Best Hybrid Vehicles: Financially Speaking

No surprise the Prius is number one

CNN has put together a list of the most cost-effective hybrid vehicles based on data from Edmunds.com.

The study assumes steady gas prices and yearly mileage of 15,000 miles. However, a major flaw, in my opinion, is that there is no distinction based upon the type of driving that is done. For example, if you drive any of the full hybrids most often in urban traffic, then the cost effectiveness of these hybrids becomes even more effective. Thus, if you drive a Toyota Prius in predominantly city driving, then the Prius is an even better investment.

Likewise, the study is purely about costs. Thus, a hybrid doesn't have to really save any fuel, it's just about a hybrid's cost-effectiveness versus it's conventional counterpart. Even though, for example, the Malibu hybrid offers "only a modest fuel economy improvement", it ranks as number 2. Finish......

Toyota hybrid price increase

2008 Prius at the LA Auto Show

Toyota will increase the price of two of its hybrid vehicles by $150.00. The Toyota Prius, starting December 17, will have a base MSRP of $21,100 for the base model and $23,370 on the Touring model.

The Toyota Camry hybrid, starting January 21, 2008, will have a base MSRP of $25,350.

CAFE reality: Most interested in hybrids, but few buyers

Most still pick the Camry over the Camry hybrid

There is a belief, especially among hybrid critics, that the Toyota Prius is the best selling hybrid vehicle because it looks different. While there are some that buy the Prius purely for status, many others buy it purely for fuel economy.

But there is another reason that might be even more important when considering hybrids cars and fuel economy: short term versus long term thinking. Finish.....

Epoch - The Holy Grail of Lithium?

Valence's Epoch battery

"Branded Epoch™, Valence believes its new generation of phosphate-based lithium-ion battery systems will move the electric vehicle industry one step closer to the Holy Grail – finding a battery solution that is safe, intelligent, lasts longer and weighs less than outdated technologies being used today. Epoch batteries are equipped with an advanced management system that will monitor and adjust cell performance so battery packs will always operate at their optimum performance capacity. Epoch batteries present a safe, powerful and reliable energy solution designed to be low maintenance, cost competitive and environmentally friendly."

Obviously, there are other important issues to battery success, such as cost. Additionally, press releases often are used more as a financing tool, rather than a sales tool. Nonetheless, as the race to the next generation of batteries continues, it is only inevitable before significantly better and cheaper batteries power next generation hybrid cars, plug-in vehicles, electric cars and even fuel cell vehicles.

Why the Chevy Volt will succeed

It really is more than just a hype machine!

I'm not sure that there has ever been a concept vehicle that has resulted in more PR and hype than GM's Chevy Volt plug-in.

For instance, despite the fact that GM received the first and only lithium battery pack for the Chevy Volt just a few weeks ago, David Kiley of Business Week has already claimed that the Volt is "miles ahead" of Toyota and Honda. Yet, today there isn't one single Volt prototype that utilizes ANY of the potential Volt battery packs. There is still the potential - which will only be found in real world testing - that the battery packs currently planned just won't work.

Crazy!

But there is a change brewing in the world and I've been in a crazy sort of a mood since the LA Auto Show. Actually this current streak of insanity dates back a few weeks before the LA Show. That's when my belief in the automotive revolution changed, and I've since been reevaluating all my beliefs. Finish.....

Raser takes another step towards 100 mpg hybrid

Symetron Plug-in hybrid coming soon

Back in October, Raser announced that it would partner with FEV Engine to build plug-in hybrid vehicles capable of more than 100 mpg using Symetron electric motor and electronic drive technology. Today, Raser updated those plans with an announcement that a major OEM had agreed to help the partnership produce the first fully functional demonstration Symetron plug-in hybrid SUV.

Jim Spellman, Raser Technology’s Vice President of Transportation stated, “By combining the strengths of the three companies in this project, Raser plans to demonstrate the plug-in-hybrid benefits for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. We believe that this vehicle can be designed to recharge from a regular 110V or 220V outlet and driven in excess of 400 miles using stored grid power and its onboard generation capability.”

The best of hybrid vehicles is yet to come.

Iceland takes another step towards the hydrogen economy

Iceland opens first public hydrogen station

By the middle of this century, Iceland plans to be fossil fuel free. By converting geothermal and hydroelectric power sources into hydrogen, Iceland plans to be the world's first fully functional hydrogen economy.

"The future prospects for hydrogen are very bright," Jon Bjorn Skulason, general manager of Icelandic New Energy, told Reuters in an interview. "There is no other fuel in the world that fills the demands that fossil fuel fills today."

Now that's vision.

Flex-fuel credit all but guaranteed

Corn is a political force

The House and Senate are close to approving a CAFE bill calling for 35 mpg by 2020 and, even though ethanol causes more harm than good, ethanol credits will be extended.

"We're very close to a deal," U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Lansing, said in an interview Wednesday. "The bumper sticker aspects of the bill may not be significantly altered, but we are providing enough flexibility and practicality to make this achievable."

In other words, enough loopholes will exist that this legislation will, ultimately, accomplish little in terms of either foreign oil dependency or global warming. By 2020, there will be many more cars on the road and many more drivers which will significantly increase energy consumption.

CAFE is not the answer.

Tesla picks new CEO

Ready to move forward

Last year, following the Detroit Auto Show, Tesla's CEO Martin Eberhard couldn't contain his criticism of GM's Chevy Volt. Yet, under Eberhard's leadership, Tesla has missed multiple targets and has begun to resemble nothing more than a big PR, fund-raising gimmick.

That might be about to change, as Tesla has now, finally, hired a new CEO to take Tesla to the next level.

"To that end, it is with great pleasure that I announce that Ze'ev Drori will become CEO of Tesla Motors, effective December 3rd."Ze'ev is a successful high-tech entrepreneur and an experienced chief executive with the proven ability to create and manage companies with innovative products in both the high-tech and automotive sectors. He has more than 30 years of continual success and has demonstrated the ability to lead a company from conception to profitability, a public offering and thousands of employees. Elon Musk

What's up with Honda's Clarity Fuel Cell PR Campaign?

Still years away from reality?

I'm not a big channel surfer when it comes to TV. In fact, I'm a pretty boring TV watcher, although I do watch a ton of TV. All day long, CNBC is on in the background, and numerous times per day, everyday, I see Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle commercials.

What's the deal, yo?

I love this car - it won my pick for the Best of the LA Auto Show. Still, Honda is only going to lease, at best, a few hundred of these vehicles in the next few years (that is just an educated guess). So, why so much PR?

Is Honda seeking a halo effect, much like the Prius brought to Toyota? Or, is this Honda's challenge to GM's Chevy Volt? Or, is Honda simply trying to create momentum for the creation of the hydrogen highway? Maybe it's all of the above?

Is this commercial only being shown in the LA area - the only area where you will be able to lease a Clarity? I'm a little unclear, but it seems a shockingly aggressive campaign.

A social revolution to get CAFE right?

Is the public for or against such vehicles?

I'm not a big fan of CAFE. Ultimately, I think 35 mpg by 2020 is largely worthless legislation that will be filled with loopholes. Still, new CAFE legislation will at least create a little momentum towards better fuel economy.

David Kiley of BW has an interesting blog on this topic. Ultimately, the government is going to have to provide uncapped tax incentives for hybrid cars, clean diesels, etc - something I called for this morning - to make CAFE worthwhile. Additionally, Kiley calls for a gas-guzzler tax that I love. Finish....

The Bush, Republican, Big Oil and Iraq Conspiracy

One of the biggest increases in foreign oil dependency happened on Clinton's watch

I just finished posting a comment on the GreenCarCongress website about Google's commitment to making renewable energy cheaper than coal. Actually, it wasn't so much about Google, but some comments to the article that referenced the Big Oil, Bush and Iraq conspiracy.

STOP this nonsense. Finish...

Ethanol blocking CAFE

Time to end the ethanol loophole

The DetroitNews is reporting that Congress is close to finishing off a 35 mpg by 2020 energy bill, however, "several congressional sources and auto industry lobbyists said the major issue is the fuel economy credit automakers get for making flexible-fuel or dual-fuel vehicles."

Thus far ethanol is a joke that has caused more harm than good. Sure, cellulosic ethanol holds promise, but corn-based ethanol should not be used as an excuse not to produce more fuel efficient vehicles.

Shouldn't CAFE be limited just to fuel economy? If automakers and Congress want to work on biofuels, incorporate that legislation into gas taxes. For instance, offer a lesser fuel tax for greener alternative fuels, but let's at least keep CAFE about fuel economy and fuel efficiency-increasing technologies, such as hybrid cars and clean diesel vehicles, for example.

No gimmicks. No excuses. 35 mpg means 35 mpg. Keep it simple.

Exxon moving from oil to batteries?

No future in oil?

ExxonMobil Chemical and ExxonMobil's Japanese affiliate, Tonen Chemical, have developed new film technologies for lithium-ion batteries with the potential to improve the energy efficiency and affordability of next generation hybrid and electric vehicles, states a press release from Exxon.

“By developing new film technologies that allow lithium-ion batteries to meet hybrid and electric vehicle requirements, ExxonMobil Chemical is helping to make next generation vehicles more energy and cost efficient, as well as lighter,” said Jim P. Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “We are currently working with industry-leading battery manufacturers to expand the boundaries of current hybrid and electric vehicle applications.”

According to the book ZOOM, oil is more and more being controlled by NOCs, or National Oil Companies. Thus, companies like Exxon are losing their position in the world of oil. Yes, Exxon will probably be a major oil player for many more years, but the Exxons of the world are going to have to diversify. Is this a step towards that diversification?

GM to start building hybrids in China next year

GM joins Toyota in China

GM will join Toyota and begin building hybrid cars in China for the Chinese market according to Reuters. Currently, Toyota builds the Prius for China and sold 2000 of the hybrids there last year. No further details are available.

CAFE? Whatever! Give me hybrid tax credits today!

Today's hybrid cars are the quickest way to plug-in hybrids

A number of the candidates running to be the next President have done a lot of talking about foreign oil dependency, but have offered few actual details other than CAFE, funding for battery research and ethanol.

Sadly, a number of the candidates also have jobs in Congress and they have not done anything about extending Toyota's and Honda's hybrid vehicle tax credits. Sure, putting many more hybrid cars on the road won't significantly reduce foreign oil dependency immediately, but it will significantly increase battery research and competition to create cost effective, fuel efficient technologies, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles.

CAFE? Blah, blah, blah. Give me something now! Why do politicians always talk about what they can do tomorrow, without doing ANYTHING today? As I stated in my earlier post on the hydrogen highway, politicians have no real vision for the future of America - it's all soundbites.

Walking the walk just isn't a requisite requirement for today's politicians.

Hydrogen Economy: Where's the buzz?

FCV's: Too much of a threat to the military-industrial Iron Triangle?

Fuel cell vehicles, such as the Chevy Equinox FCV, Honda FCX Clarity, and Toyota FCHV, captured a pretty big chunk of the spotlight at the LA Auto Show this year, but nobody really seemed to care.

Sure, fuel cell vehicles are expensive and there isn't yet a hydrogen infrastructure. In reality it would take 10's of billions dollars to kick start the hydrogen economy and to create enough tax incentives to make fuel cell vehicles affordable for consumers.

With such high costs, why not just focus on plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles anyway, the consensus seems to be saying these days.

How sad. How embarrassing for a country that used to be the world's leading auto manufacturer and technological leader. Does America have any future beyond consumption? Finish....

Mike Huckabee embarrassed by US addiction to oil

So, what will he do about it?

"Every time we put our credit card in the gas pump, we're paying so that the Saudis get rich - filthy, obscenely rich, and that money then ends up going to funding madrassas," schools "that train the terrorists," said Huckabee. "America has allowed itself to become enslaved to Saudi oil. It's absurd. It's embarrassing."

Huckabee said "I would make the United States energy independent within 10 years and tell the Saudis they can keep their oil just like they can keep their sand, that we won't need either one of them."(more)

After reading this article, I checked out the Mike Huckabee for President site, and I was disappointed with that I found. Few details.

It just seems ridiculous for politicians to make such statements. Without an extremely bold government initiative to develop tens of millions of hybrid cars, especially plug-in hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles, etc., or to develop the hydrogen economy, it will be almost almost impossible to achieve energy independence in 10 years.

Bold visions require bold plans. Without a more detailed plan it just seems Huckabee is engaging in bold blah, blah, blah.

Poll: How much would you pay for a Chevy Volt?

Worth more than $50,000?

When GM launches the Chevy Volt plug-in in 2010, it isn't going to be an economy car. In fact, it will probably launch as some sort of luxury model, but that isn't why people will be interested in the Volt.

Up to 40 miles on pure electricity with the ability to use gasoline or, potentially, some other liquid fuel, to extend the range of this vehicle further than most conventional vehicles makes the Volt, in theory, highly coveted. Ultimately, the Chevy Volt and other possible plug-in hybrid vehicles are "game changers" as GM's Bob Lutz often calls the Volt and the E Flex Drive upon which the Volt will be produced.

While I agree that the Volt can be a game changer, ultimately, the speed with which it changes the automotive game will come down to cost. Certainly, costs will be higher the first couple of years, but just how high will costs push the sticker price of the Volt?

Thus, how much would you be willing to pay for a Chevy Volt? (See our poll on the side).

Did US automakers cry wolf on the hydrogen highway

Hyundai's Bibendum winning FCEV

There is a rumor in the automotive world that the US auto industry and its lobbyists have long convinced the US Congress and multiple executive branches that CAFE was an inhibitor to fuel cell vehicles and the hydrogen economy. This lobbying effort, the rumor claims, has gone on for decades, although it has weakened since 9/11, Iraq, Katrina, etc.

I don't know whether the rumor is real or not, but I've heard it many times from many different sources.

The real point, however, is that in many circles, such as those rounded out by environmentalists and energy security hawks, the hydrogen economy is now believed to be fiction, something that is always a decade or two away from reality - something I have also believed, until recently. Finish.....

India's Tata ramps up electric, fuel cell efforts

India's Tata Motors is thinking about the future

In 2008, India's Tata Motors will launch a mild hybrid version of the Indica, followed by a full-electric version for the European market in 2009 (more).

Additionally, the Economic Times is reporting that Tata Motors and ISRO Space Agency will partner to develop fuel cell hydrogen vehicles.

"We know how to handle Hydrogen," said G Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. "It is going to be the fuel for the next generation. Even in India, there are a number of plans where hydrogen is coming as a byproduct which is not being utilised properly. So, if we can collect it and serve it, it can become a good source (of fuel) for automobiles."

Audi's Mr. Engine pooh-poohs hybrid vehicles

First US Audi hybrids about 3 years away

If it were up to Audi's executive director of engine and powertrain technology for the Volkswagen Group, Wolfgang Hatz, Audi would probably never make any hybrid vehicles.

"Hybrid technology is a very expensive way to save a small amount of fuel. The cost/benefit analysis is quite on the expensive side, but we're politically pressed to develop hybrids by the U.S. market," Hatz recently told InsideLine.

"If someone said that every car must be a hybrid, the car industry would be bankrupt quicker than anything else. Even Toyota would have problems if they had to produce hybrids in high volumes. But politically we have to do a certain amount of hybrids."

While also admitting that diesel hybrid vehicles were the best course if purely considering fuel economy, Mr. Hatz, again, focused on expense.

Is the Chevy Volt "miles ahead" of the Prius?

This Prius by Hybrids-Plus achieves more than 100 mpg, today

I just finished reading David Kiley's BW article, GM's Plug-In Push, which opens, "General Motors is developing a plug-in hybrid technology for its Chevy Volt that is miles ahead of Toyota and Honda."

Really?

I heard the same such sentiment several months ago regarding GM's hybrid vehicles, which many have called more advanced and more sophisticated than Toyota's hybrids such as the Prius. Perhaps, but still I have asked, what are the costs of GM's technology, will it be sold in a package that consumers want at a price they are willing to pay? (Finish)

Another plug-in Prius tests the grid

Raleigh begins its PHEV trial

The City of Raleigh, NC is the latest example of US cities piloting programs around plug-in hybrid vehicles. For six months, the city will use a Toyota Prius that was converted into a plug-in hybrid vehicle by Hymotion.

This data should allow us to clearly see the benefits of over-night charging and evaluate the impact of the vehicle to a typical residential household. We will also estimate the charging costs under the most popular rate structures for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. All of this data will be used to calculate the bottom-line impact to a consumer and determine the pay-back period.Assistant City Manager Julian Prosser.

(Source: GreenCarCongress)

Chrysler to debut 3 hybrid concepts at NAIAS

One of two Chrysler hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Chrysler debuted two hybrid vehicles at the LA Auto Show: the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen hybrid.

So, what will they debut at the North American International Auto Show?

How about 3 new hybrid concepts. At least one will use hydrogen, another will be some kind of plug-in hybrid, and the other a diesel hybrid. Check out AutoWeek for some sketches.

$4.00 gas by this spring?

$3.50 this winter?

Now that oil is heading back towards $100 per barrel some energy analysts told CNBC's Bertha Coombs this morning that gasoline prices could easily hit $3.50 per gallon this winter and $4.00 per gallon by this Spring.

Imagine gas prices if Israel or America take any sort of military action against Iran. OUCH!

Hybrid vehicles might not be the greatest way to save money, but over time most hybrids do pay for themselves. Moreover, if you keep your car more than 5 years your car might actually become an investment, a hedge against rising gasoline prices.

Buy your Honda hybrid before 2008!

Full tax credit available only through 2007

If you've been shopping hybrid cars, one of your main criterion might be available tax credits. Already tax credits for Toyota hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius and the Camry hybrid, are fully expired.

Starting in 2008, the hybrid tax credit for Honda hybrids will be cut in half. After July 1 the tax credit will again be cut in half. So, if you've been considering a Honda Civic hybrid, it might be time to pull the trigger.

Lithium: The secret weapon of the auto industry?

Bob Lutz stands next to the Volt at its debut at NAIAS

"Lithium battery technology is being husbanded in Japan. It's like a secret weapon," GM's Bob Lutz recently told reporters at a meeting of the Western Automotive Journalists association. Thus, many Japanese companies would not bid on the battery contract for the Chevy Volt.

Mr. Lutz also criticized the U.S. government for not being as aggressive as the the Japanese government with advanced batteries. Of course, maybe the government could criticize GM and US automakers for not being as aggressive as Japanese automakers on hybrid cars.

In addition to slamming the government, Lutz also attacked CAFE, calling a gas tax a more sensible approach to reducing fuel consumption. Also, even though Lutz defended ethanol, he did admit that corn-based ethanol has some problems and he stated that cellulosic ethanol was needed.

Another step towards the hydrogen highway

A new Potential Biohybrid Catalyst for Hydrogen Production and Use Created

Green Car Congress is reporting that "Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado are reporting the first successful electrical connection between hydrogenase enzymes and carbon nanotubes."

While hydrogenases enzymes have long shown promise as catalysts for hydrogen production they have not been able to form stable, strong electrical connections for use in an electrical device, however, some anaerobic bacterium have shown promise helping hydrogenases to remain catalytically active.

By carefully designed synthesis, it should be possible to tune the catalytic biohybrids for use as electrochemical probes for in vivo detection of hydrogenase activities. More importantly, this work offers the first step toward the construction of functional hydrogenase/SWNT hybrids for application in a variety of hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies.

Hybridcarblog picks the best of the LA Auto Show

The Honda FCX was the most important car at the LA Auto Show

Lately, the LA Auto Show has kind of been nicknamed the green car show. Well, hardcore green car fans were probably disappointed with this year's show. For starters, the opening day of the show was odd. GM's press announcement was the definition of green: Hybrids, the Volt, small cars. On the other hand Toyota focused on a large SUV (more on this role reversal).

Then there was the green car of the year award, which went to the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, a $50,000 full-sized hybrid SUV.

Thus, I'm just not sure this year's LA Auto Show was really green. (Finish)

Oil rises again, America weakens?

Oil to topple America?

Against the backdrop of oil war rhetoric coming out of OPEC, oil prices rose almost $1.00 today. Ironically, just last week, many oil analysts claimed the oil bubble had popped for the rest of the year and that all pricing pressure was downward. Now there is yet again a chance that oil will hit $100 per barrel before the end of the year.

It seems obvious that oil has become something like an international currency, a currency that some OPEC countries, especially Iran and Venezuela, plan to use to attack the U.S.

Will America fight back and Declare War on Foreign Oil Dependency? Not unless We the People make it happen.

Heather Mills and Environmental Hypocrisy

What's worse: gas-guzzling or eating meat?

Recently Heather Mills showed up for a photo shoot to make the connection between global warming and eating meat in a gas-guzzling SUV. While Ms. Mills is right about the meat eating and global warming connection, there is also a big connection between gas-guzzling and global warming.

So does Mrs. Mills have a leg to stand on? Sadly, she does not - no pun intended.

Nonetheless, the point Mills is trying to make is a strong one. Al Gore, for example, talks about how dangerous global warming is, how the world is on the verge of collapse, but he could probably have a bigger effect on global warming by going vegetarian, yet this isn't part of Gore's inconvenient truth. Why?

Maybe the goal to being a good environmentalist is to do less lecturing and more living by example?

Aptera plug-in hybrid for sale in 2008?

300 miles per gallon?

"Today, Aptera officially unveiled two vehicles that could change the future of automotive design. Aptera’s Typ-1 is a radically different vehicle designed to marry advanced aerodynamics with light-weight composite technology creating an incredibly powerful, yet extremely safe vehicle that is a joy to drive -- even for the most performance-minded individuals. The Aptera Typ-1 will be available in all-electric and hybrid models for less than $30,000, the electric version slated for delivery in 2008 with the hybrid model to follow. The all-electric model has a range of 120 miles. The plug-in series hybrid has achieved more than 300 miles per gallon with a range of more than 600 miles. Both versions are loaded with safety features." (PressRelease)

Dude, that hybrid got an ultracapacitor?

Ultracapacitor-lithium powered hybrids coming soon?

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., Ltd., China's leading producer of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, today announced a partnership to develop "hybrid" energy storage products combining ultracapacitor and li-ion battery technologies.

"We believe that the products we envision will give end-users the best of both worlds in terms of the long cycle life, rapid charge/discharge characteristics and low temperature performance of ultracapacitors and the large energy storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries," said David Schramm, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer.

Just another example of the adaptability of hybrid vehicles.

Why hybrids are more important than diesel

The hot Mercedes diesel hybrid at the LA Auto Show

I just finished posting a comment to the Kicking Tires story regarding the Rand study which calls hybrids and clean diesel more beneficial than ethanol. Kicking Tires, however, focused on an element of the Rand study (earlier post) which, according to Wired Magazine, suggests diesel vehicles are better than hybrid cars.

Whether the world likes it or not, the world will eventually move beyond oil. As both diesel and gasoline require oil, both diesel and gasoline are dying fuels. So, how can diesel be a solution for the future? Are we going to start using tar sands that will make today's pollution seem like the good old days (1980s) of clean air? Please. (Finish)

Honda's visionary approach to fuel cell vehicles?

The key to Honda's green future?

Honda is a pretty cool company. Not only does Honda make some of the most fuel efficient vehicles - fleet wide - in the industry, they also make some pretty cool jet airplanes. Even more interesting, however, Honda now makes next generation solar cells.

Why would an automaker make solar cells?

I'm sure there are many reasons that Honda might make solar cells, but one inte