and a hybrid driving course for those interested in test-driving a hybrid. Even the more politically-inclined hybrid fans found a number of interesting speakers at the show discussing issues involving global warming, tax incentives for hybrids and ideas on how the people and the government should get involved.

The point is, Hybridfest is worth checking out, and I plan on going back next year. More important, I have a feeling this event is only going to get bigger and better.

Study suggests plug-in hybrids would reduce emissions

Plug-in hybrids an important tool to fight CO2 emissions?

"If motorists used rechargeable "plug-in" hybrid-electric vehicles in large numbers, the U.S. could see a significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the century, says a study released Thursday."

The hype around plug-in hybrid vehicles just keeps building.

Source: MSNBC

$1000.00 price drop for 2008 Camry hybrid!

Camry or Camry hybrid - price is getting closer

The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid will have a base price of $25,200, which is $1,000.00 less than the 2007 model. The new Camry hybrid will arrive in dealerships later this month.

A hybrid view from the Midwest

Does anyone drive hybrids in the middle of America?

I'm in LaCrosse, WI, and I've already seen more hybrid cars in a few hours than I thought I would see in the whole state. Sometimes the media makes it seem as if hybrids are just some radical left coast, California thing. Not true.

Not only have I seen a number of different hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry hybrid and Honda Civic hybrid, I've seen fleets of hybrids in use by local businesses, such as a hospital. Yes, hybrids don't seem quite as popular as in SoCal, but they are more popular here in Middle America than I thought was possible.

Hybrid haters beware. The hybrid revolution is on!

4x as many hybrid sales by 2012

Hybrid sales are just getting started

While a lot has been written about declining interest in hybrid vehicles recently, the truth is that hybrid sales are growing and will continue to grow rapidly. According to Kiplingers, by 2012 hybrid sales will increase by 4 times.

Additionally, around that same time, Toyota has claimed that the price difference between hybrids and conventional vehicles might not even exist any more, or it will at least be very minimal. Consequently, if you could purchase a vehicle, such as a Toyota Camry hybrid, rather than a regular Camry, it seems obvious that most consumers would choose the vehicle that is 30 percent more fuel efficient.

Earlier this week I wrote that critics and automakers underestimate hybrids at their peril. If hybrid costs decline as the technology gets better and gas prices increase, the future certainly will be - as Toyota claims - all hybrid.

Hybrid car design starting to show more flash?

Hybrids causing 'packages' to evolve

The first generation Toyota Prius was a pretty ugly car, and while the second generation Prius improved its design cues and curves, many still don't like the look. So, why did Toyota design the Prius in such a way?

Even though the 'boring' designs of hybrid vehicles might be about to change in a big way, according to Once Frumpy, Green Cars Start Showing Some Flash, the future might be more like the Prius. As technology advances and changes, the 'packages' of technology also change - adapting and morphing from the ground up.

Essentially, the Prius 'look' was significantly driven by its hybrid architecture. The Prius, unlike most hybrids, is a zen-like combination of design and technology.

"The basic design of any car is dictated by the placement and size of engines, batteries, fuel and so on. These affect where passengers and luggage go. Together, they make up what designers call the package. As changes occur in motors, he said, “people come to accept the new look, as they accept the flat wedge airfoil shape of the Prius,” he said. “In the long run, new designs and layout and architecture will have to come out from underneath, from the basic technology.”

Saturn hybrids and GS450h not allowed in HOV

No carpool lane access for you

The EPA has determined that both the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Saturn Aura hybrid, in addition to the Lexus GS450h, will not be allowed the hybrid exemption for HOV access.

All other current hybrid vehicles retain HOV rights, at least as far as the Federal government is concerned. Some states, such as California, already have far stricter HOV access requirements.

Toyota to plug-in the Prius?

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

Several weeks ago rumors spilled out of Japan claiming that the third generation Prius, and all third generation hybrids, were going to be delayed - at least as far as being lithium powered.

Now, the new rumor coming out of Japan is that Toyota is going to test a plug-in Prius on the streets of Japan.

It would seem a plug-in Prius would be far more battery intensive than simply a conventional Prius with lithium-ion batteries, rather than NiMH batteries. So, does that mean rumors of a lithium-powered Prius are untrue?

Thus far, Toyota has not made any official comments aside from some executives whom claimed a lithium Prius was ready, and that Toyota would produce plug-in hybrid vehicles as soon as the technology was ready.

So, is plug-in technology ready? Is a lithium Prius ready? I guess we're just going to have to wait and see.

Chevy Volt: A reason for Congress to be light on fuel economy?

A tool to fight CAFE legislation?

GM will take a Chevy Volt hybrid to Congress today to try to convince some undecided members of Congress "why the company believes the long-term answer to energy independence is through biofuels and the electrification of the automobile, rather than spending tens of billions of dollars to meet 4 percent annual corporate average fuel efficiency." (more)

Well, if the Volt is a real technology, then doesn't GM have the technology to meet even the most strict CAFE requirements? It's not as if GM is required to meet the new CAFE requirements immediately. Besides, isn't this the same excuse GM has used for decades against CAFE, except with fuel cell vehicles?

Even the technology powering today's hybrid vehicles almost meets the CAFE requirements set for 2020. The next generation of hybrid technology will certainly meet these requirements.

Today, America is as dependent upon foreign oil as 20 years ago, despite the assurances from automakers then that increasing fuel economy would prevent technologies, such as fuel cells, from freeing America from foreign oil.

Well, Detroit, where are the fuel cell vehicles promised?

Ultimately, the Big 3 didn't live up to their end of the bargain, and the dangers of foreign oil dependency have since increased significantly. Can America afford to take the same risk again?

Keeping up with the Jones: Another utility to test plug-in hybrids

Where's the cars?

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. will now join the growing list of utilities testing plug-in hybrid vehicles on the electric grid. While these kinds of feasibility studies are needed and important, it almost feels as if these announcements are more about P.R. than reality. Buzz and hype.

Every major automaker claims that plug-in hybrids are 5 to 10 years away from mass-produced reality. Inevitably, it's not just the effect plug-ins will have upon the grid that requires study, its the long term reliability of such vehicles in the real world hands of numerous consumers in numerous driving conditions that most concerns automakers.

Underestimate hybrids at your peril?

If you believe hybrid critics, Toyota should dump plans for the third generation Prius

I didn't buy my first computer until the late '90's. Yet, my interest in computers goes back to the mid '80's, when I wanted a Commodore 64. But, that is the way of emerging technologies.

Today, hybrid technology is also an emerging technology, despite the fact that some mainstream buyers are going hybrid and the incredible success of the Toyota Prius - the same vehicle many of these hybrid critics once called a joke.

Oh, how wrong those critics have been.

As hybrid critics, including some automakers, continue to question and ridicule hybrids, Toyota just keeps trucking along with its hybrid technology. In just a little over a year, Toyota will be launching its third generation of hybrid technology. In addition, Toyota will be adding a couple new hybrid-only brands to its lineup of hybrid vehicles.

---> Finish: Underestimate hybrids at your peril

Hybrid interest dropped in 2007?

J.D. Power says interest in hybrids dropped in 2007

The DetroitNews is reporting that interest in hybrid cars has dropped 7 percent in 2007. "In the 2006 study, we found consumers often overestimated the fuel-efficiency of hybrid electric vehicles, and the decrease in consideration of hybrids in 2007 may be a result of their more realistic understanding of the actual fuel economy," said Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power.

Ironically, as interest in hybrids supposedly dropped, and as Toyota hybrid tax credits have been reduced to almost nothing, the Toyota Prius has become one of the top 10 best selling cars in America as 2007 Prius sales have pummeled 2006 sales. Likewise, the Camry hybrid has seen stellar first year sales.

Somehow, I think this study is missing something.

OnStar Discount coming

A nice feature when you buy your GM hybrid

Soon, GM will start selling its dual mode hybrid vehicles, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. A service that will be included with these vehicles is GM's OnStar navigation system.

While I don't own a GM vehicle, I was given a demonstration of the OnStar system by the fine OnStar staff when I was at NAIAS. Wow, does this navigation system blow away any other navigation system I've seen.

And, soon, OnStar will begin offering a discount up to 54% on the service for those whom drive less than 15,000 miles per year. GMAC insurance will offer a similar plan.