Archive for February, 2012

Why didn’t Obama drive a hybrid before his Presidency?

Why didn't the President drive a hybrid just 3 years ago?

Where was the battery-powered conviction when it was Senator Obama?

So, the President is going to buy a Chevy Volt after his second term in the White House? That’s cool, but it’s just politics.

I mean if the President has been so compelled against foreign oil dependence and for green tech, why did he drive a Chrysler sedan and a Ford SUV when he was a Senator just a few years ago? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, it was a flex fuel guzzler. Except, in Chi-town there was no place to utilize that flex-fuel capability. So, it was a pure gas guzzler.

Therefore, what exactly did the President believe before he was President? Why didn’t he care more about his personal CO2 footprint and foreign oil dependence then? And why does he expect so many to support his new electrified vision now, when he himself didn’t just 3 years ago? Read more…

Either drilling “or” batteries is the problem. It’s “and”.

Batteries and natural gas can complement each other.

America can change the world with a holistic energy policy

I have few doubts that electrification is the future of personal mobility. Sure, there is the possibility that some form of biofuel, such as that from artificial photosynthesis on steroids, could reduce the need for electrification. Ultimately, however, electrification is going to be extremely hard to beat.

But today, there are lots of barriers to mass electrification, such as costs, lack of charging capabilities for many, the legacy effect, minimal supply chains and manufacturing capabilities, just to name a few. On the other hand, there are numerous underutilized technologies being ignored today because someone isn’t happy that they don’t go far enough, or they just aren’t perfect enough.

And that’s why we need to stop talking about this solution “or” that solution, according to Larry Burns, because we need this solution “and” that solution today. Read more…

Why? Consumers losing interest in hybrids, EVs, clean tech

Plug-ins have arrived, but consumers are caring less and less

Has green tech been oversold and under-delivered? Is it just the economy?

In the last few years, consumer interest in hybrid and electric cars, solar power and other clean technologies has declined according to a recent survey.

Obviously, it seems the struggling economy is part of the problem. Coupled with, until recently, generally lower gasoline prices — at least compared to the spike of 2008 — and the decline in clean and green interests isn’t that surprising.

Yet, the economy has been improving, while interest in clean tech has not. Read more…

Is Fisker ahead of the plug-in competition set to Emerg e?

Another great looking luxury plug-in

It’s not easy being a plug-in startup with this kind of competition coming

When I first heard of Fisker and, even better, saw their early concepts, I was excited and intrigued. Over time; however, Fisker has grown far less exhilarating. In terms of technology, production, and manufacturing little Fisker is doing provides some true ‘Wow’ factor in the plug-in segment. The attention grabber is simply great design.

But in the last few years a number of luxury plug-in concepts from the majors have turned Fisker’s delays into a serious problem, and the latest to Emerg-E comes from Infiniti. Read more…

Toyota Camry best hybrid road test – Consumer Reports

The best Camry available according to CR road tests

One of the best rides you can buy

Want a loaded car that offers one of the best combinations of “braking, acceleration, fuel economy, comfort, and cargo space among other things” according to Consumer Reports?

Then think 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid. Read more…

Everything we know about hybrids and plug-ins today is wrong

One major barrier to electrification overcome?

Toyota will lose its hybrid crown, and lithium-ion might be just fine for the battery revolution

In general, most believe that in order to truly replace gasoline cars, battery packs will eventually have to move beyond lithium-ion technologies, into lithium-air and numerous other technological possibilities, for example. According to Envia Systems, however, their new cathode materials could put electric cars on par with conventional gas guzzlers now.

And on a different electrified note, a new study suggests that Toyota’s days as the hybrid king could be numbered. Read more…

No touchdown dance for the Chevy Volt at the Super Bowl

Legit Prius contender? The Volt at it's debut

Did GM misjudge Main St. and the Toyota Prius?

Years ago, before the debut of the Chevy Volt concept, but as rumors emerged that GM was aiming to take on the Toyota Prius, I claimed that a GM-like-Prius would be even more successful than the Prius. An American-made Prius would be a true freedom fighter, a US manufactured attack on foreign oil dependence. In fact, I argued that GM could build a whole marketing concept around this freedom-fighter vehicle.

While some might argue the Chevy Volt is a such a vehicle, data coming out of the Super Bowl, suggests otherwise. Read more…

It’s never made more sense to buy a hybrid or electric car

Time to take the cover off hybrid and EV sales in 2012

And hybrids and plug-ins will probably only make more sense heading into the future

Thanks to Chevy Volt carpool lane access, the Volt is actually a pretty good deal in California. Coupled with state and federal incentives and smart charging the Volt makes long term cost-effectiveness sense.

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight make even greater sense, and they don’t even require a tax credit.

And when you consider the long term hedge that hybrids and plug-ins provide against even further gasoline spikes — which seem inevitable — the battery-powered advantage only increases. Read more…

2012 Chevy Volt cruising into California carpool eligible

Volt + California carpool lane access = priceless

Plus the Volt will qualify for an extra $1500 state tax credit

Can you put a gun rack in the Chevy Volt? You sure can, but who gives a crap. And for the record, saving the US auto industry was really a no-brainer. Sure we can argue until we’re blue in the face about just how exactly the bankruptcy should have been managed, but does it really matter today?

Fricken gasoline prices are more than $4.00 in my neighborhood. This morning I heard that the national average is now expected to be nearly $4.50 by mid-Summer. Instead of arguing about the bailout, isn’t it time to focus on a relevant issue, such as foreign oil dependence? I mean dial a clue. If Republicans want to bark up a tree, why don’t they focus on a legitimate US energy independence plan?

Nevertheless, if you live in California, you now have some extra incentives to end your personal foreign oil dependence: Chevy Volts being delivered today qualify for carpool lane access — and an extra $1500 in state rebates. Read more…

Maybe it’s just time for transportation to Evolve

The Evolve electric motorcycle

Now that’s breaking the electric mold

When I learned that more than 100 million electric bikes have been sold in China in the last decade, I was, well, a little shocked. To me it suggests that the world mold of transportation could be very much in flux, especially since places like China are expected to be the key markets to future automotive success. China simply cannot support an American view of transportation, regardless of the energy source.

Sure, that probably isn’t going to mean a worldwide switch to electric motorcycles like the Evolve Xenon, to be auctioned off at a Global Green Pre-Oscar Party tonight, but the time for change is ever more ripe. Read more…