Honda credits EVs for its hybrids, fuel cell vehicles

Only possible because of EVs

When it comes to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, Honda seems to be taking a pass. Instead, Honda is focused on cheap hybrid cars in the near term, and fuel cell vehicles, such as the Honda Clarity FCX, for the future.

Ironically, Honda is claiming that without its EV program in the nineties, today's hybrids and fuel cells wouldn't have been possible. "Although the limitations of battery performance ultimately led to the end of Honda's EV Plus marketing efforts, the advancement of key components, such as an electric motor, the battery power system, and our engineers knowledge of charging systems, continued to evolve." (more)

Sounds like a 'Dear John' letter. I guess that's another nail in Honda's EV coffin?

Third Gen Prius set for Q3 2009?

Another Prius variant?

While Toyota continues to be very tight lipped regarding the launch of the third generation Toyota Prius, sources continue to point to the third quarter of 2009, as long as demand for the current Prius doesn't decline. My sources at the London Motor Show were told that the new Prius would be available for sale in England in the 3rd quarter of 2009. Since most Prius sales are in the US, it seems hard to believe that Toyota would start selling the Prius in Europe before the US.

For the latest spy shots on the next gen Prius, check out MotorTrend.

Don't buy that hybrid, gas prices are going down

Why do hybrid haters hate me so?

Yesterday, a Karl on Cars post claimed that as gas prices go down, so does the hybrid advantage. Wow. And if it gets darker there is less light?

Anyway, this whole gas thing has me thinking about what Angus MacKenzie recently claimed about who could have foreseen $4.00 gas prices and how short-sighted the US auto industry and many auto consumers have been. Perhaps gas prices are going to drop below $3.00 for the next 5 years, but I doubt it. Gas prices will recede at times during the next few years, but in the next 5 years we'll probably set new records.

Moreover, I recently checked out KBB and Toyota Prius resale value for my neighborhood in SoCal is extremely minimal. So, if I buy a Prius today at sticker, I'll recover my hybrid costs in a little over 4 years according to the latest Edmunds analysis, and after 5 years, my Prius will be worth just a couple thousand less than when bought?

And how much will a gas-guzzler be worth in 5 years? I'll stick with hybrid cars.

Will Toyota's hybrid price increases affect dealer markups?

Still leaving all the competition behind

Effective August 1st, the Toyota Prius will cost $500 more, starting at $22,720. Soon after that, on August 25th, the Camry hybrid will also see a $500 increase that will bring its base price up to $26,870 as the price of the Highlander hybrid increases $518 to $35,445.

Considering that most automakers are raising prices on any vehicle that can sell to help offset both declining auto sales and increased commodity prices, the price increase is neither surprising or unexpected. However, when coupled with dealer markups as high as $3,000 - $5,000, isn't the pricing of Toyota's hybrid vehicles becoming a little ridiculous?

Production ready Volt by Labor Day?

Ready for a facial?

In the last week GM has announced that the next generation of Chevy Volt test vehicles would soon hit the road, meaning many Volt components and subsystems will be assembled together for the first time. "More chassis, brakes, batteries and other components that affect ride and handling," will finally hit the road AutoWeek reported.

Likewise, GM has also opened a new 450,000 powertrain center designed to bring vehicles such as the Volt to market faster and cheaper. The move could help save GM $200 million this year alone while shaving months off of powertrain development.

And yesterday, GM finalized plans for a $326 million 530,000 square foot Flint, MI plant to build the Volt.

Thus, according to all reports, the Volt is firmly on schedule for a 2010 launch, and a near production-ready Volt could be shown to GM employees as early as September, followed by either a public debut at the LA or Detroit Auto Shows. While great news for the Volt Nation, it would be really shocking if all this momentum was translated into more aggressive production plans - now that would be a statement.

Toyota passes Honda on CAFE

Even trucks couldn't hold back Toyota

Who is the most fuel efficient automaker in the US? Toyota according to the latest CAFE rankings for 2007. Toyota averaged 29.69 mpg, followed by Honda's 29.47. (more)

Even more interesting is the amount of large gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs that Toyota sells compared to Honda, and yet Toyota is still more efficient than Honda - that's surprising. Obviously, Toyota's hybrid cars probably gave Toyota a nice lift.

I guess Toyota has proven just how myopic thinking in Detroit became in the last few decades. A real product mix - consumer choice - actually worked.

How many billions to bail out US auto industry?

A Hemi-powered hybrid

In recent weeks a lot of the mainstream auto press has come to the defense of the US auto industry claiming that no one foresaw $4.00 gas. No one except those with their eyes open.

Let's just be honest. The US auto industry built their entire business model around trucks and SUVs, period. For a plethora of reasons, US automakers wouldn't even try to compete with companies like Honda for the small vehicle segment, for fuel efficiency, even despite events like 9/11, Katrina, etc. which seemed to demonstrate quite clearly that oil dependence was leading to ever greater problems. Instead, US automakers blindly kept all their eggs in one very inefficient, but profitable basket.

Now that basket is broke and the eggs are cracked.

So, it will be up to Congress, with the help of US taxpayer money, to bail out the US auto industry, at least that's the hope of a non-partisan Michigan delegation, according to the DetroitNews. Billions in loans. Billions in tax breaks. Billions to retire old gas guzzlers. Almost a billion for a battery fund. Billions and billions to cover the costs of ignorance and denial.

Nothing like good old American free market lobbyism, I mean capitalism.

BMW Series 7 hybrid too expensive?

Coming in a hybrid version?

BMW is considering a new Series 7 Active Hybrid for the US market in 2009 which utilizes GM's dual mode hybrid technology, such as found in the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, according to InsideLine. Unfortunately, the new hybrid will probably fetch a price well over $80,000, and BMW isn't certain such a hybrid is worth producing.

Interestingly, this new BMW hybrid vehicle would be the first non-SUV to utilize GM's two-mode hybrid system, a system designed especially for large SUVs and trucks. While there is no doubt that the two mode system could be scaled down for smaller hybrids, there are questions about cost-effectiveness and whether two modes are really needed in small hybrids. Sadly, whether relevant or not, an $80,000+ dual mode hybrid doesn't help answer those questions - at least not in an optimistic fashion.

Toyota ups Prius production plans again?

70 percent increase in production?

If you've spent any time shopping for hybrid cars, then you know most hybrids are in very limited supply. Fortunately, in 2009 there will be some relief, at least for consumers interested in the Toyota Prius. The latest rumors claim that Toyota will increase Prius production by 70 percent.

Just a few months ago, Toyota suggested a 60 percent increase in production, so this number doesn't seem out of line. If correct, such a jump in production means that Toyota will be producing almost one half million Prius hybrids per year. Nonetheless, with the third generation Prius due out next year, even a half million Prii might not be enough.

Despite the mockery of hybrid critics just a few short years ago, Toyota's long claimed goal of achieving 1,000,000 hybrid sales per year early this decade now seems easily inevitable. So, how does that egg on your face taste, haters?

Could lower gas prices dupe Americans again?

National gas average below $4.00

Today, more Buicks are sold in China than in America. Hummers are hot and overall SUV sales are up 43 percent compared to last year. "In China, size matters," says Zhang Linsen, the 44-year-old founder of a media and graphic design company. "People want to have a car that shows off their status in society. No one wants to buy small."

Just 15 years ago, there were no private cars in China. Within 20 years, China could be consuming more oil than the US, and the majority of Chinese would still have yet to own a car. And it isn't just China. India and the Middle East are also seeing huge increases in oil consumption.

Today, however, gas prices are dropping and the national average now sits below $4.00. If this decline continues, will more and more Americans forget their fuel efficient concerns, or have the US auto industry and consumers finally hit the point of no return?

2010: Year of the plug-in hybrid conversion?

A Plug-in hybrid converted by A123Systems

In 2010 a number of plug-in hybrids will be hitting the streets of America. GM plans to launch both the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Chevy Volt, while Toyota will release a plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. A number of plug-ins from niche automakers might also become available in 2010. Unfortunately, GM plug-in hybrids will be available in very limited numbers the first few years and Toyota might only make their plug-ins available for fleet sales.

By 2010, however, a number of second generation Prius hybrids will be 6 plus years old. Obviously, these hybrid cars will still have a lot of life left in them, but what if the fuel economy of these hybrids could be more than doubled for less than $5,000?

Finish: 2010 - Year of the Plug-in Hybrid Conversion?

Bold predictions for Ford's new hybrids?

Same production limitations as the Escape hybrid?

According to MotorTrend Ford will soon roll out new technology that will "meet or beat the competition in fuel economy." At least that's what Ford's president of the Americas Mark Fields is claiming.

A piece of that new technology will be some new hybrid vehicles, as Ford is prepared to launch both the Fusion and the Mercury Milan hybrids late this year.

Since Ford's hybrid system is largely leased from Toyota, does that mean Ford has figured out a way to make better hybrids than Toyota with the same technology? That seems more like marketing spin than reality. And, even if true, can Ford increase hybrid production to levels that will really mean something?

Vue plug-in tests going well

A Vue plug-in hybrid at NAIAS

Earlier this year at NAIAS GM gave press a quick look at the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, but only a very quick look. Later, when I asked one of my GM contacts for a closer look, I was denied after being told that the vehicle that earlier crossed GM's stage was an actual Vue plug-in hybrid that was currently undergoing testing, including road tests, and GM wasn't prepared to show too much of the hybrid. So, I hung out until they removed the vehicle from hiding and shot a number of photos, including this one.

Well, tests continue to go well according to reports coming out of the Plug-in Conference. The lithium-powered plug-in dual mode Saturn Vue is now fully operational, although some systems, such as the plug-in charging systems, are still being refined.

In the interim, the Saturn Vue hybrid, another dual mode hybrid, should be out later this year.

Honda's new hybrid campaign: Had to laugh

A Prius or Honda's new hybrid

Of course this is a Toyota Prius, but after having had a look at the spyshots of what many are calling Honda's new hybrid, it might soon be hard to tell the difference between the Prius and Honda's upcoming new hybrid vehicle.

While it seems quite plausible that size and aerodynamics forced Honda's design hand, I couldn't help but laugh when I read some copy Honda has out on its latest hybrid. "Our newest hybrid is a futuristic five-door hatchback that sports a unique style and sleek design."

Perhaps Honda has a design trick up its sleeve, but if the new pictures floating around the Internet are accurate, I'm not sure "unique" is very accurate. Anyway, we will soon find out the truth about Honda's new hybrid design as the vehicle should join Honda's current fleet of hybrid cars in "early 2009."

Grid can handle plug-ins, but only slowly and gradually

Can't be too many in one neighborhood too fast

The US grid is ready for the electrification of the automobile - as long as adoption is slow and gradual, charging only occurs at night, and EVs and PHEVs stay much smaller than today's current fleet of autos.

That's according to Mark Duvall, program manager for electric transportation, power delivery and distribution for the Electric Power Research Institute, based upon lessons learned as grids have gradually adapted to electricity-hogging plasma TVs. Of course, EVs will easily suck up four times as much juice as plasma TVs.

Even with a gradual increase of plug-ins, utilities are still somewhat worried according to the AP. Because of their higher costs, utilities are already worried that 'rich' neighborhoods might be EV and PHEV clusters that could threaten local electric substations. Other worries include size and weight, such as the inevitable desire for larger and more powerful electric vehicles that could greatly increase electricity demand from autos.

Ultimately, the same consumer trends that spiraled America's oil dependence out of control, could threaten the plug-in revolution as well. Can we do better this time?

GM joins forces with 30 utilities for Volt

Forget fuel cells?

GM has joined forces with the Electrical Vehicle Institute and more than 30 utility companies to work on tax incentives for electric drive vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt, in addition to recharging stations and and how to stagger recharging to prevent local substation overload. Likewise, "The speed of the recharging, voltage, amperage and other issues all have to be worked out" as well according to the AP.

"This vehicle is real. It's coming into production," said Britta Gross, a GM engineer who is helping to build the infrastructure for cars of the future. "We know that when the vehicle is in the showroom and ready for sale, it's got to work seamlessly with the infrastructure. It's the whole picture. We've got to make sure the infrastructure is ready."

Is the Volt becoming bigger than just the car?

Insight, Prius show off fuel economy at HybridFest

A few of the hypermilers at HybridFest

So, I was at HybridFest this weekend in Madison, WI, which is always kicked off with a MPG Challenge. This year's event brought in dozens of hypermilers from across the US, and while there are always various types of hybrid vehicles participating, the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius always dominate the competition in terms of number of participants and fuel economy.

This year's top fuel economy was achieved by a Honda Insight, which achieved 108.72 mpg. All Insights combined achieved an average 87 mpg. The top Prius hypermiler achieved 98.7 mpg. All Prius hybrids combined achieved an average of 74 mpg.

More Fed involvement on hybrid and EV batteries?

Hymotion lithium-ion battery pack from A123Systems

An organization affiliated with the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is working with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co and other Japanese companies to develop common standards for the lithium-ion batteries that will soon power various types of hybrid cars and electric vehicles.

Together with the Tokyo Electric Power Co the organization is hoping to "come up with a draft of the standards covering testing and charging methods, vehicle safety and other areas," according to recent reports, which the group hopes to pitch to the International Organization for Standardization.

Considering the costs associated with oil dependency, especially foreign dependency recently, should the government be taking a far more active role in the electrification of the automobile?

Batteries to hold back PHEVs and EVs many more years?

The ZENN electric vehicle

Is the electrification of the automobile just around the corner? Not unless consumers are willing to significantly change their expectations regarding automobiles and, equally as important, be willing to pay more for automobiles, according to ex-GM CEO, Robert Stempel, whom set forth the EV1 program at GM before being removed from his post.

Regarding the EV1 Stempel told the Wall Street Journal, "The business side of the case wasn't there. The EV1 was too expensive…We were way off the cost target."

While consumer expectations might be opening to range shortcomings, charging, and other issues slowing electric drive adoption - mostly thanks to high gas prices - battery costs are still high today according to Stempel, whom has been with Energy Conversion Devices since his dismissal at GM. Stempel likes the NiMH battery, but believes it is simply not robust enough for either plug-in hybrid vehicles or pure electrics, and while he thinks lithium could solve this issue, he suggests that commodity costs could keep lithium batteries for automobiles expensive for many more years.

Lexus ready for serious hybrid fuel economy?

Not just about performance any more?

Over the weekend Toyota announced that it will produce 100,000 units of a new hybrid-only Lexus model. While Toyota has confirmed the new hybrid will offer a 2 - 2.5 liter engine, little else is official. Recently, Toyota has announced that it was strongly considering a Prius-like Lexus, in addition to a crossover hybrid. Likewise, Toyota has also hinted at the possibility of a lithium-powered Lexus hybrid. Nonetheless, most bets favor a Prius-like Lexus. Regardless, the new hybrid vehicle should be available sometime in 2009.

US automakers: Just hoping hybrids go away?

Dodge Durango hybrid: Can hybrid versions of gas-guzzlers save the US auto industry?

The other day I read an article that has echoed a sentiment spewing out of the mainstream auto publications the last few weeks, 'give US automakers a break' because 'no one would have predicted $4.00 gas 4 years ago.'

Perhaps many, but many others saw this possibility. Thus, I can only refer to people that, after 9/11 and Katrina, for example, whom thought that foreign oil and oil dependency weren't going to be an issue in the next few years, as foolish, and I've been saying that on this blog for more than 4 years. But, whatever, the past is the past, and now I'm more concerned about the future.

Finish: US automakers: Just hoping hybrid vehicles go away?

JD Power: Hybrids lead alt power demands

Consumers want automakers to invest in hybrid technology

JDPower has just released its latest Alternative Power Train study, which finds that when it comes to green technology, hybrid cars are grabbing the majority of consumer mindshare.

With 80 percent of consumers believing America is facing an energy crisis, 62 percent of consumers are now interested in hybrid vehicles versus 50 percent last year, as interest in both flex fuel and diesel vehicles has declined. Additionally, the majority of consumers don't want automakers to address fuel economy by only producing small cars. Instead, they would like to see current lineups upgraded with new technologies, especially hybrid power trains.

Regarding the study, MotorTrend is asking will consumers pay extra for these technologies, using my favorite acronym, TINSTAFL. Obviously, there are extra costs for hybrid technology, but it seems consumers believe that scales of economies would reduce these extra costs if automakers fully embraced hybrid technology.

Is that fair, or should consumers expect to share more of hybrid conversion costs?

New Honda hybrid looks like a Prius?

A smaller version of the Clarity FCX?

AutoWeek has a number of pictures of what they are describing as a new Honda hybrid vehicle, which is shaped much like the Toyota Prius. This has caused some to speculate that its the third generation Prius, but I don't agree since this vehicle does not appear to be larger than the current Prius, which is to grow a bit in length and width compared to the current version.

Some on AutoWeek are already complaining that if this vehicle is Honda's new hybrid, their design team should be fired. Still, having seen the proportions of the latest Chevy Volt, which is starting to ever more resemble the body styling of the Prius, it seems probable that aerodynamics are driving design, and it just so happens the Prius is quite aerodynamic.

Anyway, call me overly practical, but I'm more focused on fuel economy and price than I am design, and if Honda's new hybrid vehicle resembles the Prius, but provides better fuel economy at a cheaper price, I'm still interested.

Tesla's Musk: Plug-in hybrids suck and why he's wrong

Tesla founder rips PHEVs

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, was recently asked by Newsweek why he didn't consider plug-in hybrid vehicles in addition to pure electric vehicles. He replied, "We spent a lot of time last year looking at plug-in hybrids and ultimately concluded that it would not be a very good car. You're forced to compromise. Because you need both a gasoline-powered engine and a big battery, neither can be very good, and the engine will be a weak engine. It's just not where the future lies. We'll be able to offer a car with a 305-mile range roughly three years from now."

Ultimately, Musk believes that within 30 years America's transportation system could be 100 percent solar-powered pure electric vehicles.

As a fan and advocate for the electrification of the automobile, I think Musk is selling his book - his investments in solar power and EVs - in preparation for a Tesla IPO.

Finish: Tesla's Musk: Plug-in hybrids suck and why he's wrong

Middle America: Hybrids hot here too

Not just for big cities

So, I'm heading to HybridFest in Madison, WI, and along the way I've noticed hybrid cars everywhere, even in the smallest of Midwestern towns. Ironically, many times I've heard that the Midwest is much more pro-American made and more inclined to large vehicles because of the weather. Yet, hybrids, especially the Toyota Prius, are everywhere.

Truthfully, I'm not that surprised by my numerous and regular Midwest hybrid sightings. Instead, I am again reminded of just how aloof the US auto industry has been for far too long.

Evolution: Time for a few auto dinosaurs to die?

Can US automakers reinvent the Model T for this century?

It is said that one of the critical moments in human evolution was the extinction of large dinosaurs, for it opened new environments for smaller animals to explore, to adapt and to evolve.

Today, with the US auto industry flailing, it's hard not to wonder if the US auto industry couldn't be revived with a little extinction, and many have made such a case. As fuel economy has become the critical factor for automaker survival, the inefficiencies of the dinosaurs of the US auto industry have become pathetically obvious and simply unacceptable to some.

On the other hand, building autos is no easy business, especially when Americans demand many millions of new vehicles every year, and building new generations of hybrid cars and electric vehicles will be even harder. So, righting these wayward ships of inefficiency seems the most efficient plan, but can US automakers be righted and can they be righted quickly enough?

Also, if a US automaker or two went under, would it only lead to more foreign made cars, or could emerging US companies quickly fill the void?

Fisker ramping up Karma hybrid production

The Fisker Karma hybrid at NAIAS

By the end of 2009 production on the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid will begin. Finland's Valet Automotive, producer of a number of Porsches is expected to produce about 15,000 of the plug-in hybrids. With an expected 50 miles of EV range, the Karma has a total range of 350 miles. No final word on pricing, but if the vehicle remains true to its Detroit debut form, the Karma could make the Chevy Volt seem like an economy PHEV.

Zen and the Art of Hypermiling

Hypermiling isn't for wimps

I don't drive much thanks to the Goldline and the rest of LA's light rail and subway system. When I do drive it's mostly through dense urban traffic, so hypermiling is an art I find little time to practice and experiment.

OK, that's not totally true since I've been hypermiling through LA traffic long before hybrid cars first hit the road. In my old manual Nissan Sentra from my old Pasadena neighborhood, I would try to coast through Arroyo Parkway traffic touching the breaks as little as possible.

Thus, when I became a hybrid driver, my city driving changed little. In fact, either in a Toyota Prius or a Camry hybrid, I can coast in EV mode through much of LA's commuting congestion achieving unbelievable - at least to non-hybrid drivers - fuel economy.

Highway hypermiling, however, is a whole different story. Finish: Zen and the Art of Hypermiling

German expert: Even EU will go all hybrid, electric

Total Conversion by 2025?

Slowly, but surely, even performance-orientated European automakers will fully convert their fleets to hybrid cars and electric vehicles according to German automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer. "Hybrids and electric vehicles are going to be profitable, everyone is getting quickly into the act," stated Dudenhoeffer. By 2025 Dudenhoeffer believes that all cars sold in Europe will be either hybrids or electric vehicles.

Remember my European diesel fans, hybrid vehicles can still utilize your beloved diesel engine, but change is coming.

Prius: Litmus test for the auto industry?

Can anyone take on the Prius?

The Toyota Prius has changed the way Americans think about automobiles. Today, according to the latest surveys, most Americans are now interested in hybrid cars and the Prius is the standard. Certainly, the Prius isn't for everyone, but the Prius is the litmus test by which even automakers must judge their hybrids. It's not just about hybrid technology, but hybrid sales, which makes the Prius so important.

GM was the first to name its Prius-killer, the Chevy Volt, offering a totally different kind of hybrid powertrain and one that can plug-in. Unfortunately, it is now obvious that the Volt, at least in terms of sales, will come nowhere close to challenging the Prius until long after 2015. By then the Prius will be on its fourth generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and who knows if the Volt's revolutionary technology will still be a killer by then.

Other than GM, only Honda has reasonable plans for a Prius-killer in the near term, and they have a pretty good plan, in terms of technology and production numbers. A hybrid as accommodating as the Prius, as efficient as the Prius, and cheaper than the Prius. Of course, that's before Toyota launches the third generation Prius. And, it still seems the Prius will easily dominate city fuel economy against this killer.

Sadly, outside of Honda and GM, no other major automaker is anywhere near a Prius-killer, as gas surges towards $5.00 per gallon. Thus, if the Prius is a fair litmus test for the auto industry, the industry is failing, pathetically.

GM uses Volt to lobby for lower fuel economy standards

No game changer until well after 2015

The Chevy Volt will be an amazing piece of technology when it hits the road in late 2010, but it won't be a game changer until well after 2015. According to the DetroitNews, GM is currently lobbying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to lower the increase in fleet fuel economy required between 2011 and 2015 because such a requirement could slow the rollout of the Volt.

"GM's game-changing (extended range electric vehicle) technology should be treated as a low-volume application" through the 2015 model year, GM said in its filing, adding that it "strongly discouraged" NHTSA from assuming large numbers of vehicles would be built before then. It urged NHTSA to drop its yearly increase to 3 percent per year.

Back in April, Hybridcarblog reported that GM might use the Volt as an SUV fuel economy bargaining chip, and it now appears that prediction has come true. Sources within GM have claimed that less than 200,000 Chevy Volts would be built before 2015, therefore, the Volt will have little impact on GM's fleet fuel economy.

Should the Volt be an excuse for lower fuel economy standards? What if some unforeseen problem slows the Volt and E-Flex? Too many eggs in one basket?

Prius plant coming to Mississippi

Made in the USA?

The Toyota Prius will join the Camry hybrid as the only two Toyota hybrid cars built in the US. By late 2010 Toyota will begin building the Prius at a new plant being built in Blue Springs, Miss. Interestingly, the Prius was not the vehicle intended for this already planned auto plant, however, high demand for the Prius amidst ever-increasing gasoline prices forced Toyota's hand. (AP via Yahoo)

Is the Nissan Altima hybrid a lemon?

Either works great or terribly?

There are a few hybrid cars that owners often complain about when it comes to fuel economy, such as the Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid. These two hybrids, unlike the Prius hybrid, were designed as a balance between fuel economy and performance. This has led to fuel efficiency disappointment with some owners. Of course, other owners love these vehicles.

The hybrid complaints regarding the Nissan Altima hybrid, however, take the hybrid lemon cake. Now, many Altima hybrid owners love their car, but a significant percent of Altima hybrid testimonials indicate that owners are having serious problems, as their hybrids are falling far short of EPA estimates. One of the biggest problems, the EV light only comes on when fully stopped.

Just as bad as these problems, Nissan dealerships, according to these owners, seem completely oblivious to the problems and unable, or unwilling, to help. It's bad enough these hybrid buyers are having problems, but, once again, dealerships are coming up far short.

More hybrid reviews and testimonials.

Ford hybrids: Makes me wanna holler

How many Focus hybrids will Ford make?

The Ford Escape isn't my favorite hybrid vehicle, but for those coveting a fuel efficient SUV, it doesn't get any better than the Escape hybrid, at least for now. And, with gas prices at record highs, SUV drivers are more interested in fuel efficiency than ever. So, why are Escape hybrid sales down 9 percent compared to last year?

According to Ford the automaker will make its standard 24,000 hybrid vehicles this year - a combination of mostly Escape hybrids and a few Mercury Mariner hybrids. Thus, perhaps Ford is using some of its NiMH packs for the upcoming Focus hybrid. Whatever. What seems obvious is that whether it's the Focus hybrid or the Escape hybrid, Ford's hybrid vehicles are going nowhere fast.

Next year, Honda plans to sell well over 100,000 hybrid vehicles, an aggressive increase. And with Toyota's third generation Prius due out next year, Prius sales are certain to skyrocket, as Toyota is planning a 60 percent increase in battery production.

At one time Ford was the one glimmer of hybrid hope amongst US automakers, now Ford just makes me wanna holler.

Chevy dealers pull a Toyota: Hybrid markups

Not you too?

With demand for