Escalade: Hybrid for the NFL?

Isn't it time the NFL goes a little green?

Yesterday, I poked a little fun at GM for their indecision on a hybrid vehicle Super Bowl ad. It seems that GM has a hybrid supply problem, even though they barely sell any hybrid vehicles.

Nonetheless, as I read a Forbe's article about the cars NFL players drive, I realized which hybrid ad GM should run. Turns out NFL players love the Cadillac Escalade. So, why not a Cadillac Escalade hybrid commercial during the NFL?

The NFL cares, right?

Gas prices set for another Spring surge

Could start rising as early as February in California

The AP is reporting that because of the switch from winter to summer gasoline blends, gasoline prices will surge this spring as they have the last couple of springs. That should lead to gas prices of about $3.50 nationwide, and around $4.00 per gallon in most urban areas. I hope it goes even higher, providing an even greater benefit to those that have already bought hybrid cars, while providing more incentives for more to go hybrid.

Republican Candidates Stand with California on Emissions?

McCain with CA and buddy Schwarzenegger on emissions

"I applaud the governor's efforts and that of other states in this region and other states across America to try to eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change," said John McCain last night during a debate in California.

Other Republican candidates were supportive as well, though some not as vigorously. "I side with states being able to make their own decisions, even if I don't always agree with the decisions they make," stated Mitt Romney.

I'm sure Democrats will say the same, which irks me a bit. Most of these people are already in Congress. If they couldn't lead Congress as members on such issues, will they really be able to lead as President?

Boston Legal slams hybrids with ignorance

Not everyone in Hollywood loves the Prius

Autobloggreen has an interesting article about the importance of culture in setting trends. Apparently, a recent episode of Boston Legal claimed that Hummers are greener than the Toyota Prius because of NiHM battery production.

For those that follow hybrid news regularly, this dirty-hybrid story is old news that has been conclusively refuted by many. Yet, you can still hear others, "but I saw it on TV."

A shortage of GM's hybrids?

A car you won't see in the Super Bowl?

GM is still considering whether it should market some of its hybrid vehicles during the Super Bowl, but a lack of supply could decide the matter according to Edmunds.

Adequate supply? I'm sorry. I know that GM's mild hybrids are part of GM's 'choice' campaign, but mild hybrid sales are going nowhere this year or next year. Save the ad space for a dual mode hybrid, such as the Yukon hybrid. Of course, since GM keeps delaying the launch of their dual mode hybrids, I guess they don't have much choice.

I'm glad to see GM ramp up their hybrid efforts, but let's get some product on the streets. When a vehicle that is 2-3 years away from reality, the Chevy Volt, is your best hybrid marketing tool, it's hard not to be skeptical with GM.

First Mercedes Hybrid Truck hits the streets

A Mercedes-Benz Atego Blue Tec vehicle

Mercedes-Benz handed over the first Blue Tec hybrid truck to Deutsche Post World Net for a real world trail. The 7.5 diesel hybrid should be about 20 percent more efficient than similar-sized gasoline or diesel vehicles (more).

What? Hybrid buyers driven by gas prices?

More than a statement car?

Many hybrid critics regularly contend that the reason the Toyota Prius sells so much better than other hybrid vehicles is just because it looks different, which gives buyers the ability to make a statement.

I've always believed some buy the Prius to make a statement, such as Paris Hilton. Many others, however, buy a Prius because it's the most functional, fuel efficient hybrid available. And, new research by Edmunds indicates that hybrid interest is significantly driven by gas prices.

Congress: Tax incentives for a 10 mpg Hummer, but not for a 50 mpg Prius?

Congress talks about hybrids, gives money to Hummers

Congressional contradictions? Hypocrites?

Fight foreign oil dependency and make gas cheaper? Demand more hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and give small business tax incentives to buy 10 mpg gas-guzzlers, but not hybrids? Am I missing something? Read more......

The Honda Civic Hybrid is "fun"

A "fun to drive" vehicle?

The DetroitNews ran an article reviewing the Honda Civic hybrid this weekend that called the Civic hybrid, " a lot of fun to drive" without really talking about what was so fun.

Was it funner than a regular Civic? Was it funner than a Toyota Prius, or a Camry hybrid? Was it the way it handled?

No. It was "fun" to watch the fuel economy gauge.

Anyway, for some real world Civic hybrid experiences, especially regarding fuel economy, check out our Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials.

More automakers blame gas prices for fuel economy

Big trucks are the best selling vehicles in America

"Gas prices would have to be $13 a gallon in today's world for consumers to demand a fleet where half the vehicles achieved better than 35 miles per gallon," Chrysler LLC economist Paul Traub said after addressing the Society of Automotive Analysts this month.

Is that statement an exaggeration? Can automakers profitably sell significantly more fuel efficient vehicles - that consumers are willing to buy - without a significant increase in gas prices?

Americans believe in the future of hybrid vehicles

It changed the way people think about cars

In 2007, the Toyota Prius was one of the 10 Best Selling cars in America, as the Prius moved from niche to mainstream product.

And, thanks largely to the Prius, when it comes to the future, the future is all about hybrid cars according to a new auto survey of Americans. After hybrid technology, came fuel cells and flex-fuel vehicles. Diesel is still not yet on America's radar.

Of course, thinking differently about vehicles is one thing, buying differently is quite another.

Automakers want to re-educate California on emissions

Auto companies ready to increase lobbying efforts in California

"Dave McCurdy, chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said in an interview that the industry's lead trade group would redouble efforts to "educate" states...... that a proposal by California to cut tailpipe emissions sharply to fight global warming could further depress the struggling U.S. industry."

What is more dangerous to America, the loss of a Ford, for example, or increased foreign oil dependency and global warming emissions?

Does the Tahoe hybrid make sense? Congress?

What's the purpose of SUVs?

The hybrid technology that powers both the soon-to-be-released Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid is impressive. However, ever since GM announced plans for dual mode hybrid vehicles, I've asked one simple question: Will the technology be cost-effective and, therefore, relevant?

That question has been answered, kind of, and I have some questions for Congress. Read more....

Lutz blames cheap gas for poor US fuel economy

Bob Lutz and Rick Wagoner in front of the Volt

Only gas prices at the level that Europeans pay will cause Americans to rethink their vehicles, Lutz said. Current European gasoline prices are the equivalent of about $8 a gallon, he said.

“If for the last 15 years we’d had a slow but sure rise in federal fuel taxation of, say, 15 cents a gallon per year -- that would have gradually put the customer in the equation,” he said.

There are some more great Lutz quotes in this AutoWeek article as well.

Could carbon fiber be the key to fuel economy?

Corvette ZR1 will test carbon fiber

GM will use the Corvette ZR1 to study the feasibility of carbon fiber in hopes that it will lead to an increase in demand for the material and, therefore, cheaper production costs.

"Carbon is one-fifth the weight of a composite, which is half the weight of steel," says Tom Wallace, vehicle line executive for the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac XLR, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and Opel/Vauxhall GT. "Although carbon fiber is expensive today, so was aluminum in the beginning, so was magnesium in the beginning."

GM forms hybrid engineering team

Desires to speed up hybrid and electric vehicle development

Hybrid vehicles are the future. That sentiment has been echoing throughout the auto industry for the last year or so. Whether it's CAFE, European global warming emissions requirements, or California's EPA tailpipe waiver, the writing on the wall is clear: Automakers will have to develop significantly more fuel efficient vehicles and the hybrid powertrain will be required to achieve future success.

Thus, Robert Kruse, executive director of vehicle engineering for hybrids and electric vehicles, will lead a team of engineers to more quickly develop hybrids and vehicles like the Chevy Volt, according to the AP.

Kyocera goes hybrid, how about your company

Hybrids to fight global warming

"Kyocera Corporation announced that this year, as an initiative to prevent global warming, it will begin the full-scale adoption of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, which help reduce CO emissions, as company cars.

The policy will cover company cars used for general sales activities and movement between plants. Kyocera Corporation currently has 194 such vehicles, 179 of which it is planning gradually to replace with hybrids starting in 2008 (15 existing hybrid cars will remain in place). The completion of the replacements will achieve a reduction of 88k /year in vehicle fuel and 204t-CO/year in CO emissions. The reduction ratio is projected to be 43.8% for both vehicle fuel and CO emissions. "

Has your company instituted any sort of hybrid vehicle program, such as for fleet use, or purchasing programs?

Walmart wants to sell hybrid vehicles

Would you buy a hybrid from Walmart?

Walmart execs. have been in discussions with major automakers regarding the possibility of selling hybrid cars at the retailer's stores.

"Maybe there isn't room for Wal-Mart in this right now,'' Scott said in a speech to store managers and suppliers in Kansas City yesterday. "But something tells me that there may be some role for us in the future.''

California Emissions Suit: An American Tragedy

Congressional Hearing Today on California Emission Waiver

Congress, led by Barbara Boxer of California, intends to overturn the EPA's decision to deny California a waiver to determine its own tailpipe emissions. Yet, it's no wonder that the EPA ruled as it did, despite the fact that most EPA staffers felt the EPA had to rule in favor of California.

Ultimately, the entire US auto industry and a very important slice of the American manufacturing sector is at stake. And, while some might argue that automakers will get what they deserve, I still have the same lingering angst: Why does Congress continue to artificially deflate the cost of gasoline?

Cheap gas is and has been the root of America's foreign oil dependency, yet neither Barbara Boxer nor Nancy Pelosi have the guts to address this issue. Nor does the President or any other member of Congress. Of course, since we the people keep voting for these idiots, I guess we're the real fools.

Tesla production set for March

Production set for March 17

Sure Tesla has undergone delays and transmission problems, but the $100,000 Roadster is finally becoming a a real-world reality.

Still, don't get too excited, it's going to take some time to get more than a couple dozen vehicles on the road. To start, Tesla plans to produce about 1 car per week as the company figures it out the production process. By the end of 2008, the automaker could be churning out 40 cars per week.

Unfortunately, due to those transmission bugs, the vehicle won't quite live up to initial specs. Still, the Volt will buzz from 0 t 60 in about 6 seconds.

Let's hope they keep the ball rolling.

Executive: Why the Chevy Volt must be built

Frank Weber at NAIAS 2008

Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of speculation on whether the Chevy Volt is a real product or just some sort of 'vaporware' designed as both a distraction and a marketing machine. Recently, I covered this topic in Chevy Volt: Hype whore or resource hog.

At NAIAS I was able to interview Frank Weber, Global Vehicle Line Executive for the E-Flex drive, which includes the Chevy Volt concept. I'm hoping to finish transcribing my interview later today or tomorrow and then I'll post the whole thing. However, I wanted to post one interesting answer to a question I asked Frank. Read more....

Smart Grid versus Hydrogen Highway

A Honda Fuel Cell vehicle filling up with solar-hydrogen

Not long ago, I thought it was time to give up on fuel cell vehicles and the hydrogen highway in favor of plug-in hybrid vehicles. After driving some fuel cell vehicles, however, I realized the automotive side of the hydrogen economy was closer to reality than I believed, however, the hydrogen highway still seemed miles into the future because of costs.

But is the smart grid technology required for the plug-in hybrid revolution really that much cheaper? Read more...

Foreign oil: Congress versus automakers

US Coast Guard protecting imported energy

It costs, minimally, tens of billions of dollars every year just to secure the oil that the US imports from the Middle East, not including war costs. Yet, this cost is NOT included in the cost of our gasoline?

Why? And, who pays for these costs (duh, right)?

More important, if Americans had been paying the real cost of gasoline over the last few decades, would America be so dependent upon foreign oil today?

While Congress scapegoats automakers with historically-ineffective CAFE legislation, isn't the real problem the cheap cost of gasoline kept artificially low by Congress?

Chrysler: Every car will be a hybrid

The Dodge ZEO concept at NAIAS

Echoing GM's Rick Wagoner at NAIAS, Chrysler's Jim Press told reporters at the Washington Auto Show that alternative fuels should be "the auto industry's top priority".

"Alternative technologies have to come first. It may squeeze our ability to invest in other things that may be important, but we can't afford," said Jim Press, who is also Chrysler's vice chairman.

Thus, Press claimed that in addition to alternative fuels, "You will see electric drive and hybrid technology in virtually everything. Eventually, every car will be a hybrid at some point,"

Project Better Place: Fill 'er up with batteries?

Israel ready to go electric?

Back in October the NYTimes ran a story on Shai Agassi (more), a 39 year old entrepreneur with high tech roots whom had raised $200 million to develop 'gas' stations for electric cars. Instead of gas, lithium-ion batteries will be replaced with fully charged batteries. Thus, charging won't take hours, not even half an hour. Your battery is simply replaced.

Recently, Israel announced a plan to develop such a system of electric car stations by 2011. Agassi's 'Project Better Place' will develop the stations and Renault-Nissan will produce the electric cars.

So, could such a plan scale to the US? First, the electric cars to be used in Israel will only have about 100 mile range, in the US that might not be sufficient. Will Project Better Place create 'recharging stations' that can accept different sized batteries, for example? Thus, standardization seems like a big obstacle. Second, what about liability? Will Project Better Place assume full responsibility for any battery problems?

Still, Project Better Place is an interesting idea, even if just a niche solution.

Will greens ever accept a Hummer?

A small, biofueled Hummer

Compared to some of the large SUVs on the market today, the Biofueled Hummer Concept that GM displayed at NAIAS is relatively small. Add in its biofuel-capable V6 powertrain and some might dare to call it a green Hummer.

I'm not sure that I can go that far just yet. However, if it were a biofueled hybrid Hummer, I might give it a second chance.

Up to five years to figure out plug-in batteries?

Will it or won't it be cost effective?

"This isn't a moon-shot," said Greg Frenette, chief engineer of Ford's plug-in program at the Washington Auto Show. "Within the next five years, we ought to know whether we can produce these batteries cost-effectively."

By 2010, both GM and Toyota are hoping to have a few plug-in hybrid vehicles on the roads of America, but those vehicles might not go on sale until 2011, even 2012. And, while both automakers might successfully prove that lithium can power hybrid vehicles, unfortunately, there is still the possibility that they might also find out that the costs of plug-in technology outweigh the benefits.

And, even if automakers realize that plug-in hybrids can be cost effective, it might take a decade or two to achieve 'average-joe' cost effectiveness. Thus, are plug-in hybrids a silver bullet for fighting foreign oil dependency, or do we need much more than just plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles?

Is America up a creek without a paddle?

GM ramps up Chinese hybrid efforts

Next for China?

GM's Shanghai Division has kicked off its "Drive to Green" strategy in China. According to GreenCarCongress, "The strategy covers three key areas: developing products with improved performance, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions; cultivating greener manufacturing systems; and undertaking a “green responsibility.”

Thus, GM will start selling a hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse, based on the mild hybrid powertrain of the Chevy Malibu hybrid. In addition, GM plans to soon offer an unnamed dual mode hybrid, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid pictured above. And, down the road, China is also seen as a big market for GM's E Flex Drive, which will power vehicles such as the Chevy Volt.

2009 Ford Escape hybrid to see power boost

A few more horses in 2009

Ford will increase the horsepower of the Ford Escape hybrid by 11 percent in the 2009 model to 170 horsepower with a new 2.5 liter engine. Overall fuel economy, however, is not expected to be affected by the increase in power. (AP)

Forget capacity. Can the grid handle plug-ins?

Is a smart grid required for plug-in hybrids?

"The analog grid has served its purpose for the last half century, but the future requires an integrated, digital smart grid. This next-generation grid will allow customers to better manage their energy consumption while optimizing the grid through real-time generation management and distribution controls," stated Ray Gogel, CAO and vice president of customer and enterprise solutions of Xcel Energy, recently.

At NAIAS I spoke with a fan of the Chevy Volt whom kept reassuring me that there was plenty of excess electricity in the electric grid for plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric cars. However, when I asked, "What happens when you come home from work at 5:30 PM, when that excess capacity isn't in the grid? Do you set your alarm for 2:00 AM and then plug-in your car?"

While the grid might have extra capacity, that excess capacity is only available in a very small, finite window of opportunity, so it seems obvious that cars and the grid, for example, will need to communicate with each other via some sort of V2G technology. Still, how much will this new digital grid cost? And, will it benefit consumers as much as utility companies?

Toyota heading back to Le Mans in a hybrid

Can a hybrid win the 24 hour race in 2010?

Toyota stopped racing in the Le Mans 24 hour race back in 1999, but the success of Audi's diesel vehicles the last couple of years has inspired Toyota. "Audi demonstrated the excellence of new generation diesel-powered cars through the Le Mans race. We want to do the same with our hybrid model," a Toyota official said according to the Daily Yomiuri.

Ultimately, Toyota is hoping that hybrid success at Le Mans could help build interest in hybrid vehicles in Europe.

On an interesting side note, Toyota will be using capacitors in its hybrid race cars.

"To facilitate an extremely fast power supply and charging function, Toyota plans to fit its racing cars with a special capacitor along with batteries used in ordinary market models."

Is a lithium shortage possible?

Time to rethink hybrid chemistry?

"Lithium batteries are being touted as a way forward for electric cars, but according to William Tahil, director of research for Meridian International Research this could result in the world's lithium supply drying up really fast.

In his newly released white paper entitled, "The Trouble with Lithium", he points out that the vast majority of world's supply of lithium carbonate, is only found in China, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. He estimates total world lithium metal reserves at just 6,200,000 metric tons."

NAIAS 2010: Year of the Plug-in Hybrid, or is it 2020?

Helping start the plug-in revolution in 2010?

Plug-in hybrid concepts made a pretty strong showing at this year's North American International Auto Show, and several automakers even reiterated their plans to have some lithium-powered plug-in hybrids on the road in 2010, such as Toyota and GM, even Quantum Fisker.

But does 2010 really mean 2020? Read more....

Will cheap gas power America's future, or destroy it?

Bin Laden has directly cited US foreign oil consumption as the main reason for 9/11

Does $4.00 gas sound expensive? Sure it does, but really $4.00 gas is probably what gas should have cost 10 years ago. Today, the real cost of gasoline is well over $4.00 per gallon when the costs of securing America's foreign oil are added into the equation. Add in the costs of pollution to health care associated expenses, such as asthma, lung cancer, etc and the real cost of gasoline is yet higher. Add in the costs of war in the Middle East, 9/11, etc and the real cost of gasoline skyrockets well beyond $10.00 per gallon.

So, if Americans are just paying $3.00 at the gas pump, who is paying for the rest of the real cost of gasoline? Oil fairies?

Yet our politicians are striving to reduce the price of gasoline - something that has always increased consumption in the past? Am I missing something?

Are supercaps the key to hybrid technology?

Ultrabattery: Lead acid + supercaps

A couple of weeks ago I wrote Hybrid Cars: Is plugging in always the best option. One angle I took with that article involved supercapacitors. Essentially, I wondered whether a combination of a supercapacitor and a battery could result in cheaper (compared to plug-ins), incredibly fuel efficient hybrid vehicles that don't need to be plugged in for power.

That's the idea behind the Ultrabattery, except for one interesting difference. Read more....

Chevy Volt: Hype Whore, Resource Hog?

The killer Chevy Volt at NAIAS 2008

As I finished off my last day at NAIAS, I happened to walk by the Chevy Volt, and I noticed something. Like a Siren Song, the Volt continues to enchant crowds, seducing believers with dreams of a better future. Whether it's the Internet, or NAIAS, the Volt is still an amazing hype machine.

But is it all just hype? Read more....

Honda at NAIAS: Visionary or confused about fuel cell vehicles?

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle next to the Home Fueling Station

When it comes to hybrid cars, currently, there are just two players: Toyota and Honda. Yesterday, I covered my irrational disappointment with Toyota (more). Today, I'm going to cover my disappointment with Honda.

Unlike Toyota, Honda has nothing to lose and everything to gain when it comes to hybrids, and Honda plans to soon challenge the Toyota Prius with a new hybrid. So, was this new hybrid at NAIAS? No. Instead Honda's loud and clear message was about fuel cell vehicles. Read more....

Toyota hybrids: Nothing to gain, everything to lose?

Is every other automaker far behind Toyota?

I've been a bit disappointed with Toyota at the last couple of major auto shows; the LA Auto Show and NAIAS. Mostly, I'm just dying to see Toyota take their hybrid vehicles to the next level. Thus, even though the A-BAT hybrid truck was one of my favorite hybrid concepts at NAIAS, I still wanted more from Toyota. I wanted to see, touch and feel Toyota's hybrid future - the next Prius.

Yet, what does Toyota have to gain by showing off much from its third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, such as the next-gen Prius, or even a lithium-powered plug-in Prius? Prius sales, for example, are kicking ass. Showing off a better Prius would probably only slow Toyota's hybrid sales, not help them.

Is Toyota smart to stay quiet about its next generation Prius?

Chrysler designs its hybrid future for NAIAS

The Dodge ZEO electric concept

If the future were judged by design, then Chrysler would be in great shape with its new concept vehicles. Designed to "extend hybrid electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle benefits to the next level," Chrysler debuted a fuel cell plug-in hybrid, a diesel hybrid, and a pure electric vehicle this year at NAIAS. Read more....

Saturn Flextreme Concept: Today, tomorrow, or never?