Hybrid Car Blog - Everything about hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles

Bold predictions for Ford's new hybrids?

2008-07-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T07:47:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-23T07:22:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T07:58:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-11T03:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Not you too?

With demand for hybrid cars skyrocketing well above supply, many Toyota dealerships have added markups to both the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid ranging from $3,000 - $5,000, and often including many dealers add-ons beyond the markups (more).

Recently, a few potential Chevy Tahoe hybrid buyers have also complained of dealer markups ranging from $2,000 - $4,000.

As I've posted in the past, not every Toyota dealer is adding markups to their hybrids. Believe it or not, some dealerships actually value long term customer relationships over short term profits. Shop around if you are running into hybrid markups, you just might find such a dealer.

Production-ready Volt in September?

2008-07-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Can it stop the bleeding?

In September, in a well-planned move to coincide with GM's 100th Anniversary, GM will debut a production-ready Chevy Volt and announce a supplier for the Volt's lithium-ion battery pack (Yahoo). Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that the Volt will be ready to hit the market sooner than expected, as the first production-ready Volts will be put through numerous lab and real-world tests. Still, however, it will be a great step forward.

Nonetheless, the move does seem driven by PR. With GM stock at a 54 year low, GM needs to give investors something in which to believe. Obviously, the Volt is perfect for such an occasion, and if GM could also announce more aggressive numbers for initial production runs, it seems the Volt could provide a real lift to GM stock.

If not, however, 100,000 Volts per year could still be several years away. Will that be enough proof for investors?