Hybrid vehicles still offer excellent reliability - Consumer Reports

Hybrid vehicles are very reliable according to Consumer Reports survey research. The Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid are the number one and two most reliable family cars, and the Honda Civic hybrid took third place for most reliable small car. The Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h took the first and fifth spots for most reliable midsized SUVs.

The only hybrid to suffer a bit this year compared to last year was the Ford Escape hybrid, which dropped from above average to just average.

(Source: CNNMoney)

Civic and Escape hybrid sales up big in October

Sales of the Honda Civic hybrid were up 890% in October compared to October 2005, reaching 2,288 units sold. The Ford Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid hit 1,602 units combined, up 30.6% compared to October 2005. The sales of all other hybrid vehicles were down in October 2006 compared to October 2005.

So what is the story? Why are sales of the Toyota Prius, for example, down while the Civic hybrid is up? Or why are sales of the Highlander hybrid down, while sales of the Escape hybrid are up?

Well, I'd bet it all comes down to tax incentives. October was the first month that tax incentives for Toyota hybrids were cut in half.

While Prius sales were down about 12%, Toyota still sold 8,733 of the hybrid vehicles - far more than Honda's Civic hybrid. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of months. If gas prices begin to again go up, I think Prius sales will be fine despite the lower tax incentive. If gas prices remain stable, this downward trend might continue.

(Source: Green Car Congress)

Hybrid Interest down 10% in Q3 according to Autobytel

Overall interest in hybrid vehicles was down 10% in the 3rd quarter according to Autobytel. Still, interest in the Toyota Prius and the Camry hybrid remained relatively strong, while interest in the Highlander hybrid surged 32%. On the other hand, interest in the Ford Escape hybrid dropped a whopping 49%.

(Source: Autobytel)

Prius and Civic hybrid most fuel efficient vehicles for 2007 according to government

The government has released its Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles for 2007. According to the government's report, the Toyota Prius hybrid is the most fuel efficient vehicle for 2007, followed by the Honda Civic hybrid. The Toyota Camry hybrid was third.

A total of four hybrid vehicles were in the Top Ten. The two-wheel drive Ford Escape hybrid was the most fuel efficient SUV.

(EPA)

Escape hybrid recall

About 6,000 Ford Escape hybrids will be recalled to fix a faulty drivetrain shaft. The problem will be replaced by Ford if needed. No reports of injuries or accidents caused by the problem.

(Source: LATimes)

Mazda Tribute hybrid built on new hybrid technology?

"According to Nikkei Business, Mazda will be developing their own hybrid; and this perhaps without the aid of FoMoCo. It sounds like Mazda is preparing to distance themselves from troubled Ford."

So, does this mean the Mazda Tribute hybrid will not be released as planned? Originally, the hybrid Tribute was to built upon the Ford Escape hybrid platform. At one time Ford almost squashed the Tribute hybrid project, but later re-confirmed their plans to build the hybrid. So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

(Source: Straightline)

Hybrids only 9% more efficient than regular vehicles?

Are hybrid vehicles only 9% more fuel efficient than conventional vehicles? That's what J.D. Power claims, according to the Detroit News. While noting that interest in hybrids is growing, J.D. claims that hybrid buyers have unrealistic expectations in terms of performance.

While I agree that some buyers have unrealistic expectations, I have to question the 9% figure. Other studies have claimed the same, but those studies were done using track testing. For the majority of drivers, track testing is about as accurate for gauging real world fuel economy as are EPA estimates of hybrids.

Moreover, saying 'hybrids' are only 9% more efficient than conventional models is completely deceptive. For example, some hybrids were not produced to achieve the highest fuel efficiency possible. The Honda Accord hybrid, for example, is really a performance hybrid, though it achieves excellent fuel mileage for that performance. The same is largely true of both the Lexus RX400h and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, though these vehicles are - for their class - more fuel efficient than the Accord hybrid.

In terms of fuel efficiency, both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid, are the two hybrids most designed for fuel economy. While the Civic hybrid is a very fuel efficient vehicle as well, so to is the standard Civic. Additionally, the Civic hybrid doesn't offer as much electric assist as the hybrid Escape or Prius.

Consequently, comparing some hybrids is about as accurate as comparing apples to oranges. Thus, averaging their fuel economy is completely useless.

Even worse, if the Silverado hybrid was also included in the 'hybrid class' by J.D., then the results are completely skewed against hybrid fuel efficiency. The Silverado hybrid isn't even a mild hybrid in my book. In fact, its not even a hybrid in my book.

Consequently, the class of current hybrid vehicles are actually a very diverse group of vehicles. To average their fuel economy is misleading at best and, ultimately, deceptive. Studies by both Consumer Reports and Edmunds very much call into question the number, 9%.

Some hybrids are more fuel efficient than other hybrids. Some hybrids offer more power than other hybrids. Some hybrids perform better on highways compared to other hybrids, and some hybrids perform better in urban slow-and-go or stop-and-go traffic than other hybrids. Inevitably, hybrid fuel efficiency can ONLY be assessed vehicle by vehicle. Even then, two different drivers of the same hybrid can still achieve vastly different outcomes.

So, don't take this 9% very seriously. It might be true for some hybrids, but it certainly isn't true for all hybrids. If you want to read more about real world fuel economy from real world hybrid drivers, check out these hybrid testimonials.

The Ford Escape hybrid versus the Saturn Vue mild hybrid

Over the last couple of months several people have challenged my view that the Ford Escape hybrid is a better hybrid than GM's Saturn Vue mild hybrid. In particular they claim the Escape hybrid's more expensive hybrid technology isn't justified by its real world gas mileage. Just this morning I responded to such a blog entry.

Escape hybrid versus Saturn Vue hybrid

Prius, Escape hybrid break even in 3 years

According to a study by Edmunds.com, many hybrid cars now pay for themselves over time. For example, both the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid can pay for themselves in just 3 years when gas is $3.00 and you drive at least 15,000 miles per year. Additionally, the Saturn Vue, Camry hybrid and Civic hybrid will pay for themselves in 6 years.

Of course, good things never last. Because tax credits for hybrid cars are capped at 60,000 vehicles per manufacturer, the full tax credit for the Prius and other Toyota hybrids, will only be available until Sept. 30. After that time, Toyota hybrid buyers will only qualify for half the tax credit.

As for the other hybrid vehicles, you still have plenty of time.

The Best Hybrid Vehicle

So, you think the Toyota Prius is the best hybrid vehicle, or maybe you like the styling of the Honda Civic hybrid?

Maybe you only like SUVs and so you believe the Ford Escape hybrid is the best hybrid available?

Well, unfortunately, the best hybrid vehicle simply isn't being produced.

So, what would it take to create the best hybrid? In a word, a plug. (Finished in Comments)

NY Times gives props to Escape hybrid

"The most pleasant and unexpected surprise was my mileage. I didn’t baby the Escape or try to coax high mileage from it, yet I had no trouble achieving — even exceeding — the E.P.A. estimates."

That was just part of the praise that Jerry Garrett gave to the Ford Escape hybrid in a recent NY Times article. While Garrett hasn't been a huge proponent of hybrid cars, he definitely gives the Escape hybrid a nice review. (More)

Reliability of hybrid cars: Check out the fleets

According to CNN Money, hybrid cars in fleet use, such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota Prius Hybrid have now gone "hundreds of thousands" of miles without any battery problems. (More)

Hybrid Vehicle Technology Spawning Innovation, Competition

Back in the 90's the Big 3 were given a billion tax dollars to develop the next generation of fuel efficient technologies. They developed hybrid cars and electric cars, but Detroit quickly decided that such vehicles just weren't profitable enough.

Japan, on the other hand, showed a bit more vision and determination, eventually producing the Honda Insight hybrid, followed by the Toyota Prius hybrid. Still, things didn't really get going until the 2nd Generation Prius, which quickly became a hot seller and put hybrids on America's radar.

Now Detroit is finally taking the hybrid game seriously - at least a little bit.

While Ford has stated that it firmly believes in the future of hybrid cars, GM has continued to state that hybrid vehicles are little more than a public relations effort. Nonetheless, GM and Chrysler are developing hybrids - of course their hybrid technology is, ultimately, better for trucks and highway driving, rather than the congestion that is predicted to be a major problem in the next couple of decades.

Moreover, the Army recently announced a program converting Ford Escape hybrids into hydrogen hybrids, and there are also Prii running on hydrogen. Suddenly, the 'hydrogen highway' might not require fuel cells at all, rather just current hybrid vehicle technology. Besides, if fuel cells do become cost-effective, most engineers believe that fuel cell automobiles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

But back to today's technology.

Even far different hybrid technology, such as a hydraulic hybrid, is being developed and tested right now. For example, UPS is testing a diesel hydraulic hybrid this year. Hydraulic hybrids offer significant fuel economy improvements without the high costs of electric motors, hybrid batteries and software.

Single mode hybrids, dual mode hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, hydraulic hybrids - suddenly, oil dependence seems more manageable.

Recently, I read the article, Energy policy without the fear factor that states, "We cannot continue to go the way we've been going. It is not a matter of "car guys'' versus "tree huggers,'' liberals versus conservatives, truck lovers versus truck haters. It is an acknowledgment that, if we as a global community fail to examine and answer "What if?'' and refuse to accept or implement the changes required by the answers, the question may answer itself.....And the answer could be one none of us could live with."

Today's hybrids are not just the beginning of an automotive revolution, but a technological evolution. When we believe we can do more, a funny thing happens, we find out we can. Suddenly, utopian dreams aren't so utopian when the power of technology is used to benefit people, rather than just profit from people.

"What if" we dare to dream is a great question. 'Why not dare to dream', I think, is an even better one with today's technology.

New York City adding MORE hybrid taxis

Can hybrid cars save money, many ask. Yes, especially if you are a New York taxi driver. Many hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Prius hybrid, often achieve far better results in the WORST driving conditions. Consequently, in New York City, hybrid taxis can "get double the gas mileage of traditional cabs and generate less pollution" (more). Since congestion is the norm for most American drivers and congestion is predicted to increase significantly in the next few decades, shouldn't the fuel economy standard be focused on city driving, not highway driving?

Army: Forget fuel cells for now, hydrogen hybrids are better

Because of the cost barriers around fuel cells, the U.S. Army is working with Quantum Technologies to convert today's hybrid cars into hydrogen hybrid cars. Currently, the project is using the Ford Escape hybrid platform. Since most engineers believe fuel cell vehicles will be hybrid vehicles, I wonder if Bob Lutz still thinks that hybrids don't make business sense?(More)

Is GM heading down the wrong hybrid path?

When the 2008 GM Chevy Tahoe hybrid hits the streets it will add a new page to the technology behind hybrid cars, the Two Mode Hybrid Powertrain. GM's two mode powertrain gives GM hybrid vehicles the ability to optimize performance based on driving conditions - highway versus city.

Toyota's Single Mode hybrid powertrain, on the other hand, is more optimized for city driving. Essentially, Toyota and Ford hybrids utilize larger electric motors and hybrid batteries than will GM hybrids.

So, which is better?

There is no doubt that GM hybrids will have an advantage when it comes to power tasks, such as towing compared to Ford or Toyota hybrids. Additionally, GM hybrids will compete with Toyota and Ford hybrids on the highway.

In the city, in the congestion that is predicted to become significantly worse and more common in the future; however, Toyota and Ford hybrids will dominate. Thus, it is not surprising to hear rumors that GM is intensely studying the Toyota hybrid powertrain.

Inevitably, the real potential of hybrid vehicles lies completely around electric motors and, more importantly, hybrid batteries. It now seems inevitable that lithium-ion batteries will soon replace the current NiMH batteries that power hybrids. This will produce lighter hybrids with significantly greater storage capacity resulting in better performance, cheaper costs and significantly improved fuel economy.

If NiMH batteries are replaced by lithium-ion batteries, hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid could achieve massive gains in fuel economy, while costing less. Additionally, these hybrids could accommodate plug-in capabilities as well, resulting in even far greater fuel economy - we're talking 100 mpg +.

GM's dual mode hybrid technology can also utilize lithium-ion battery technology, but not nearly to the extent that Toyota and Ford hybrids can. This could really give Ford and Toyota a huge advantage over GM - at least with consumers that drive in any type of congestion. Since congestion will be the future for most Americans, GM's current hybrid path could be headed into the wrong direction.

2010: Year of the hybrid?

Today, critics often question the value of hybrid cars. Only a few can save money over the long term at today's gas prices they state and reliability is still an issue.

Yet, hybrid technology is only just emerging and the future of hybrid vehicles won't really be understood until at least 2010. By then Toyota will offer 14 different hybrid models. Even Detroit will offer numerous hybrid vehicles. Plus, Nissan, Hyundai, Porsche - even Suzuki - will be in the hybrid game.

Then it won't just be the Toyota Camry hybrid that challenges the Prius for total sales, but many new hybrid models.

More important, there will be several different types of hybrid technology on the market and many more hybrid parts suppliers. This competition will give consumers real choices. Should I get the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid? That will really begin to depend on your needs, such as towing, and that is just the beginning.

Moreover, Toyota has indicated that its hybrids in 2010 will not only be significantly more fuel efficient, but the cost differential between hybrid cars and conventional cars could be cut in half. Other automakers will have to do the same if they want to compete.

Competition, better technology, cheaper costs - by 2010 the question won't be why would you want a hybrid, it will be why would you want anything less than a hybrid.

Chicago using Escape hybrids as taxis

Chicago has become the third city to use the Ford Escape hybrid as a taxi, as part of Ford's campaign to promote its hybrid vehicles. (More)

AutoWeek gushes over the Vue hybrid

AutoWeek recently test drove the Saturn Vue Greenline hybrid and they apparently loved GM's new hybrid. Now, I have not driven the Vue hybrid and it might be an excellent vehicle, but I'm also very skeptical of AutoWeek. Sometimes it seems that AutoWeek is more of a puppet of GM, concerned more with maintaining a slice of GM's monstrous advertising budget than with objective GM reporting. Additionally, the article tries to compare Ford Escape hybrid fuel economy to Vue fuel economy based on "track" testing. This is silly. Tracks determine mostly highway fuel economy. If you drive in congestion, then the Vue is going to offer far worse fuel economy compared to the hybrid Escape. If you drive mostly on the open highway, then the Vue hybrid is definitely worth your consideration compared to the Escape hybrid. (AutoWeek Review)

Ethanol isn't enough, but ethanol hybrids could be just right

Over the last several months there has been a tremendous amount of hype around ethanol. In fact, GM's GoYellow campaign seems to imply that every American could drive a flex-fuel Hummer and America could still end foreign oil dependency. Yet, scientists don't agree, and they say corn-based ethanol will have little effect on foreign oil consumption.

Of course, ethanol supporters suggest other forms of biomass, such as cellulosic ethanol - which still requires undeveloped technologies - could possibly achieve a 30% drop in gasoline consumption by 2030. "There are many people who believe that biomass has the power to replace our appetite for gasoline," said Kimberly Gray, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University. "But that will only occur with significant improvements in energy efficiency and smart growth." (more)

In reality, despite GM's marketing deception, corn offers very little hope for America's fuel needs, especially if GM only produces Tahoes and Hummers. America needs smaller vehicles, and it needs millions and millions of hybrid cars. While smaller flex-fuel hybrid cars won't end gasoline consumption anytime soon, they could end foreign oil dependency - something flex-fuel gas guzzlers will NEVER accomplish.

Saturn Vue hybrid pricing announced

The Saturn Vue Hybrid, known as the Green Line, will begin at $22,995. While this price will make it the cheapest hybrid SUV, it will also be less fuel efficient than its closest competitor, the Ford Escape hybrid. The Vue Green Line is expected to hit dealerships towards the end of summer.

How will the next Ford Escape hybrid be different?

Recently, Nancy Gioia told AutoWeek that while the new Ford Escape hybrid design wouldn't remind anybody of some crazy science experiment, it would be different. Gioia said, "there is going to be some differentiation. People who drive hybrids want to make a statement that they are driving a hybrid." Hmmm, a shot at the Prius, Mrs. Gioia? Perhaps taking sly swings at your competition is a good marketing tool, but sales are really all that matter, right? By that standard it is the Escape hybrid which seems ugly - at least according to buyers. Nonetheless, I like the hybrid Escape and hope the new design helps sales. More important, Mrs. Gioia, make it a flex-fuel hybrid.

Ford Considering Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

Yesterday, when Bill Ford was getting hammered by Ford shareholders, he announced that Ford was exploring a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Would plug-in technology have a significant effect on Ford's sales of hybrid cars, or was Ford just looking for a little positive buzz?

GM and Ford Claim Hybrid Car Pool Lane Discrimination

Sometimes I think it is best just to keep quiet. This is one of those situations for Ford and GM. "Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp., seeking to boost sales, want the federal government to force New York and California to let solo drivers of their hybrid vehicles join those of Honda and Toyota cars in highway carpool lanes." (JSONLINE)

While I like the Ford Escape hybrid, it doesn't achieve the kind of mileage that the Honda Civic hybrid or the Toyota Prius hybrid achieves. More important, the Toyota Highlander hybrid also doesn't not qualify for HOV lane access in these states - so there is no discrimination. The point of New York and California HOV legislation was to promote the very best fuel efficiency.

Both of these American companies should be leading the fight against foreign oil dependency, instead they survive only by increasing America's dependency.

Gas guzzling: Tax incentives versus CAFE

Gas guzzling kills

I love discussing the connection between gas-guzzling, wars in Iraq, 9/11 and other forms of terrorism.

"There is no connection between Iraq, 9/11 and gas guzzling," so many often say.

Really? So, why do we care so much about the Middle East, but not other areas of the world? Why did we stop Saddam in the first Persian Gulf War? Was it about human rights? If so, why didn't - and why don't we - care about the slaughter of millions in Sudan, or Rwanda?

Do we really care that much about people from Qatar?

One only need listen to Bin Laden's own words to understand that there is a clear connection between America's need, or greed, for foreign oil and 9/11.

But back to the point. Whether it is the cost of gasoline, fear of foreign oil dependency, or a desire to protect the environment, many realize that America's oil addiction cannot continue.

So, which is a better tool to fight this dependency, CAFE or tax incentives?

I say put the power in the hands of the people. Congress and corporations have had decades to make a difference and the only thing they've accomplished is perpetually increased foreign oil dependency.

I say let Ford and GM do whatever they want. Put the power in the hands of the people!!

Instead of increasing CAFE, take that high CAFE number and give a huge tax incentive to EVERY customer that buys a vehicle that meets that CAFE number. That's the best way to promote technologies, such as hybrid cars.

Increase CAFE and automakers will just find some kind of loophole to do nothing.

If you want to buy a gas guzzler, no problem, but you'll pay high gas prices and receive no tax credit. Buy a Prius, buy an Escape hybrid, even a Tahoe hybrid and you get a HUGE tax credit - as long as it meets that high CAFE number - plus you'll you use less gas.

Tax incentives for Hummers? Please!!!!!! This must end, as must any other corporate welfare and loopholes for automakers, as must tax incentives for oil companies.

Give this money to the people and let the corporations fight for customers. By, of and for the PEOPLE, not the corporations!!!!

Ford's Slow Hybrid Sales Surge 50% in April

Last week I read at least 4 articles talking about the slow sales of hybrid vehicles. MotorTrend, for example, carried the article Hybrid Sales Running On Empty.

Then, today, I read that Ford increased its sales of hybrid vehicles by 50% in April - some slump(Reuters).

While it is true that incentives played a role in the sales increase of the Ford Escape hybrid, I bet rising gas prices also didn't hurt. Still, the whole "hybrids losing momentum" sentiment was really annoying.

Sales of the Toyota Prius weren't slow, nor were the sales of the Honda Civic hybrid. These two vehicles account for the far majority of hybrid vehicle sales, yet because the Honda Accord hybrid isn't selling well - a performance hybrid - hybrid sales are slumping?

Hybrid cars are an emerging technology and not every hybrid is going to sell well - there will be winners and losers. Additionally, costs and the price of gas are extremely important. Still, with no end in sight for high gasoline prices, I expect a lot more slow sales from hybrid cars.

Nonetheless, I don't get it. Why does it seem so many want to see hybrids fail?

Saturn Vue Hybrid: The Right Kind of Hybrid?

The Saturn Vue Hybrid is almost set to go on sale, and at $23,000, the Vue Hybrid will be significantly cheaper than other hybrid SUVs.

However, unlike the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Vue hybrid will offer less hybrid technology, which is why the price is cheaper.

"But the Vue Green Line's electric motor can't actually drive the vehicle on its own at low speeds, the way, for example, a Ford Escape Hybrid's can." Additionally, "the Ford Escape Hybrid can go up to 25 miles per hour without starting its gasoline engine at all. In the Vue Green Line, however, the gasoline engine starts running the moment the driver's foot lifts off the brake pedal." (Money)

If you are a highway driver, the Vue hybrid might be a good buy. If you drive in an urban area, however, the Vue hybrid probably isn't your best choice.

The hybrid vehicle revolution is dead?

The Wall Street Journal reported that sales of some hybrid cars are slowing, according to Car and Driver. That magazine cited such evidence as interest free loans for the Ford Escape hybrid, as well as new financing deals for the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and cuts in production on both the Highlander hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid.

Of course, the Toyota Prius hybrid car is burning off the lot, and the Honda Civic hybrid is also seeing strong sales.

So, what's the problem? Cost effectiveness.

Ultimately, I believe there two main types of hybrid consumers: those driven by the environment and foreign oil dependency and those driven by saving money on gas.

The Prius and the Civic hybrid fit the demands of both of these consumer segments. The rest of the hybrids don't fit the majority of consumers in either one of these segments very well.

Still, the best of hybrid technology is yet to come and even large hybrid SUVs will eventually see lower prices and higher fuel economy.

Hybrid vehicles are far from dead.

Ford expands interest-free hybrid vehicle loans

A few weeks ago Ford began offering interest free loans on the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid, but only in Washington D.C. and California. Starting Monday and through July 5, Ford will extend this program to the entire nation.

In the first quarter of this year, sales of Ford hybrid cars are up 7% compared to a year ago (CNN).

Compact cars versus hybrid cars

If you build them, will they come?

There is no doubt that America should move away from gas guzzlers, and one good way to reduce gas guzzling is simply to make vehicles smaller.

While hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid, can significantly reduce fuel consumption, they do so at a cost - higher prices.

On the other hand, the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, or Kia Rio, for example, can offer very good fuel economy for less than $15,000. (Full Story)

Army converting Escape hybrid into hydrogen hybrid

The Army is going to convert the Ford Escape hybrid from a gasoline electric hybrid vehicle into a hydrogen electric hybrid vehicle. "The idea is to start using hydrogen with internal combustion engines because the alternative, fuel cells, is still cost prohibitive."

Speaking of hydrogen hybrids, Toyota also has a fleet of Prius hydrogen hybrids. Just more proof of the potential of hybrid cars.(MSNBC)

Accord hybrid versus the Camry hybrid

Hybrid Competition Heats Up, A little

Slowly, albeit very slowly, competition amongst hybrid cars is building.

Already we have the Toyota Highlander hybrid versus the Ford Escape hybrid versus the Lexus RX 400h, as well the Toyota Prius versus the Honda Civic hybrid, and soon we'll have the Toyota Camry hybrid versus the Honda Accord hybrid.

Both the Accord and the Camry are already top selling cars in America. So, how will the hybrid battle between these two champions play out?

Unfortunately, it probably won't be much of a battle.

The Accord hybrid is a performance hybrid, offering some of the best performance of any Accord. For the power offered, the Accord hybrid offers good fuel efficiency. Ultimately, however, the hybrid Accord was built to perform on the highway, not to set fuel efficiency records.

The Camry hybrid, on the other hand, will offer significant gains in both fuel economy and pollution reductions compared to a standard Camry. While the hybrid Camry will still perform well, it wasn't designed for 0 to 60 supremacy, however the hybrid Camry should offer exceptional fuel efficiency.

Ironically, the real competition in the hybrid vehicle wars will probably be between the Camry hybrid and the Prius.

Are automakers destroying hybrid technology?

Yesterday, Business Week printed the article, Are hybrid sales running out of gas, which argues that other than the Toyota Prius hybrid, the sales of most other hybrid cars are slowing.

Unfortunately, I basically agree with Business Week that the costs of hybrids are an issue that is slowing hybrid sales. Hybrid vehicles do save gas, but they do not always save enough gas to justify the higher costs, especially hybrid SUVs.

Thus, only those with the wallet and the passion to fight foreign oil dependency or for the environment, can afford these vehicles.

A much larger customer segment; however, can afford vehicles such as the Prius or the Honda Civic hybrid. Still, the conventional Civic isn't a gas-guzzler, so you inevitably start comparing the Civic hybrid to the conventional Civic. For most consumers, up-front costs will eventually dominate.

The Prius, on the other hand, is unique. It is the hybrid vehicle, not a conventional vehicle with hybrid technology.

If someone wants to buy a sports car, they wouldn't typically want to buy a souped-up Chevy Malibu, they would want to buy a Corvette. Simply putting a badge on a Chevy Malibu that states 'Corvette Powered' doesn't make the Malibu a Corvette, even if they both have the same engine and performance.

Vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, will always have an audience, but they will never meet the sales demand of the Prius. If there were a unique hybrid SUV; however, it would dominate hybrid SUV sales.

Nonetheless, in the next year gas prices are going to go up significantly as refineries go from MTBE to ethanol additives. Additionally, in the next couple of years we will probably see multiple, significant spikes in the price of gasoline. All of these events will renew interest in ALL hybrid vehicles.

Additionally, hybrid technology is and will continue to advance. These advancements, and the potential small business tax credit for hybrid vehicles, could make hybrids, such as the Escape and Highlander, very cost-effective - perhaps even long term bargains.

Still, the only way hybrid technology will ever take off is when a number of unique hybrid vehicles are competing against each other. If automakers don't take this approach, the potential of hybrids will never be reached.

Intellichoice Best Overall Values of 2006: A lot of hybrids

In the last 2 weeks, hybrid cars have picked up some great press.

Consumer Reports picked two hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, for it's Top 10 Best Values in automobile's issue. The Prius hybrid was also found to be the most satisfying to owners, with 95% of those owners interested in buying another Prius.

Then Edmunds/CNN released a report that the Prius, Ford Escape hybrid and the Lexus RX400h hybrid were among the 10 hottest cars in America because these vehicles fly off the sale's lot.

Intellichoice also picked a number of hybrids as the Best Overall Values for 2006. The Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape hybrid, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid were included in the 8 Overall Best Values. The Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Insight also picked up awards in Best Values in their Class. (more)

Hottest Cars In America List includes 3 hybrids

Hybrids are hot

Edmunds.com helped CNN.com determine the 10 hottest cars in America.

"To find the 10 hottest cars in America for CNNMoney.com, Edmunds.com, a partner providing data and content for CNN Web sites, looked for three things: Actual selling prices closest to the vehicle's full sticker price; lowest amounts in rebates or other sales incentives; shortest times spent on dealer lots before being snapped up by buyers." (more)

Surprise, surprise, the Toyota Prius hybrid is the hottest car in America. Also, 3 of the top 10 hottest cars in America are hybrid cars. Joining the Prius are the Ford Escape hybrid and the Lexus RX400h.

With gas prices destined to rise significantly this year, and with the possibility of gas spikes - either due to terrorism or hurricanes - these hybrids will only get hotter.

Interest-free financing for Escape hybrid, for some

Ford will be offering interest-free financing on the Escape hybrid in California and Washington, D.C. - the two hottest markets for both the hybrid Escape and hybrid cars. You cannot; however, take advantage of the $1000.00 rebate that Ford is also offering on the Escape hybrid if you choose interest-free financing. Those that do not live in California or Washington, D.C. can still qualify for the $1000.00 rebate.

Consumer Reports and Hybrid Cars: What you need to know

What's the word on hybrids?

Consumer Report's Annual Auto Issue is one of the most important sources for unbiased ratings and reviews of automobiles. So, what can we learn from Consumer Reports when it comes to hybrid cars.?

First, we learned that the Toyota Highlander hybrid is the best SUV over $30,000 and that the Toyota Prius hybrid is the Best Green Vehicle.

Second, we learned that the Prius is the Most Satisfying vehicle according to owners. A whopping 95% of Prius owners would buy another Prius (more).

Third, we learned that hybrid vehicles have thus far proven to be extremely reliable. In fact, the Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid topped CR's rankings of Most reliable, with just 4% of owners reporting problems. In addition, the Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Accord hybrid also did very well in reliability.

Of course, the long term reliability of hybrids is still a question, a question that can only be answered once enough hybrids have been on the road for more than a decade. Ultimately, the reliability of hybrids is extremely important as it is the factor in determining the overall value of hybrids, which brings us to our final point.

Fourth, are hybrid vehicles worth the cost?

According to Consumer Reports, only two hybrids can save you money after the first five years: the Prius and the Civic hybrid. Of course, once the capped tax credits for hybrids expire, these vehicles will then cost more than their conventional counterparts, well, maybe.

The article, Hybrids: Save gas, lose money, notes that "six hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles, will lose 2 percent to 3 percent more in value over five years of ownership than otherwise identical non-hybrid vehicles." While the Prius can save $406 after 5 years and the Civic hybrid saves $317, the rest of the hybrids lose money after five years: Ford Escape Hybrid ($1,883), Honda Accord Hybrid ($4,263), Lexus RX400h ($4,171) and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($5,508).

Of course, as in life, few things are ever black and white.

To start, there is no "identical non-hybrid vehicle" to compare to the Prius. If the Prius were simply a hybrid Corolla, it would be called the Corolla hybrid. Quite simply, the Prius is a unique vehicle and when you consider performance, reliability and customer satisfaction, the Prius is a unique, awesome vehicle.

As for the rest of the hybrid vehicle segment, it is true that cost is an important concern. Still, for those that care, can you really put a cost on foreign oil dependency or a cleaner environment? Sometimes doing the right thing is neither the cheapest nor easiest thing to do.

Furthermore, the Consumer Reports study makes several important assumptions. For example, it assumes that your auto insurance will cost more. Overtime; however, this might not be true, especially when you consider that some insurance providers have already offered discounts to hybrid drivers.

CR also assumes extra financing costs for hybrids. Already, Ford has begun to offer incentives and better financing deals on its hybrid vehicles, so this 'cost' might not remain an extra cost.

The most important assumption affecting the costs of hybrids; however, is extra depreciation, which CR claims could range from $2,900 to 6,300 after 5 years. These are huge numbers that cannot, at this point in time, be backed by fact.

For example, if hybrid batteries generally last the life of these vehicles, which Toyota engineers claim is quite possible, then these numbers will be horribly wrong. Additionally, as more hybrids are built, hybrid battery costs will come down.

Moreover, it could turn out that replacing the battery packs of older hybrids could make hybrids twice as fuel efficient as before with new battery technology, such as lithium batteries. Not only would this reverse depreciation costs, but it would double fuel savings costs.

In 10 years, it could turn out that replacing the hybrid battery pack on an old hybrid actually results in a better hybrid than when new. Imagine the effect this would have on resale value.

Additionally, "Hybrid supporter and Prius owner James Bell, publisher of the automotive guide IntelliChoice, recently sold his two-year-old Prius for just $4,000 less than he originally paid for it -- a remarkably low rate of depreciation." (more)

So, hybrid depreciation is a complete wild card.

Furthermore, "We really like hybrids in terms of their overall performance" and environmental benefits, says Doug Love, a spokesman for Consumers Union.

In conclusion, the CR study does demonstrates that hybrid vehicles do pose some risk when it comes to long term value; however, the CR study largely assumes the worst case scenario. If hybrid batteries are very reliable and/or new battery technology could cost-effectively make old hybrids twice as fuel efficient, then hybrids could end up as long term bargains.

Slow hybrid sales push Ford incentives

Ford's hybrid slump isn't a surprise

So far this year Ford has sold about 1000 hybrid vehicles, as sales for both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid have slowed. Ironically, as Ford has increased hybrid marketing, sales have simply not kept pace and this has resulted in incentives as high as $1000.00 for Ford's hybrids (more).

Why?

I remember my first Escape hybrid test drive, which left me very unimpressed. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the vehicle - I did - I just thought the cost was simply far too expensive.

I felt the same away about the Toyota Highlander hybrid, which I also love, but the price difference between the Highlander hybrid and a conventional Highlander, is the definition of sticker shock.

That doesn't mean I wouldn't buy either of these vehicles, I would, if I had to drive SUVs, but I'm not an SUV driver. This highlights the main problem of hybrid SUVs: Who are the customers?

Fans of hybrids are driven mostly by two factors: the environment and foreign oil dependency. Most, but not all, of this customer segment is not interested in hybrid SUVs (I'm not saying hybrid SUV drivers aren't just as committed!!). While there are many others that are concerned about these same issues, they are not driven by these causes, and these people are inevitably going to be driven by cost when it comes to buying a hybrid versus a conventional vehicle.

Many of these hybrid buyers will buy a Prius without thinking about it because there isn't a conventional comparison -I don't buy the Corolla comparison. Every other hybrid, other than the Honda Insight, forces this compare and contrast mentality.

Consequently, until hybrid vehicle costs are more competitive, only unique hybrids such as the Toyota Prius will be hot sellers. There could be exceptions, such as the Toyota Camry hybrid, but that won't be the norm until hybrid battery technology advances.

Of course, all of this could change if the 3 ton SUV small business tax deduction were applied to hybrid vehicles. Let's hope the momentum for this in Congress keeps rolling.

Interested in a hybrid vehicle? Now might be the best time

So, you're thinking about buying a hybrid vehicle, but you just aren't ready? Well, now might be your best opportunity.

In the last several weeks gas prices have dropped, yet last week's suicide attack on a Saudi oil refinery could have pushed the price of gasoline up far more than Katrina. Almost certainly, we are in the calm before the oil price storm and gas prices will eventually spike this year. When that happens, as it did after Katrina, interest in hybrid cars will also spike.

Even without a spike, tax credits for Toyota hybrids will expire before the end of the year. So, if you are interested in a Prius or Highlander hybrid you should act now, if the credit is important. Interest in the Prius is always high, but if gas prices skyrocket again, finding a Prius could prove almost impossible.

While tax credits for the Honda Civic hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid, for example, will probably last through the year, finding one of these vehicles might also prove nearly impossible following another surge in energy prices.

So, if you want to buy a hybrid this year, now could be the best time. Of course, if you are waiting for the Camry hybrid, there isn't much you can do until at least May.

Why I like the flex-fuel Ford Escape hybrid

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz around ethanol, and suddenly GM has gone green by going yellow. Yet, a closer look at the numbers highlights some serious issues.

There are 168,987 gasoline pumps in the United States and only 608 of them offer ethanol (AutoWeek). In a previous post, Help us Detroit, I called GM's ethanol campaign pure smoke and mirrors.

If GM has put millions of ethanol vehicles on the road, where are they filling up? Also, why are the far majority of ethanol vehicles large SUVs and trucks? Isn't it ironic that most buying this technology aren't using ethanol, yet GM still receives CAFE credits for using the technology? If GM cares so much about ethanol, why isn't the technology in all vehicles, rather than just vehicles near failing CAFE?

Yes, ethanol offers great potential as a fuel, but not today. In fact, some analysts suggest that it could take 15 years before ethanol could really start making a difference, which is why I like the flex-fuel Ford Escape hybrid.

The Escape hybrid is already a great vehicle, reducing the conventional Escape's fuel consumption by between 20 and 30 percent, while also significantly reducing pollution. The flex-fuel Escape hybrid vehicle offers these same gains, plus the ability to use ethanol.

In 10 years, both ethanol and the technology behind hybrid cars will advance, but neither will offer a real solution to oil dependence. In 10 years; however, a plug-in flex-fuel hybrid vehicle could easily and economically function without oil - not just foreign oil - while continuing to push the bar for fuel economy.

I like ethanol and I like hybrid vehicles, but I really like flex-fuel hybrids. And if plug-in technology is added to those flex-fuel hybrids we add even greater fuel economy, while sparking greater competition and variety in fuel choices.

Shouldn't something as important as energy be about choice, especially in today's world?

A new plug-in conversion kit announced today, another coming soon.

Hymotion released a press release today announcing their new plug-in kit for hybrid cars.

At this time, Hymotion is offering the plug-in conversion kit for the Toyota Prius, but will soon offer one for the Ford Escape hybrid as well.

According to the release, the Hymotion Plug-in battery will "double" the fuel economy of the Prius.

Anthony Wei, Vice-President Business Development explains: "The secret ingredient to the 100 plus miles per gallon performance is the Lithium Ion Polymer technology in our PHEV battery. It's smaller, lighter, and more powerful than the NiMH batteries currently use in all Hybrid vehicle. This is the future."

For a single system the cost is $9,500. For those interested in starting a Prius conversion operation or for fleets, the Hymotion system is $6500.00 for orders of 1000 or more.

E-Drive, another plug-in provider offers systems that cost between $10,000 and $12,000, in comparison.

Additionally, I was contacted this weekend regarding the upcoming launch of another plug-in kit of sorts. Soon, a solar roof will be available for the Toyota Prius. This roof has been molded to perfectly fit the roof of the Prius and uses the sun to charge the hybrid batteries.

A formal announcement is due in a few weeks, so stay tuned.

More on plug-in hybrid cars.

Help us, Detroit....

Yesterday, I read an article that bothered me a bit. Daniel Howes, an auto reporter for the Detroit News, wrote an article, Help us, Mr. President, that really got under my collar.

Now, I like Howes as a reporter because I think he's pretty fair, especially compared to some of the other auto writers at the same paper. Still, you can't blame Howes for trying to save Detroit. What other choice does he have? In many ways, his job is probably dependent on the success of Detroit automakers.

What really angers me, I've realized, is Detroit automakers, especially GM.

Mr. Howes notes the legacy healthcare and pension costs of GM and Ford, while also complaining that Asian automakers have enjoyed unfair trade barriers. While I have sympathy for these issues, it isn't much.

Then, Howes states, "Nearly 20 GM models deliver 30 mpg or more; the first gas-electric hybrid SUV is a Ford; and Chrysler's Jeep Liberty is the U.S. industry's first diesel-powered SUV."

"Did Toyota and Honda set the standard in hybrids? Absolutely, and more models are coming. Same with Ford, GM and Chrysler. And GM and Ford have millions of ethanol-capable vehicles on the road today, a precursor to the ethanol-powered fleet that you say would free us from Oil Sheikdom."

Smoke and Mirrors

These statements are pure Detroit - deception and lies and the art of advertising.

First, in real world driving, GM doesn't have 20 models that achieve 30 mpg. Sure hybrid cars don't achieve EPA estimated fuel economy, but in reality almost every car misses their EPA numbers. In fact, the Jeep Liberty Howes mentions actually achieves 50% less than what the EPA estimates in city driving according to Consumer Reports.

Second, these faulty EPA numbers are used by GM and Ford to deceive CAFE. Consequently, many Ford and GM SUVs would not pass their CAFE requirements, if not for the EPA's inefficiency. Since this fact is well known by the government and industry alike, I'd call that U.S. protectionism - especially since SUVs have been Detroit's savior the last few decades.

Third, America's ethanol fleet, please! This one is the one that really sets me off, especially since I've seen at least 20 ads promoting how green GM now is because it has more than a million ethanol vehicles on the road.

Go Yellow? Go to hell GM! It has been a long running joke that almost everyone who drives a flex-fuel vehicle - one that can run on ethanol - doesn't even know it.

Why?

Ethanol is expensive most places it's offered, and ethanol isn't offered in very many places. Thus, a flex fuel vehicle really isn't much of a benefit to most, except Detroit automakers.

Adding flex-fuel capabilities to a large SUV only costs a few hundred dollars, but it enables vehicles that wouldn't pass CAFE to pass CAFE - EVEN THOUGH NO ONE IS USING THE FUEL. Thus, GM spends a few extra hundred deceiving the government - whom enables this deception - on vehicles it makes thousands of extra dollars in profits.

Who wouldn't take that deal? Here, you give me $500.00 and I'll give you $5000.00.

Thus, I'm supposed to be proud of GM for lies and deceit? Lies and deceit that don't reduce foreign oil consumption at all, but instead increase foreign oil consumption - this is something GM is spending millions bragging about?

Disgraceful.

How many more loopholes does the government need to give Detroit? I mean there is already a $25,000 tax deduction for the most offensive, gas-guzzling and polluting SUVs - which was only just reduced and doesn't even include depreciation deductions.

How much more does Detroit need?

Ford used to anger me as much as GM, but at least Ford has admitted the error in its ways and has taken a step in the right direction. Still, Ford needs to do much more, but I'm a huge advocate of the Escape hybrid.

If GM, on the other hand, wants my sympathy or wants my money, then GM needs to come clean. Since 9/11 GM has continued to promote it's most fuel inefficient vehicles as its marquee product. This is irresponsible and un-American.

Get with the program GM. Take some real responsibility. Admit some mistakes and talk to the people about the effort it will take to change. Tahoes, Escalades and Chargers aren't the answer. Help America - lead America - towards ending not just foreign oil dependency, but oil dependency and global warming emissions - not in some mystical future world of fuel cells, but today!

Let's Dare to Dream!

When GM shows some vision and some real leadership - first by accepting its failures and then with new products - I'll be the first in line to buy a GM.

Ultimately, GM has no one to blame but themselves, and forgiveness cannot begin without first accepting responsibility. Until then, I'll hope for bankruptcy.

Ford to redesign Escape and Mariner hybrids

Ford to update its current hybrid vehicles.

By the end of 2007 Ford plans to redesign both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid for the 2008 model year. Ford is going to redesign it's smaller SUVs to give them a bolder design. The move also; however, probably spells the end for the proposed Mazda Tribute hybrid.

Stop selling the Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander hybrids?

Solomon Technologies, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Toyota for patent infringement that seeks to stop Toyota from selling the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid in the United States.

Thus far, for legal reasons, Toyota is not commenting on the case.

Still, it is kind of interesting that Solomon Technologies, Inc. didn't file a lawsuit against Toyota until September of 2005. They didn't realize their patent was being illegally used until then? Moreover, the Solomon site claims that its technology is used not only in Toyota hybrids, but also in the Ford Escape hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid.

Is Honda or Ford paying Solomon?

Since Ford and Toyota negotiated on hybrid patents, it seems odd that Solomon's 'proprietary' patent could have been missed if Solomon and Ford have a relationship. If they don't have a relationship, why does the lawsuit only name Toyota?

On the face of it, this case seems derived to drive publicity to Solomon, but that is only my gut feeling. When I researched this company's stock and some other corporate information, I noticed that all questions were referred to the President of the company, which made me wonder if there are any other corporate officers in this company.

If an investor thought that Solomon had a case and that Solomon would eventually obtain a bucket of cash from Toyota, maybe a small stock purchase would be worthwhile? Is that Solomon's game? Again, I am just speculating.

Of course, on the contrary, Solomon could have a case, and what would happen to hybrid cars if Solomon wins?

Re: Buy a Hybrid, and Save a Guzzler

Dear Mr. Leonhardt,

Regarding your article "Buy a hybrid, and save a guzzler".

Wow, I didn't realize that because of CAFE buying a hybrid gives auto manufacturers the right to sell more gas guzzlers. Thus, "The hybrid, then, is just about the perfect example of what's wrong with our energy policy."

Why didn't I realize that?

Oh, is it because hybrids aren't really enabling that many more gas-guzzlers, at least not Toyota hybrids - but they could? Is that your point?

Boy, I love talking about hypothetical situations, but let's talk about facts for a second.

Toyota is by far the hybrid sales leader. Honda doesn't really sell gas-guzzlers, and GM doesn't even have any hybrids. Thus, I guess you're talking about Ford's 20,000 hybrid sales?

But wait a minute, aren't Escape hybrid buyers buying a hybrid SUV instead of a gas-guzzling SUV? So, where is this extra gas-guzzler demand coming from?

Just out of curiosity, how many gas-guzzlers have passed CAFE because of flex-fuel in the last decade, Mr. Leonard? Hundreds of thousands? Millions? Yet, you're focused on 20,000 hybrids?

How many SUVs actually achieve CAFE's 21.6 miles per gallon in real world driving? According to Consumer Reports, not too many.

So, how many millions of gas-guzzlers have benefited from inaccurate EPA numbers? Yet, the problem with the EPA is inaccurate hybrid fuel economy?

Is that why the new EPA fuel efficiency estimates are not going to be used to update CAFE?

But, let's get back to the problem, 20,000 hybrid SUVs.

So your answer is, "A substantial gas tax would be the simplest, with other taxes being cut to keep down the overall burden. Car buyers could drive whatever they wanted, as long as they were paying the full cost of their gas, and automakers would respond with creative products. If we're not capable of having a serious discussion about new taxes, the second-best option would be lavish incentives for companies to sell a fuel-efficient fleet."

Hybrids aren't fuel efficient?

Regarding your tax plan, which other taxes are going to be cut? Are we just going to leave that to the bureaucrats? I'm sure there won't be any loopholes created in that overhaul, and reducing enough taxes to offset the real cost of gasoline will be a very easy task.

Consequently, you are basically suggesting that until we can significantly change the American tax code, doing nothing is better than buying hybrid cars?

Better yet, you don't blame the EPA, automakers or the government for decades of inaction, you ridicule and belittle the buyers of hybrid cars instead?

Very few hybrid buyers think they are saving the world, Mr. Leonhardt, how dare you generalize their motives with your biased statements. Most hybrid buyers think they are sending a message that foreign oil dependency and/or pollution are important concerns, that's it.

That message isn't worth sending Mr. Leonhardt? Oh forgive us.

Anyway, hybrid car batteries could easily achieve the same kind of growth in performance and cost as what my laptop battery has achieved in the last decade. A hybrid battery that achieves twice the fuel efficiency at the same cost as today's hybrid batteries is definitely a stupid investment, huh?

Yeah, gas-guzzling until we overhaul America's tax code, that's the ticket.

3 Hybrid Vehicles are Best Values

According to Intellichoice.com three hybrid cars are "Best Overall Values".

The Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander hybrid, and Ford Escape hybrid each won 2006 "Best Overall Value of the Year" awards.

Interestingly, contrary to hybrid critic opinion, hybrids were cited for low maintenance costs and high resale value. "These cars are proving to be a great economic bonus and not just in terms of fuel efficiency, "said IntelliChoice publisher James Bell.

The Super Bowl and Hybrid Cars

Well, the game is over. Other than NFL Super Bowl officiating, the ads are still the buzz.

On Friday I wrote that I wasn't sure about Ford's plan to use Kermit the Frog as a "spokesfrog" for its Ford Escape hybrid. After seeing the full commercial, I'm still not sure what I think.

I definitely thought Toyota's hybrid commercial hit the mark, but maybe even more important, I thought GM's ads were pathetic.

I guess Ford is going after the American family with its Kermit ad and I think it works for that audience, however, that is also why I liked the Toyota Camry hybrid ad. I live in Southern California where Spanish is as common, if not more common, than English. Thus, I believe Toyota did an excellent job of speaking to this 'new' American family with a hybrid that could be a hit with Latinos.

On the other hand, who was GM speaking to? Rich people? People who like to spend more on their car note, than their rent - which is common in California? I'm sorry, but if the Cadillac Escalade and the Hummer are the best GM has to offer to America - amidst high energy costs, uncertainty in Iran, and the loss of 10's of thousands of auto-manufacturing jobs - then GM desperately needs new leadership.

I didn't expect GM to plug hybrid cars to America, but two extreme gas-guzzlers? What planet does GM corporate live on?

Is Kermit a good "spokesfrog" for the Ford Escape hybrid?

I like the Ford Escape hybrid. In fact, if you are concerned purely about fuel efficiency, but also need an SUV, then I think the Escape hybrid is Best of Breed.

So, is Kermit the Frog a good "spokesfrog" for the hybrid Escape?

I thought I'd wait and see before making any comments, but I saw a clip of the ad yesterday on CNBC. Now, it wasn't the whole commercial, but what I saw......, well, it just didn't impress.

Granted, Ford doesn't really need to advertise the Escape hybrid to sell the vehicle. Thus, this is a P.R. move and that's O.K.. Still, will Kermit the Frog bring good P.R.?

Maybe. Of course the entire commercial might be much better than the clip. Overall, however, I haven't been impressed with the marketing of hybrid cars.

Are strong political statements just too bold? Perhaps appealing to the family - which is why you would use Kermit - is a good idea.

Time to give Ford a little green credit?

I am typically pretty critical of Ford, but I think Ford might be heading in the right direction. Others; however, are not so impressed with Ford's new green movement. The Chicago Tribune stated, "Ford Long On Hype, Short on Detail" finding very little excitement in Ford's hybrid vehicles, even the flex-fuel Escape hybrid and the Reflex diesel hybrid.

While it is true that Ford's hybrid vehicles are more hype than reality in terms of pure business, don't they deserve a little hype? The Ford Escape hybrid is an excellent hybrid SUV, which is why it's going to be hyped during the SuperBowl.

Where are GM's hybrids?

If automakers are now in the golden age of automaking, as Toyota believes, then Ford has taken some solid steps toward the future. Yes, those steps might be small, but if they are just the beginning, then Ford could turn its fortunes around.

I think Ford deserves a little green credit - they've taken real action.

I wish I could say the same for GM.

Flex-Fuel Ford Escape hybrid vehicle coming soon.

Soon the Ford Escape hybrid will run on gasoline or on any gasoline and E-85 combination. Ford is currently testing the Flex-Fuel Escape hybrid and plans to offer the technology in future models. According to Ford the technology only costs a few hundred dollars (Detroit News).

"Hybrids, small cars, jazzy designs": Will it work for Ford?

It's hard to make out out Ford's "way forward" plan.

"To stand out in a world awash in car manufacturers, Ford's brands and products have to be clear, relevant and distinct," said Ford Americas President Mark Fields.

According to the DetroitNews that means hybrids, crossovers and small cars, such as the Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Ford Edge and possibly the Reflex hybrid, an insanely hot concept car.

Ford's plan of 250,000 hybrid vehicles by 2010 is a nice step that could position Ford towards success well into the future. Additionally, Ford will enjoy some good P.R. with this move.

Still, let's face it, when it comes to hybrids, it's all about the Toyota Prius. Only the Camry hybrid seems like it could de-throne the Prius, but I wouldn't bet on it.

The Prius dominates because it is a model that is "clear, relevant and distinct."

Only the Honda Insight is as "clear, relevant and distinct", but it is simply too small. A two-seater will forever be a niche vehicle, regardless of whether it is a hybrid or not.

While I like the Ford Escape hybrid, or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, the price difference between a conventional vehicle and its hybrid twin is just too glaring. While I believe these hybrids are worth the price difference, especially in the long run, this math simply will not sell for the average buyer.

To what; however, do you compare the Reflex diesel hybrid?

In the short term, the move to a 'hybrid option' is a bad move for most automakers if they don't have at least one unique hybrid. If you want to be a future leader you can't keep one foot in the past and one foot in the future - it's all or nothing.

If Ford hybrid technology works in the Ford Escape hybrid, then it will work in a "clear, relevant, and distinct" hybrid vehicle as well. If Ford is too afraid to take its own advice regarding future models, then it's already over for Ford.

A Ford hybrid model that could move 100,000 units would be far more important than a hybrid option on 10 different models that will only move 20,000 units per vehicle. A combination of the two could immediately turn things around for Ford via P.R. alone.

It doesn't have to be the Reflex hybrid, but it should be just as "clear, relevant and distinct". If Ford simply follows its own advice it will move forward.

Forget the Mustang, check out the Reflex hybrid vehicle

The Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, I say so what? Why do you need all that power? Where can you use it?

Yet, Ford tries to build buzz with these kinds of vehicles.

Forget the muscle cars. I say that if Ford could start selling the Reflex hybrid vehicle, right now, at a competitive price, they would have their biggest seller in years.

"J Mays, Ford’s group vice president of design and chief creative officer, described the Ford Reflex concept as the latest exploration of the American small car. Interior seating includes two front seats and an innovative rear seat that can fit two children, one adult, or a baby within an attachable integrated baby seat." (more)

But that isn't really the impressive part. How about 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds while getting about 65 mpg? How? The Ford Reflex Diesel hybrid vehicle is powered by next generation lithium-ion batteries. Sure these new lithium-ion batteries will probably add to the performance of the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid as well, but Ford needs some cool hybrid cars.

Tell me this wouldn't give the Toyota Prius hybrid a run for the money?

How much cooler could the Reflex Diesel hybrid be, literally? The Reflex will use a solar powered roof to run fans that will keep the interior of the vehicle cool when parked in the sun. Additionally, solar panels in the headlights and taillights will help recharge the hybrid batteries.

That's innovation and if Ford did more of that they wouldn't have to announce the lay-offs of thousands of employees next week.

I have had enough "hybrid hype"

I am so tired of the phrase "hybrid hype".

Today, I read the article, Amid Hybrid Hype, a Lonely Advocate of Fuel Cells, that finally pushed me over the limit.

"It matters not that, in the automobile industry, hybrids generally are regarded as an interim step toward cleaner, more fuel-efficient technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells."

"Gas-electric and diesel-electric hybrids are of the moment. The news media love them. Toyota Motor Corp., the biggest purveyor of hybrids, gets lots of greener-than-thou credit for promoting them. There's a buzz; and where there's buzz, there are politicians; and when you mix buzz and politics together, you get policies, which beget certain permutations in business."

Wow, not long ago, GM's Bob Lutz also called hybrids a poor business case, which he now admits was a mistake. Ironically, GM has also admitted that its fuel cell vehicles will inevitably be fuel cell HYBRID VEHICLES.

If hybrid technology is an integral piece of fuel cell vehicle technology how can you call hybrids an "interim step"? If GM and Toyota, the two biggest automobile companies, are going to develop fuel cell hybrids, then hybrid technology cannot be labeled "interim".

Of course, there is a buzz around hybrids. Why shouldn't there be?

9/11, Katrina, global warming, and high gasoline prices have made many people decide the time for action is now and hybrids provide that action today. It isn't just about what the Toyota Prius hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid can achieve today, but what they could achieve tomorrow.

Plug-in hybrids can achieve 80 mpg and other experimental hybrids, with advanced lithium-ion batteries, have achieved more than 250 mpg. If we invest in today's hybrid vehicles, this can be the future for tomorrow's hybrid vehicles.

And, speaking of hype, where are the real world fuel cells vehicles? They aren't even a reality yet. Today, the average fuel cell vehicle costs $1,000,000.00 and there are still technology barriers, not to mention fueling obstacles. Yet, GM has lobbied the government since the Nixon administration not to raise national fuel economy regulations because fuel cells were just around the corner.

Let's face it, it isn't implausible to suggest that it might be 2 more decades before cost-effective fuel cell vehicles are available - if ever. If hybrids are hype, then fuel cell vehicles are pure fantasy.

So,we should wait two decades before taking foreign oil dependency or global warming seriously because fuel cells will save the world in two decades? Nothing like putting all your eggs in one basket.

Still, even if you want fuel cell vehicles to develop as quickly as possible, short term investing in hybrid vehicles might just be the best way to make that happen, unless of course GM and Toyota aren't going to be part of the fuel cell revolution.

Perhaps gasoline and diesel hybrids are a bridge to fuel cells, but to call them an "interim technology" simply doesn't make sense.

Inevitably, hybrid technology will also help power fuel cell vehicles, and it might just turn out that advancements made in gasoline and diesel hybrids help make fuel cell hybrids a reality much sooner than expected.

Ford to increase hybrid vehicle advertising

Ford will "put more marketing muscle behind our hybrid" in an effort to increase its appeal among buyers and boost the corporation's green image. (more)

Sure it's great that Ford is going to increase advertising around its hybrid vehicles, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid, but I imagine this move is more geared towards driving positive buzz around Ford than sales.

Let's face it, Ford isn't selling many hybrids. Still, according to Ford Corporate they could sell more hybrids if they could make more, but they are limited by the lack of availability of hybrid parts. If that's true, then the advertising isn't really needed to drive sales and becomes just a P.R. move.

Hopefully, they will at least create better hybrid commercials than Toyota. I love Toyota's hybrid cars, but their commercials are lacking in the 'cool' factor.

Re: AutoWeek's Newest Diesel versus Hybrid Vehicle article

"Heavy-duty diesel pickups have proved popular here, but hybrid-powered vehicles dominate the market for fuel-efficient cars, in part because they generate better environmental buzz. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for the gasoline-electric Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid." AutoWeek

Sometimes it's very hard to take AutoWeek seriously, especially when they write things that don't make sense.

First, I'm willing to admit that clean diesel achieves 20 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional gasoline engines, but the technology does cost more.

Second, in Los Angeles, where I live, the price of diesel is almost a dollar more than standard unleaded. So, how exactly is a clean diesel going to save me any money, even if it is 20% more efficient?

Third, in Los Angeles, almost all of my driving is stop and go driving. In such conditions, a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius will perform much better than a Jetta Diesel.

Fourth, the Big 3 are focusing almost exclusively on diesel trucks, not cars. So I have to wait a decade before I have a selection of diesel cars to compare to the Civic hybrid, Prius hybrid, Camry hybrid and Malibu hybrid, etc?

So in my case, in real world driving, selection and costs, how does a diesel compare to a hybrid vehicle? The facts demonstrate that it just doesn't. So, it isn't about environmental buzz, as AutoWeek states, it's just basic facts.

Granted if more petroleum were refined into diesel, the costs would go down, but that's a 'what if'.

If AutoWeek wants to play 'what if' games, let me counter with a 'what if' game.

What if new hybrid batteries become 100% more powerful at the same weight and cost as today's hybrid batteries? Such technology is completely possible within the next decade - which is the same period of time that AutoWeek speculates it would take diesels to really take off in the U.S. in a way that would drive diesel fuel prices lower.

If such hybrid technology were available, then diesels - even with cheaper diesel fuel prices - simply wouldn't compare with the capabilities of hybrid cars. The potential of hybrids has barely been tapped. In the coming decades, hybrids will become significantly more powerful, fuel efficient, and clean.

Diesel technology, on the other hand, has largely reached its potential. Yes, clean diesel technology is a good thing, which can compete with hybrids in the short term, but only in the short term. Inevitably, the best utilization of a diesel engine will be to put it in a hybrid vehicle.

Clean diesel hybrid vehicles are an excellent push into the future. To quit at clean diesel is just far too short-sighted, and a silly argument against hybrids.

Once again I just don't get AutoWeek. Why are they so afraid of hybrid cars?

The price of gasoline could get ugly in 2006

In 2005, before Katrina, the price of gasoline had already been on the rise. According to experts unexpectedly higher demand for oil from China disrupted the delicate balance of world wide oil supply and demand. Consequently, when Katrina hit the Gulf, disrupting the even more delicate balance of U.S. refining capacity, gas prices skyrocketed.

If a cold winter followed, energy analysts warned, things would not only get scary regarding natural gas and other heating oils, but the gasoline problem could also worsen.

So, was America lucky we've had a mild winter? That depends.

According to weather forecasters, the same weather patterns that have kept our winter warm, are the same weather patterns that breed hurricanes.

With gas prices already up more than 50 cents compared to last year, what happens if Chinese demand again exceeds expectations, or another hurricane wipes out a number of Gulf refineries?

As if that were not enough, Nigerian 'rebels' are attacking oil platforms in that country, the fifth largest exporter of U.S. oil (more).

But that's an insignificant problem compared to Iran.

Last week, Manouchehr Takin, of the Centre for Global Energy Studies, argued that crude prices could hit $100 a barrel if Iran stopped exporting. "Supply and demand are very tightly balanced," he said.

When it comes to energy, America is now playing Russian Roulette, and chances are America is going to get burned.

Unfortunately, it won't be just high energy costs affecting drivers and slowing the economy if all these events unfold. Sustained $100.00 oil could have devastating consequences for both Ford and GM. Even today, several years since 9/11, the success of these two auto companies is still intrinsically tied to the sale of gas guzzlers.

Sure Ford has the Mercury Mariner hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid, but GM has yet to put a full hybrid on the road, thus, they can put out about 25,000 hybrids combined.

How many warning signs does it take to realize the world has changed and gas guzzling is no longer acceptable?

In the 90's Congress perceived this problem, that's why they gave the Big 3 a billion dollars of TAXPAYER money to develop fuel efficient vehicles. The Big 3 even developed hybrid cars, but decided they had no future. I guess when you're making $10,000 in profit per gas-guzzler sold you don't think much about the future.

Ironically, even today, both companies are still pushing muscle cars in an attempt to generate new buzz around their companies.

Are the Big 3 still that blind?

How many more times can they pull the trigger before their luck runs out, and will Americans be willing to stop the bleeding if gas hits $4.00 or $5.00 per gallon. Will it be too late then?

When it comes to gasoline, 2006 could get real ugly.

What happens when the Prius loses its tax deduction?

Since the new Clean Vehicle Tax Credit was approved last year, I've complained that the credit was biased against Toyota. By capping the tax credits by manufacturer at just 60,000 hybrids, it's obvious that Toyota will quickly run out of deductions because of demand for the Toyota Prius.

In recent days Secretary Snow has essentially admitted that the credits were partially written to help out domestic automakers, and maybe - in hindsight - that wasn't such a bad idea.

Thus, the story of 2006, when it comes to hybrid cars, will continue to be the Toyota Prius hybrid. Because not every Toyota hybrid sold is going to qualify for a tax deduction, will this have an affect on the Prius and Toyota hybrid sales?

Will this simply even the playing field between Toyota and other automakers for the hybrid market? Will Toyota counter with some kind of discount? Will sales on the Honda Civic hybrid and Ford Escape hybrid explode? Will hybrid sales, overall, decline?

While the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit might offer a deduction of $3400.00 to buyers, how much will that affect most people's taxes? Sure, the tax credit could be worth several hundred dollars for the average buyer, but is that really the clinching factor for most Prius buyers?

I guess we'll see.

Of course, if gasoline prices continue to rise, the lack of tax credits for the Prius might not even matter. I think next year the U.S. will see sustained gasoline prices near $3.00, minimally. In California, $4.00 per gallon gasoline is going to be fairly common, and it won't just be a spike, such as after Katrina.

Speaking of hurricanes, if another Katrina hits next year, the predictions above will be blown away.

Anyway, that's hybrid story for 2006.

Re: Snow details tax breaks for hybrid cars

Were the hybrid vehicle tax credits designed to benefit domestic automakers?

"Development and use of hybrid vehicles is a key step toward reducing gasoline consumption, emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions," U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, said in a statement earlier today.

According to Reuters, Detroit was picked for this announcement because Mr. Snow "is aiming to boost the ailing domestic auto industry and encourage conservation, " with the "tax breaks for people who buy gasoline-electric vehicles."

Was it right to cap the hybrid car tax credit by manufacturer?

Showing off hybrid vehicles in Detroit.

In Invasion of the Hybrids, BusinessWeek states that "The auto giants are putting the spotlight on their eco-offerings at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit."

"Hybrid vehicles are proliferating, and not just because gas prices spiked to above $3 per gallon last year. Auto makers showing off new hybrid vehicles and plans at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit realize that having a hybrid vehicle lineup is valuable public relations for their images."

While this might be true, it is very interesting to note that there are some very unique and radical ideas in many of these new hybrids. For example, GM will be releasing a dual mode hybrid powertrain, while Mitsubishi is showing off its In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, and Ford is displaying the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle.

The autoshow isn't just about hybrid vehicles, its about new hybrid technology, and it is also about new hybrid parts suppliers. To simply call this PR is an understatement.

So what hybrids are just around the corner?

Ford will add the Mercury Milan hybrid and the Ford Fusion to their hybrid lineup by 2008, along with their current hybrids, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid.

GM will offer its mild hybrid, the Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid, next year which will be followed by the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, Chevy Equinox hybrid, the Chevy Malibu hybrid, and the Cadillac Escalade hybrid.

Honda will add the Ridgeline hybrid and Pilot hybrid.

Nissan has already announced the Altima hybrid, but the Sentra and Murano hybrids won't be far behind.

Hyundai, Volkswagen, BMW, Chrsyler, Puegeot, Subaru and even Porsche have all announced they will also offer hybrids.

Obviously, Toyota, which launched the Camry hybrid in Detroit, will continue to push full steam ahead into hybrids. "I think everything will be a hybrid, eventually. It will either be a gas hybrid, a diesel hybrid or a fuel-cell hybrid," Jim Press, Toyota's North American president and chief operating officer said.

Hybrid cars aren't just critical for the public realtions of auto corporations, hybrid technology is critical for their very survival.

Hybrids, the Cobra, the Camero and the Detroit Auto Show

I've been watching CNBC's coverage of the Detroit Auto Show all day long, and I've been struck by one thing: the past versus the future.

Today, Toyota's buzz has revolved around one thing, the future and hybrid cars. This morning the Lexus LS460 hybrid was unveiled, but the real hype, the real excitement is around the launch of the new Toyota Camry hybrid. Now, not to be too biased, the launch of the new conventional Camry is also big news, but the hype around the future for Toyota is still hybrids.

On the other hand, much of the buzz for Ford and GM seems to revolve around the past, particularly around the Cobra and Camero muscle cars.

Now I know that Ford has the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid, and GM will soon be launching its own hybrids, but the Detroit Show again demonstrates just how far ahead Toyota is pulling into the future.

And, regarding GM hybrids, some are even questioning 'how hybrid' GM hybrids are really going to be. "What GM is talking about in my book are not hybrids," said David Healy, an auto analyst with Burnham Securities. "These are trucks with humongous starter motors." (more)

What also struck me, unfortunately, was how much horsepower drives America, which clarifies why not only Ford and GM are hyping the Cobra and Camero, but why Toyota is hyping the Lexus LS460 hybrid.

Horsepower is even driving Toyota hybrids.

Phil Lebeau of CNBC noted how hybrids have become focused on horsepower as much as fuel efficiency. Therefore, the Toyota Highlander hybrid gives you V6 performance with V4 fuel efficiency, but the focus is not purely on fuel efficiency. In fact Mr. Lebeau noted that new hybrid batteries, combined with new micro-processors and software, offer hybrid vehicles the ability to be even more fuel efficient, but that efficiency would come at the expense of horsepower.

So, fuel efficiency isn't even the pure driver of hybrids, yet. If gas prices spike in the coming years, that might change; however, if a breakthrough in hybrid batteries occurs, it might not even matter. Such a breakthrough would afford hybrids the ability to offer significant horsepower coupled with unbelievable fuel efficiency.

While gasoline electric hybrids might not dominate the future before fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles, I wouldn't bet against them if I were an automaker. Since computer technology has essentially become the driver of hybrid success, betting against hybrids is like betting that computers don't have any room for improvement.

Hybrid car testimonials: Read others and add your own

Do you own a hybrid vehicle?

Have you added your experiences to our hybrid cars testimonials? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving with your hybrid? What else would you tell others that are interested in buying a hybrid?

Click on one of the links below to add your hybrid experiences.

Ford Escape Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Accord Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Insight Hybrid Testimonials
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Testimonials
Toyota Prius Testimonials
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Testimonials

GM, Daimler and BMW to showcase hybrids at Detroit Show

GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW will launch GM's dual mode hybrid technology in their respective gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains at this year's North American International Auto Show.

The three automakers formed an alliance in an attempt to catch up with Toyota, the leading seller of hybrid cars. The dual mode hybrids offered by these companies will offer very different performance compared to Toyota's hybrids.

GM's dual mode hybrid technology should be cheaper; however, it won't be as efficient at Toyota's technology, especially in urban driving. GM's technology, on the other hand, could offer advantages in certain areas of performance, such as towing.

Still, Toyota has some huge advantages regarding hybrids. Already Toyota believes that it can cut its hybrid costs in half when it releases its third generation hybrid drive in just a couple of years. If this is true, it will wipe out GM's cost advantage, while also offering significantly better fuel efficiency

Nonetheless, the competition that is developing in the hybrid segment will be good for all consumers. While Toyota and Ford hybrids utilize very similar technology, Honda has succeeded with its own technology, and now comes GM's hybrid technology. Additionally, both Volkswagen and Hyundai shouldn't be far behind with their hybrids.

This competition will increase hybrid supplies, which will make all hybrid vehicles cheaper. Moreover, the competition between hybrid technologies will, inevitably, lead to affordable, extremely fuel efficient vehicles.

Additionally, this competition is leading to other hybrid experiments. Ford isn't just going to offer gasoline electric hybrids, such as the Ford Escape hybrid. At Detroit's Auto Show, they will showcase the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle, according to the DetroitNews.

While the Toyota Prius hybrid continues to dominate hybrid sales, the second generation Honda Civic hybrid has also been a hot seller, and with all this new development into technology, a true Prius topper could be just around the corner.

The Toyota Prius New Year's Rush; Deduction Bias?

Are you planning to buy a new Toyota Prius hybrid car in 2006?

If you have been waiting for the New Year because the hybrid tax deduction for the Prius is bigger than in 2005, then you are not alone. There have been numerous reports of Prius buyers telling dealers to wait until 2006.

So, will this make it hard to buy a Prius in 2006?

Sometimes the beginning of the year can be a slow time for car sales, and this might have an effect on hybrid cars as well. Nonetheless, demand for the Prius has been, and continues to be, far greater than supply. Since the tax deduction for the Prius is both bigger in 2006 and capped, some Prius buyers will not qualify for the hybrid car tax deduction.

All this makes me wonder whether some hybrid vehicle buyers will look at other hybrids such as the Civic hybrid or the Accord hybrid, instead of the Prius, after the Prius deductions meet their cap.

Additionally, since hybrid deductions are capped by manufacturer, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will also be affected by Prius demand. Consequently, the Ford Escape hybrid or the Mariner hybrid could become a better deal simply because they will continue to qualify for the tax deduction longer than the Highlander hybrid.

If you are in the market for a Toyota Prius and the new deduction is a primary concern, you better buy your new hybrid as soon as possible to ensure that you will qualify for the deduction. Unfortunately, many hybrid buyers will already have this in mind, which could make finding a Prius more difficult than ever.

If the hybrid tax deduction won't have a big effect on your return, it might not be a bad idea to shop for a hybrid in these last few days of the year.

It's kind of ironic that Toyota's hybrid success could be to Honda and Ford's gain. The caps for hybrid vehicles are both far too few and too biased. If the government wants to get hybrids on the road as quickly as possible, then the free market approach to caps would have been to cap the total number of hybrids eligible per year, not to cap them by manufacturer.

Now Toyota hybrids will probably meet their cap before GM even starts selling real hybrids. That's a shame.

What IS the point of hybrid vehicle critics?

Hybrid cars make up around one percent of total automobile sales, yet hybrid hype could almost make you believe that hybrids are dominating automobile sales.

So, is it the hype that makes critics sound off?

Do hybrid critics just hate change, or do they hate hybrids because most of them aren't built in America?

I just don't get most hybrid critics.

Some hybrid critics claim hybrids won't save money. In some cases this is true; however, even in these cases, hybrid vehicles still pollute far less than their conventional counterparts, but you can't put a cost on that. It means everything to some people, nothing to others.

Anyway, why are some so concerned with criticizing those that stand up and use their money to cause less pollution? Why is acting on one's beliefs a bad thing? What are critics acting on anyway?

Besides, many hybrids can save money. There is no doubt that hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid can save money and can achieve significantly better fuel economy than their conventional comparisons. Yes, you will have to drive differently, but if reducing your fuel consumption is important, hybrids offer the greatest and most convenient tools available for achieving this goal.

Of course, driving habits aren't the only concern. While the Honda Accord hybrid is regularly ridiculed by hybrid critics, the Accord hybrid is built for the open highway. If you are driving in urban traffic, this car will not achieve great fuel efficiency. If you regularly drive between Temecula and Fontana, California every day, then an Accord hybrid can be a great buy.

So, again, what is the point of hybrid critics?

Many educated hybrid critics claim that hybrids are just a distraction along the path to fuel cell vehicles. Interesting point except for the fact that even GM has recently admitted that fuel cell vehicles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles, as has Toyota (more on this). Thus, purchasing a hybrid vehicle helps invest in the fuel cell future. These critics see no value in that?

Even without fuel cell hybrid vehicles, current hybrid technology offers the ability to easily achieve 100 mpg with today's technology, and experimental hybrid technology goes even further, at far less costs than fuel cells.

So what? Well, achieving 100 mpg across America's fleet would easily end foreign oil dependency.

So, these critics don't think that foreign oil dependency, in addition to pollution and global warming, are important issues? These critics don't find it interesting that the Chinese are now building hybrid vehicles as they scour the Earth for oil deals?

Besides, so what if some want to invest in the future, without necessarily profiting from it personally. Is that really a waste of time? Instead, selfish gas-guzzling greed is a better use of resources?

Does this all come down to guilt? Is that what is it about?

Perhaps hybrid vehicles don't ultimately save every consumer money, but only help reduce oil dependency, help reduce pollution and help invest in the future. How pathetic.

Is this the point these hybrid critics are making?

Foreign hybrids versus American hybrids: Does it matter?

When it comes to hybrid vehicles, does it matter whether the hybrid is made in America or in a foreign country?

For many car buyers, the issue of American-made versus foreign-made is extremely important, but is it as important for hybrid buyers?

My focus at this point in time is hybrid technology. Whether that technology is American or not is a secondary issue. Actually, at this point in time, for me, the question is irrelevant. Since I'm not an SUV guy, and the only American hybrids available at this point in time are hybrid SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Mercury Mariner hybrid, I have little choice.

Is whether a hybrid is American-made, or foreign-made, important to you?

Ford Escape Hybrid Testimonials

Dear fellow hybrid owners,

At first I was disappointed that my 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV purchased in May in Florida was getting only 23.5mpg. I realized, however, that when the Fall came I did not use the A/C so much, and my economy is now pretty consistently to 30.8 mpg around town, etc. So I am delighted. On a 1250 mile trip in October to Charlotte, NC, and around town there and back I got up to 29 but mostly around 26 or so.

I know not to trust the car-makers advertising 36 around town and 31 otherwise for the Ford Escape Hybrid. They have been doing that ever since I bought my first new Ford in '53. They can drive the test car on a track at reduced speeds that we could never repeat to get that mileage out on the highways. I accept 30.8, since my car before it was getting 16.3 mpg (2001Chrysler Town and Country with a V6 in it.)

H. B.
DeLand, FL

___________________________________

Are you the owner of a Ford Escape hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Escape hybrid. What kind of gas mileage do you get in your hybrid Escape and in what kind of driving?

Add your Ford Escape hybrid testimonial.

More on the Escape hybrid.

Is December the best month to buy a hybrid vehicle?

According to a MSNBC article, December is the best month to buy a car.

"Several factors make December an advantageous time get a great deal on a car, he said, including the fact that most dealerships and salespeople have end-of-month and end-of-year goals and quotas to meet. And an “inventory tax” on all unsold vehicles remaining on dealer lots Jan. 1 provides an added incentive to move vehicles," notes the article.

Because of the demand for hybrid cars, it might be assumed that such deals wouldn't exist for hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Ford Escape hybrid. The analysts cited in the article; however, note that "a slow December means dealers will offer good prices on some of their hottest models, including hybrids, so shoppers could bag a popular car like the Toyota Prius at close to its manufacturer’s suggested retail price."

So if you have been thinking about buying a hybrid, it might be worth checking out your local dealer in December to see if you can't find a deal.

Some cities question costs of hybrid cars

The AP is reporting that some cities are questioning the costs of hybrid cars.

"That's what we're finding with the initial cost ... it doesn't wash out," he said. "You're actually paying more money." said James Muller Philadelphia's fleet manager.

Philadelphia's hybrid fleet of 20 Ford Escape hybrids and 6 Toyota Prius hybrids; however, was bought primarily to improve air quality. Of course since hybrids cost more up front, it takes years to recover the costs. Yet, the benefit of improved air quality isn't added to the value of the car - at least not in financial terms.

So how much does dirty air cost? According to numerous health studies quite a lot - well into the billions.

Thus, in New York, "which had bought more than 830 hybrids as of 2004, the vehicles make sense because the city now requires the purchase of the cleanest vehicle available, said Mark Simon, director of alternative fuel programs."

Additionally, if money is a concern, one has to question the way cities like Philadelphia, for example, are spending their money. Do they really need an SUV, or would a vehicle like the Prius have made more sense? Obviously, the Prius is far cheaper than a SUV and would offer the greatest fuel economy in an urban environment like Philadelphia.

Perhaps the functionality of an SUV was required, but in terms of just carrying passengers, the Escape hybrid isn't going to offer any more seating than the Prius. Just changing Philadelphia's ratio of Prii to Escape hybrids could have saved 10's of thousands of dollars.

Hybrid car tax estimates for the 2006 Clean Vehicle Tax Credit

While the tax credits for hybrid cars have not been officially calculated by the IRS, ACEE has estimated what those credits should be by vehicle.

Ford Escape Hybrid = 2wd=$2600.00; 4wd=$1950.00
Honda Accord Hybrid = $650.00
Honda Civic Hybrid = Auto=$2100.00; Man=$1700.00
Honda Insight Hybrid = Auto=$1450.00
Lexus RX400h Hybrid = $2,200.00
Mercury Mariner Hybrid = $1950.00
Toyota Highlander Hybrid = 2wd=$2,600.00; 4wd=$2,200.00
Toyota Prius Hybrid = $3150.00

Sick of narrow-minded hybrid car critics

I was reading some AutoWeek forum entries this morning about hybrid cars when I realized that most hybrid critics are not only narrow-minded, but they have a complete lack of vision.

How does the quote go, "There is only one constant in the universe, change." I guess the Buddhists call it impermanence, or the idea that in 100 years, everyone that exists today will be gone, yet the world will go on, it will just be different because change is constant.

If hybrid critics were leading the world for the last 100 years, the world would still be riding horse and buggy. Fortunately, change is inevitable.

But back to the point. The two main criticisms of hybrids are 1.) They aren't as fuel efficient as the EPA rates them, and 2.) They don't save money.

It is true that hybrid vehicles aren't as efficient as the EPA rates them. All vehicles aren't as efficient as the EPA rates them. So what's the point?

Additionally, individual driving habits have a HUGE affect on fuel efficiency - in both hybrids and conventional vehicles. Even a standard Toyota Highlander can achieve better than average fuel efficiency by adjusting driving habits. Nonetheless, the Highlander hybrid or Escape hybrid can achieve much larger increases in fuel efficiency by adjusting driving habits compared to their conventional versions.

Shouldn't hybrids just be more fuel efficient?

Well, they are. For the average driver, hybrid technology will achieve better fuel efficiency than a standard vehicle, especially in city driving. And if you adjust your driving habits, you can significantly increase a hybrid's fuel efficiency performance.

Since most drivers of hybrids are concerned with saving fuel, hybrid technology offers an excellent tool for them to meet their goals.

Testers from AutoWeek, etc., aren't concerned with the fuel efficiency capabilities of hybrids, they are concerned with proving that hybrids don't achieve EPA predictions.

If you don't care about fuel efficiency, well, then a hybrid isn't for you. If you aren't going to use a tool correctly, then it probably is best not to use it. If you want to put a screw in the wall, a hammer can do the job, but it won't do it as well as a screwdriver because the screwdriver is a better tool for the job.

For those drivers seeking to achieve the greatest fuel efficiency, many hybrid vehicles are by far the best tools available, but you still have to use the tool correctly to achieve maximum performance.

Why is that so hard for critics to get? Not everyone has to stroke their ego by driving the biggest or the fastest vehicle.

Additionally, why are critics so concerned with hybrid performance anyway? If they are so concerned with fuel efficiency, why are they worried that a Prius might achieve 45 mpg, rather than 60 mpg? Shouldn't they be more concerned with why a Dodge Durango is only getting 10 mpg instead of 14 mpg? I mean, lets get real.

Regarding the costs of hybrid technology, critics have a point, but so what?

People pay more for the right gas-guzzle obscene amounts of foreign oil but somehow that's cost effective in the eyes of these critics - that's worth the extra money?

Yet, choosing to spend extra money to help reduce foreign oil dependency and to help save the environment isn't justified. Please!

Well, America better wake up. Global warming is real - whether it is caused by man or by nature - and the majority of the world is beginning to take this threat quite seriously. Well, except for America, and the world is becoming much angrier with America for this position. We can continue to pretend like the opinions of the rest of the world don't matter in our ever-more-interconnected world, but we'll do so at our peril, but I digress.

Ultimately, many hybrid owners can recover the costs of their vehicle with intelligent driving. And if not, how do you put a cost on clean air and a cleaner environment?

If you don't care about clean air and a healthy environment, then quite frankly, you are the problem, not the driver of a hybrid car. Any help is still help and changing direction always requires leaders.

Still, many hybrid vehicle drivers aren't just buying a hybrid to save money, or just to reduce foreign oil dependency, or just to clean the environment. Many are making an investment in the future.

While many hybrid vehicle drivers could drive any vehicle they want, they choose to buy a hybrid to help fund the development of new, cheaper generations of hybrids.

Already, experimental hybrid vehicles demonstrate that the potential of hybrid technology is barely being tapped. Plug-in Prius hybrids can easily achieve more than 80 mpg, the Enigma diesel hybrid achieves 80 mpg, yet can go from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds, and other experimental hybrids have achieved more than 100 - even 200 - miles per gallon.

Today's hybrid buyers are helping to make tomorrow's hybrid technology more fuel efficient, more powerful, and cheaper.

Perhaps another technology will come along and hybrid technology won't be needed. Or, perhaps it will be hybrid technology that finally makes fuel cell vehicles realistic. Rather than waiting and continuing to gas-guzzle, however, hybrid buyers are taking action because they believe a better tomorrow starts today.

Apparently, hybrid critics would rather just keep talking and hammering screws into the wall as they wait for tomorrow.

The future of Ford's hybrid vehicles

Even Ford didn't really buy the concept of hybrid cars when the first Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hit the streets, but they are much more serious now.

Bill Ford has become a very vocal proponent of Ford's hybrid vehicle program and has been lobbying media and Congress to create more tax incentives to develop these vehicles. Hybrids represent automotive innovation, and Bill Ford wants Ford to be the industry's most innovative auto company.

How serious is he? While some skeptics might think it's all just talk, Ford appears to be very serious.

"Anyone who thinks or attempts to convince you that it's business as usual at Ford is wrong and would best serve us all by pursuing their interests elsewhere," Bill Ford said in an audio message e-mailed to workers Monday afternoon. "Our heritage of innovation must be reclaimed and renewed or the greatness of our company will become part of our past. It's that simple."(DetroitNews)

And according to AutoWeek, Ford is pushing far into the hybrid future, already working on its third generation hybrid drive, even though their second generation hybrid drive is still years from reality. Because, "We are not going to be rolling on a very long technology cycle. It's going to be much shorter," states Ford's hybrid head, Nancy Gioia, "Once you get it out there and you have proof of concept that things work, you can miniaturize and take advantage of the things technology can bring. We already have an idea of what Gen III will look like, and we even have ideas for what comes after that."(AutoWeek)

In the short term, Ford is focusing on developing a supply network for hybrid parts, while also finding partners for battery development, or even powertrain development.

One thing is clear; however, it isn't business as usual at Ford. Complacency can no longer survive in the auto industry, and the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid are just the beginning of the new Ford.

AutoWeek and Hybrids: Makes me wanna laugh

I know that AutoWeek is a horsepower magazine and that many of their fans are the American-made, period, type of crowd. Still, sometimes the magazine is just plain silly.

I've noted in the past that any time a hybrid graces the cover of their website, it also includes some sort of negative caveat. Currently, things are slightly different this time on the home page of their website which includes a story about the Honda Accord hybrid.

"At $1.50 a gallon for gas, few Americans seemed to care about fuel economy, but how quickly apathy turns into concern when prices reach $3 per gallon. Suddenly, the word "hybrid" is on every lip. So the funny thing is, actual owners of hybrids - those who responded to our AutoFile survey on the Honda Accord Hybrid - seem to defy any real monetary motivation in their purchase decisions."

No, actually it isn't that funny. The funny thing is the way that AutoWeek plays dumb.

There are different kinds of hybrids vehicles. For example, Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius and Highlander hybrid, and Ford's hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, are quite different than either Honda or Lexus hybrids.

Honda's hybrid technology increases fuel efficiency on the highway, where as Ford and Toyota achieve their best performance in the city. Ford and Toyota hybrids have the ability to function on just electric power during congestion and stop-and-go traffic, the same conditions that make conventional vehicles - even Honda hybrids - perform their worse. This is set to change with the upcoming second generation Civic hybrid, which will act more like Toyota and Ford hybrids. Still, there is a vast difference between Toyota and Honda hybrids.

The Accord hybrid, like the Lexus RX400h hybrid, is a performance hybrid. Sure the Lexus hybrid still offers excellent fuel efficiency in congestion compared to the conventional version, but it was not built for fuel efficiency, it was built for performance.

Both the RX400h hybrid and the Accord hybrid are about a second faster from 0 to 60 than their conventional counterparts, yet they achieve this performance while also achieving better fuel efficiency than their conventional counterparts. Of course, the RX400h excels at urban driving, while the Accord hybrid excels at highway driving. Nonetheless, you don't buy either one of these vehicles because you are on a budget trying to save money on gas.

Thus, contrary to AutoWeek, classifying the owners of the Accord hybrid with owners of the Prius hybrid, for example, is just plain silly. They are not hybrid owners from the same tree. So, why does AutoWeek do it? Is it because Forum members of AutoWeek are offended that some hybrid owners question their gas guzzling, so this article makes hybrid owners seem confused and silly?

I don't have the answer, but I know that AutoWeek knows fully well that comparing the Accord hybrid to the Prius hybrid is about as effective as comparing apples to oranges - they are fundamentally different. So, I can only guess that this appeals to their core audience - the hybrids just don't really makes sense audience.

Ultimately, there are different kinds of hybrids and consumers buy for them for many different reasons. Perhaps, one common thread of hybrid buyers is that hybrid consumers believe that buying hybrids sends a message to the auto industry that fuel efficiency is important, especially in light of the problems that foreign oil dependency so obviously has caused and continues to cause to America.

Let's be real, even Bill Ford believes that foreign oil dependency is important for America.

Hybrid vehicles, such as the Engima, and other experimental hybrids demonstrate that hybrid technology can lead to unbelievable gains in fuel efficiency and performance - something to which AutoWeek should be able to relate.

Until then, sometimes when I read AutoWeek, I guess all I can do is laugh.

American hybrids: Make them and they will come

Bill Ford told journalists at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., "Now, more than ever, with the competitive pressures of globalization, America needs to respond to the economic challenges of our time. This is not the moment to stop investing and concede our competitive edge in vital parts of the economy. Just the opposite, we must take the lead and show the world that there is only one, true innovative manufacturing giant. And it has three distinct initials: U.S.A.,(more)."

The world already knows where the innovative giant of auto manufacturing is located, and it isn't in the U.S..

The Ford Escape hybrid is a good start at innovation, but Ford is going to have to look far beyond the hybrid SUV, and even 250,000 hybrid vehicles by 2010 just won't be enough - maybe for a follower, but not a leader.

In the 90's American taxpayers gave a billion dollars to Detroit to create vehicles like the Toyota Prius, but Detroit insisted - with our money in their wallets - that such vehicles didn't make sense. Instead, we should wait for even more senseless (in terms of current technology and costs) fuel cell vehicles.

In other words we should do nothing and enjoy our gas-guzzling SUVs.

Well, the Prius has proven Detroit wrong, and experimental hybrids, such as the Enigma, demonstrate that the real potential of hybrids is barely being tapped. Today's technology can change the world at costs that make fuel cell talk seem almost silly.

Mr. Ford is correct, innovation will be the key. For too long, GM and Ford have chosen to maintain the status quo while talking about the technologies of the future. It is time to stop talking and to start building and selling the future today.

American made, foreign oil reducing hybrid vehicles - if you build them, they will come.

My Toyota Highlander hybrid test review

A couple of weeks ago, on one of my routine hybrid vehicle shopping trips, I noted how hard it was to find not only the Toyota Prius hybrid, but the Highlander hybrid as well. Thus, I put my name on a second list to be contacted when a Highlander hybrid arrived, as the first list hadn't provided any results. Yesterday morning I was finally contacted.

Now I'm not much of an SUV fan because I just don't see them as very efficient, but my wife is more open-minded. While a Prius serves the needs of our family of four just fine, my wife is interested in something that can seat a few cousins to join us on our weekend excursions. Since I will only buy hybrid vehicles, the Highlander hybrid seemed like a good choice. Besides I needed to review the Highlander hybrid for the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Well, the Highlander hybrid not only exceeded my expectations, but my needs as well.

Since the hybrid Highlander is a hot seller, dealers just take whatever they are given, but I am only interested in the base model, which runs around $34,000. The only available model at my dealer; however, was a fully loaded Hybrid Highlander, minus the navigation system. Thus, I was looking at a sticker price of $41,000 and some change.

This loaded 4WD hybrid SUV was beautiful inside and out, but $30,000 is more than I want to pay for any vehicle, and over $40,000, that's just not going to happen. Still, if you are looking for a loaded hybrid, or a luxury hybrid, don't limit yourself to just the Lexus RX400h, a loaded Highlander hybrid is a worthy competitor.

Like the Ford Escape hybrid and unlike the Prius hybrid, starting and shifting the Highlander hybrid is pretty much the same as a conventional vehicle, except for the beautiful silence.

Anyway, I only took the Highlander out for a short 3 mile test drive that included a stretch of freeway and this hybrid zoomed along and was much quieter than I anticipated - some have complained about the loudness of the hybrid drive. Perhaps I'm not as critical, but I had no such complaints and I thought the vehicle performed very well.

This Highlander came with a towing package, which made me wonder about its performance when towing. Rumor has it that the Highlander will loose both power and fuel efficiency when towing long distances.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a hybrid SUV, the Highlander hybrid is an absolutely fantastic vehicle, but it might cause a little sticker shock. Additionally,the Highlander hybrid offers 3rd row seating, unlike the Escape hybrid, which puts the Highlander hybrid in a class of its own.

As for me; however, the cousins are going to have to find their own ride - at least for now.

A real hybrid statement from Ford, try hybrid trucks

Thus far Ford has focused all of its hybrid energy around one vehicle type, the SUV, and its near terms plans are all based around the Ford Escape hybrid and related SUVs, such as the Mercury Mariner hybrid and Mazda Tribute hybrid.

While this is a good niche for Ford to follow, considering that SUVs have received gas-guzzling scorn in recent years, trucks are what really makes Ford hum.

So what not a hybrid truck?

There has been an idea in the auto industry that pickup drivers just wouldn't be interested in such technology. These men of men that drive pickups are too busy pulling stumps out of the backyard and hauling tons of whatever here and there. New research; however, shows that fuel efficiency has become one of the most important issues for pickup drivers according to a new R.L. Polk study (more).

Interest in fuel economy, according to the study, has become more important than horsepower, off-road capability and all other attributes combined (and BTW, women have become some of truck's biggest buyers). Since Ford trucks are the nation's best selling vehicles, wouldn't addressing this interest with some hybrid effort be great PR for Ford?

Is Ford missing its best opportunity in hybrid vehicles?

Ford, Brazil & Europe: A few of today's hybrid tidbits

She speaks! Finally, Mrs. Nancy Gioia, the new head of Ford's hybrid cars program speaks.

"Hybrids are no longer a side project," she said. "I say, make it prime time." Beyond her enthusiasm, Mrs. Gioia didn't offer much new information in this DetroitNews article regarding Ford's hybrids. However, Mrs. Gioia did mention that she would like to make hybrids stand out more. "I'd like it to visually look a little different so that you know you're looking at a hybrid," she said.

I say forget about making it look different. If you want a different looking hybrid, design a unique hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius. The average buyer - the future of hybrid success - cares about value more than looking different.

Speaking of the Prius, Toyota will offer a slightly different Prius for Japan and Europe - where Toyota is expecting sell 15,000 units this year, according to Motortrend. While some have questioned the success of hybrids in Europe, European Prius sales aren't far off that of U.S. Ford Escape hybrid sales - not too bad.

As a final hybrid tidbit, PSA Peugeot Citroën is going to develop a diesel hybrid prototype that will be unveiled in 2006 (more).

On a side note, I am scheduled to take a Toyota Highlander hybrid test drive this afternoon, which I'll be writing about tomorrow.

Lower gas prices and hybrid interest

Phil Lebeau gave a special hybrid report this morning on CNBC. He noted that dropping oil prices have affected the amount of Internet research that was being done on hybrid cars, but it has not affected sales. Currently, hybrid sales are still smoking and my last hybrid shopping trip demonstrated the same.

In particular, Mr. Lebeau mentioned Ford and Toyota sales, noting that both the Prius hybrid and the Escape hybrid were selling extremely well and are difficult to find.

In related news, a new report notes that Toyota will be implementing its third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive for its 2008 models (more).

GM dealers in mad hybrid push with Sierra / Silverado

According to AutoWeek GM dealers are trying hard to push the green factor of the Sierra / Silverado hybrid truck. While GM has been one of the industry's staunchest hybrid critics, its dealers are trying hard to utilize the frenzied interest in hybrid cars. And who can blame them when they are in the midst of a horrific sales slump?

Unfortunately, the Silverado hybrid barely qualifies as a hybrid. In fact, 'mild' hybrid is almost too strong of a word for this vehicle.

I would almost argue that the first generation Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid are 'mild' hybrids because these Honda hybrids cannot function on primarily electric power, as do Ford and Toyota hybrids in certain driving conditions (fortunately, the 2006 Civic hybrid will offer more hybrid performance). This ability makes the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid extremely efficient in city driving.

The Silverado hybrid, on the other hand, lags far behind Honda hybrid performance.

As AutoWeek notes, "The trucks' big selling point is not the hybrid powertrain, but their capability as mobile power generators."

Ultimately, the GM Silverado hybrid is a baby hybrid and isn't scheduled to join the hybrid big leagues until 2008. That's too bad, because a full hybrid truck would sure be a great product right now.

Ford hybrid taxis; GM's Chinese hybrids: Hype or the winds of change?

Yesterday, Ford CEO Bill Ford introduced a mini-fleet of hybrid taxis that will serve New York City. Considering that the fleet will only consist of 6 Escape hybrids, it is a bit interesting that Mr. Ford chose to make the presentation.

Or is it?

With Ford's hybrid head resigning just weeks ago, there was much speculation about the future of Ford hybrids, but now Mr. Ford appears to be taking the lead on hybrids. While fuel cells might be the distant future, hybrid cars represent the near future and they are proof that the auto industry CAN and MUST change.

Isn't it ironic that on the same day that New York announced that it will begin forcing automakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, joining California, Mr. Ford was in New York promoting his company's hybrids?

Still, the drive to hybrid technology isn't just being driven by treehuggers from both coasts.

GM is now banging the hybrid drum in China, joining at least 3 other automakers that will soon begin developing and producing hybrid vehicles in that country.

Many auto analysts have long speculated that China will be the key market for major automakers as we head into the future. And according to a recent AutoWeek article, "The Chinese government is keen to develop more fuel-efficient engines to curb its growing appetite for imported oil and reduce pollution. An automotive policy released last year suggests preferential treatment for developers of fuel-efficient technologies."

Hmmm, does "preferential treatment" have anything to do with GM's new hybrid focus?

Global forces, including global warming, terrorism, hurricanes, global petroleum demand, and consumer interests are requiring - even DEMANDING - that automakers change. The hybrid battleground is no longer just about hype, it's about business survival. With China entering the fray, the prospect of much cheaper hybrid parts becomes not just a possibility, but an obvious reality.

Ultimately, a technological revolution is hitting the world's auto industry and it isn't being driven only by speed and horsepower, but also by fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Experimental hybrids demonstrate that hybrid technology has significantly more potential than is currently being exhibited in the Prius, the Highlander hybrid, or the Civic hybrid. Huge, monumental gains are yet to be made in this emerging automotive technology.

While fuel cell vehicles might be the inevitable future, that future might not be a reality for decades. Hybrids demonstrate significant, dramatic change can be accomplished now, without fuel cells, without hydrogen. Nonetheless, today's hybrids could quite easily become tomorrow's fuel cell hybrids, as both Ford and Toyota are currently displaying (more).

The hybrids ARE coming, and they are going to come in a big way during the next decade. In 5 years, J.D. Power's prediction of hybrids achieving just 5% of the market will seem like the silliest analysis ever made by an automotive expert.

Hybrid hype is over and the winds of change are blowing. The real battle is just beginning.

Fuel cells: Another reason why hybrids rule

Already, Toyota is claiming that its hybrid cars will eventually become fuel cell cars. In essence, hybrid vehicles are providing the foundation for fuel cell automobiles. A recent article demonstrates that Ford is also starting to follow this path. "The FCV [Ford Fusion FCV] is a hybrid car that uses a fuel cell powertrain supplied by Ballard Power Systems Inc. as well as a nickel metal-hydride battery pack and a brake-by-wire electrohydraulic regenerative braking system."

If this is true, what is the foundation of most hybrid critics?

Hybrids, such as the Prius or the Escape hybrid, can achieve amazing fuel efficiency and clean emissions today, but the potential of such hybrids is barely being tapped. Better hybrid batteries, diesel hybrids or bio-diesel hybrids, demonstrate that we can change the world - in terms of foreign oil dependency and clean air - and we don't have to wait for fuel cells.

Nonetheless, as fuel cell breakthroughs do occur, we can convert hybrids into fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Is it just because GM isn't leading the way that hybrids are so criticized? I know they have an amazingly huge marketing budget, but is that enough reason for critics to wear such blinders?

Ford answers hybrid concerns

Just a couple of weeks ago, Ford's head of hybrid vehicles program resigned (more). Amidst the financial restructuring that Ford is exploring, many wondered whether the axe was coming down on Ford's hybrids, thus resulting in this resignation.

Today, Ford, which makes the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid, announced that its hybrid plans had not changed and that Ford was moving forward with its plan to make 250,000 hybrids by 2010.

Still, it isn't hard to speculate as to whether Ford is really serious about hybrids. By 2010, there is a very good chance that Toyota will sell as many, or even more, than a million hybrids.

Currently, Toyota is selling 3 hybrids, the Toyota Prius, the Highlander Hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h. Soon, Toyota will add the Camry hybrid and a Lexus GS model won't be far behind. Additionally, work on the Toyota Tundra hybrid has already begun and who knows what else Toyota has up its sleeve, such as a hybrid minivan.

In terms of production capability, Toyota could climb several years ahead of Ford by 2010. Then, Ford won't be just competing with Toyota and Honda, but GM, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and more.

Ford's hybrid plan will enable them to compete in the hybrid market in 2010, but their current plan won't let them keep the leadership role they currently maintain into 2010.

Hybrid vehicle shopping, again

Every couple months I go out and do some hybrid vehicle shopping to check out demand, availability on the lot, and to take an extra test drive or two. Thus, I hit the dealers in my neighborhood over the weekend for the first time since early August, and the results were not good.

My first stop is always Toyota, home of the Toyota Prius. While I did go there to check out the lot's selection of available new and used Prii, I was more interested in scheduling a time to test drive the Highlander hybrid.

Back in August, the selection of Prii was fantastic on this lot. There were 5 new Prii hybrids found in various packages and colors and there were even 2 used Prii, but there were not any Highlander hybrids. So, I added my name to the waiting list.

This time around; however, there weren't any hybrids on the lot and my saleswoman told me that every hybrid they receive immediately sells. This didn't really surprise me as I know that high gas prices have really driven hybrid demand since I last visited this dealer. Nonetheless, I wanted to know what it would take to get into a Highlander hybrid.

"In two to four weeks," my saleswoman told me, "2 new Highlander hybrids are scheduled to arrive, but we d0n't know the color, options, etc."

So I asked if there was a waiting list and I was told there was not - it was first come first serve.

Now I have several phone numbers and I use different names and numbers so that when I visit the same dealer on multiple occasions, their contact management system finds me as a new customer, rather than a repeat prospect that isn't buying.

So, if there isn't a waiting list, what had I signed two months ago? My guess is that there is no 'official' waiting list at many dealerships, and that different salespeople have their own lists and make calls as hybrids become available.

The last two Highlander hybrids, I was told, were delivered the morning of the previous Saturday and were gone by lunch. Thus, it probably doesn't take too many phone calls - if they are even calling. Maybe there is enough foot traffic that they don't even have to make calls, saving those numbers for when demand cools. Now, it's a salesman's free-for-all when a hybrid hits the lot.

Somewhat disappointed, I left my contact info and headed to Honda to check out the new Civic hybrid. Yet again, however, I was disappointed. I was told there wouldn't be any new Civic hybrids until December - the first two had been pre-sold. The only hybrids on the lot were the Accord hybrids - a vehicle I've already test-driven more than once (So no deals to be had on the first generation Civic hybrid - yet).

At this point, I was ready to call it day, but as two Ford dealers still stood between me and my home, I thought I'd give it a shot. While each did have at least one Escape hybrid on the lot, only fully loaded versions of the hybrid Escape were available, and I asked whether base models are ever available. Sometimes, I was told, but I find that hard to believe, since I haven't seen one in all my visits.

My day still could have been salvaged had I had the opportunity to compare and contrast the Mercury Mariner hybrid to the Escape hybrid, but I'm sure you already know that didn't happen.

If you are in the market for a hybrid, I'd suggest calling before visiting any dealers, especially if you are seeking a particular color, or option's package, as such requests will probably take months to fulfill. If you are looking for a deal on a hybrid....you might want to check back in a year or two.

When it comes to shopping for hybrid cars, unless money is no object, expect to be disappointed. Car-salespeople typically aren't the best salespeople to deal with any way, but when demand overwhelms supply, your salesperson is in complete control.

Lithium-ion battery maker making major hybrid vehicle breakthrough?

I received an e-mail from A123Systems regarding their new line of Lithium-ion batteries. According to the e-mail, the new batteries will offer as much as 5 times the power, 10 times the life, and significant improvements in safety compared to current lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, A123Systems is currently working with the government to provide batteries for the government's hybrid vehicles program.

Currently, hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander hybrid, and the Ford Escape hybrid use NiMH batteries to power their electric motors. Recently, I wrote that in a few years all hybrids will use Lithium-ion batteries, rather than NiMH batteries. The kinds of innovations that A123Systems and other battery developers make will have a profound effect on the performance of hybrid cars and they demonstrate the barely tapped, emerging potential of hybrid technology.

Why did you, or why would you, buy a hybrid vehicle?

Did you buy a hybrid? Are you thinking about buying a hybrid? Why?

Did you buy a hybrid solely to save money on gasoline? In reality, the only hybrid that might save you money is the Toyota Prius, but only if you live in a city.

Did you buy a hybrid for carpool lane privileges, or perhaps your city offers free parking?

Maybe you bought a Ford Escape hybrid or a Toyota Highlander hybrid because you want an SUV, but you want the industry to focus on fuel efficient technologies.

There are many reasons to buy hybrid cars, and for many buying hybrids is about far more than gasoline costs or a fight against global warming, it is a revolution against the status quo.

What does buying a hybrid vehicle mean to you?

Hybrid technology poised for major evolution?

AutoWeek has posted a couple of intriguing articles regarding the future of the technology behind hybrid cars. First, Drive-by-wire braking technology could find a home on hybrid vehicles points to the possibility that one of the hybrid powertrain's key functions, regenerative braking, could possibly be significantly improved with drive-by-wire braking. Steve Brown, director of North America programs for SKF Automotive Division stated that such a "brake system would offer better regeneration of the vehicle's battery than a conventional hydraulic system because it is electronic."

Second, and even more significant, Japan's largest battery maker says lithium-ion will be hybrid battery standard of the future notes that one of the most critical hybrid components is about to be replaced. Currently, hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid, utilize NiMH, or Nickel-Metal Hydride, batteries to help power and store energy for their electric motors.

In the future; however, Lithium-ion batteries will be the standard and once those batteries become standardized the potential for significant gains in the fuel economy of hybrids will truly emerge. Each new generation of battery technology will become lighter, yet capacity will increase. This would enable a Toyota Highlander hybrid, for example, to make the daily commute of many city drivers utilizing mostly electric power.

Combined with more efficient regenerative braking, such as could be offered by drive-by-wire braking, the potential of what hybrid technology could achieve truly begins to emerge.

While today's hybrid vehicles can be very fuel efficient, critics counter that clean diesel can be just as efficient. While that might be true on the highway, it isn't true in the city, where a hybrid can simply shut off its gasoline engine and run on electric power only. Diesel vehicles must continue to burn fuel.

Still, as clean diesels become more popular, especially in Europe, the costs of that technology will become cheaper and that technology could then be utilized to make clean diesel hybrid vehicles. Such vehicles, combined with better and better hybrid batteries and other innovations, such as drive-by-wire breaking, demonstrate that amazingly efficient automobiles are within grasp as long as consumers demand them.

Imagine a flex-fuel-clean-diesel-plug-in hybrid vehicle. A highly fuel efficient vehicle that could use diesel, biodiesel, or even solar power as its fuel. A vehicle that could achieve 100 mpg, or even more, at a tiny fraction of the cost of fuel cells. A vehicle that could be a reality with just today's technology, while offering even better performance with tomorrow's technology.

Updated

I was sent an e-mail from A123Systems, a lithium battery maker that is also working with the government on hybrid vehicles. According to their representative, they have developed a lithium-ion battery that will offer 5 times the power of current batteries and 10 times the the life. Obviously, such increases could DRASTICALLY improve the performance of hybrids.

Exxon oil profits, Saudi oil supply questions: More reasons for hybrids

Hybrid cars are not the answer to today's oil problems. Sure, everyone could drive a Toyota Prius and America could end foreign oil dependency, but one vehicle isn't going to save America from foreign oil. Even if everyone wanted to drive a Prius it would still take years before that many hybrids could even be produced.

Thus, critics dismiss hybrids as hype, noting that today's hybrid technology costs do not justify the savings in fuel economy. As if investment never leads to cheaper costs and better technology - I mean look at computers, what a wasted investment!

Instead, America would rather rely on big energy, such as Exxon Mobil. That's right, the same Exxon Mobil that "said Thursday high oil and natural-gas prices helped its third-quarter profit surge almost 75 percent to $9.92 billion" according to the AP. The same Exxon Mobil that is going to be given tax payer money to help alleviate the oil shortage in America.

Now, that's a plan!

And we're going to need more oil, a lot more oil, not only in the U.S., but worldwide. Unfortunately, that oil might not exist. According to an extremely interesting NYTIMES article, Doubts Raised on Saudi Vow for More Oil, Saudi Arabia might have far less oil than they have been proclaiming to the world, and a serious oil crunch could be just around the corner.

Don't worry, I'm sure Exxon will use some of its profits and tax payer incentives to help out the average American!

If oil supplies do stagnate, where is the oil going to come from to run all the diesels that are going to save America according to the Detroit News? Nothing like putting all your eggs in one basket.

Why not invest in technology?

Experimental hybrid vehicles have already been built that can achieve more than 100 mpg, some even achieve as much as 250 mpg, and others have claimed that a flex-fuel plug-in hybrid could achieve as much as 500 mpg. Additionally, flex fuel plug-in hybrids could utilize gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, electricity or even hydrogen. Is that too many options?

What the hell are we waiting for? Why does America continue to provide tax dollars to the oil industry? Why do we allow automakers, including Toyota, to continue to sell gas-guzzlers? Why not subsidize the cost of a fleet of Ford Escape hybrids and Toyota Highlander hybrids that achieve at least 50 mpg? That technology exists right now, yet instead we give billions to oil companies?

Oil, not technology, is the solution to America's problems, at least if you ask Congress. I guess almost 10 billion in profits provides a lot of favors.

So yeah, 100 mpg hybrids are too expensive and hybrids are just hype, but spending billions and billions on oil companies, oil refineries, the hydrogen highway, and fuel cells is a bargain - at least for Exxon Mobil it is.

Are Toyota hybrid truck plans an opportunity for GM hybrids?

Sure GM offers a mild hybrid, but the Silverado hybrid truck barely offers any gains in fuel economy. Really, the best thing about the Chevy hybrid is the ability to plug some tools into the standard electric outlets it offers.

By 2007; however, GM should offer much better hybrid trucks - in terms of fuel efficiency. Of course, so to will the king of hybrid vehicles, Toyota.

Offering the best selling Prius, Toyota sells far more hybrids than any other automaker, but Toyota also sells two hybrid SUVs, the Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h, but what about hybrid trucks?

Currently, Toyota is working on a feasibility study to determine if a Toyota Tundra hybrid can meet consumer demands. According to AutoWeek, because "many truck owners require their vehicles to tow or haul heavy loads over long distances. Hybrid battery power is nearly useless in that aspect. As a result, a pickup cannot scrimp on engine displacement without sacrificing towing performance. That hurts fuel economy, the main benefit of a hybrid."

Only time will tell if Toyota can overcome this issue. For many hybrid truck consumers, towing might be a non-issue, but this could be an area for GM to capitalize. GM's dual-mode hybrid will not rely as much on batteries as much as Toyota hybrids. Thus, GM trucks will not face these towing problems; however, GM trucks might not be as fuel efficient as Toyota trucks. Nonetheless, the hybrid truck segment could offer GM a real window of opportunity.

In addition to Toyota, Ford hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, or the Mercury Mariner hybrid, also use a powertrain very similar to Toyota, which means that Ford will also face many of the same towing issues as Toyota with Ford hybrid trucks.

Trucks are a huge market in the U.S. and a top selling hybrid truck could be a real winner for GM. I expect the marketing hype to really begin to heat up around this market segment towards the end of 2006, early 2007.

Hybrids and driving in the Midwest

I'm about to head to the airport and return home to Los Angeles. I've been in and around Madison, WI the past few days for a wedding. Since I was in a different area, I paid close attention to what people were driving in this area of the U.S.. While Buicks were far more common than the Camrys and Accords that I see during my daily commutes in Southern California, I still saw a number of hybrid cars.

Granted, I didn't do much driving and Madison is somewhat of a liberal town, but I saw at least one Toyota Prius every time I drove somewhere. In addition the Honda dealership next to my hotel boasted that more than 30 hybrids were in stock according to television commercials. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to stop in so that I could test drive the new Civic hybrid.

I was also surprised that more people didn't drive SUVs. These people definitely have more reasons to need the vehicles, considering their weather. Yet I think SUVs, especially the big ones, are actually more common in Southern California than in Madison, WI - something which I found very surprising. Heading to Madison, I thought I would be more likely to see a Ford Escape hybrid, or a Toyota Highlander hybrid rather than a Prius, but I was wrong.

Interesting trip and I guess I learned that SUVs were made for freeways, not rough driving conditions.

Hollywood's so-called obsession with the Prius

When I saw the AutoWeek headline, Starring Role: Hollywood's love affair with Toyota's Prius continues, I thought why are the autorags so against hybrids? I'm pretty confident that every time a hybrid has been the lead story on AutoWeek's home page, it has always included a negative headline, yet some gas-guzzler can always take the cover guilt free.

So what if some members of Hollywood promote the Toyota Prius hybrid car - it's an awesome car if you believe in ending foreign oil dependency. It's an awesome vehicle if you are trying to help the environment. Yet, what percentage of automobile spots in Hollywood productions are reserved for the Prius, or any hybrid cars, for that matter? Not many.

Fortunately, the article wasn't really negative and I guess it is about the most positive press that can be expected from AutoWeek, whose editors seem to hate hybrids.

Sports cars and big gas-guzzling vehicles are the normal Hollywood prop, and what message do they send? That Americans are above the rest of the world? That America doesn't have to worry about the environment? That America is so great we can act stupid just to show the rest of the world how omnipotent America is?

Well America's materialistic greed has had consequences and it will continue to have consequences. Actions cannot continue to be judged only by how cool one looks, or at least how cool one thinks they look, but by the consequences of their actions.

Oil put America in Saudi Arabia and Bin Laden attacked because of it. Oil put America in Iraq and thousands of Americans have died because of it. Oil has made America Enemy Number 1 in the eyes of much of the world.

Hybrids, such as the Prius, the Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Ford Escape hybrid might not be cost-effective for the average American yet. Still, somehow, they seem more cost effective than risking GM and Ford bankruptcy, energy shortages, oil wars, funding terrorism and the war on terror.

A recent study claimed that America could save as much as a trillion dollars by ending foreign oil dependency. So are hybrids really that expensive? Yet the government puts limits on hybrid vehicle tax deductions as it gives billions of tax payer dollars to the oil industry.

Ultimately, buying a hybrid means you are willing to fund a change and that's a statement that should cause pride. What kind of a statement does buying a Hummer or gas guzzler really make?

Toyota hybrid vehicle supply running on empty

According to Reuters, Toyota is now buying additional electric motors from Hitachi to meet the increasing demand for its hybrid cars. Recently, it was announced that the supply of Toyota's Prius hybrid car is now down to hours, and the situation isn't much better for the Highlander hybrid. Everything seems to indicate that Toyota will still not be able to catch up to demand even with this new deal.

As Ford has also had problems finding hybrid parts for its Escape hybrid and Mariner hybrid, the problem of hybrids parts - or the lack of - is becoming a serious problem that will require massive restructuring of auto suppliers.

Still, despite the hybrid critics, hybrids are hot and only getting hotter.

Mazda's solar powered hybrid vehicle, Tribute Hybrid details coming soon

Mazda is preparing five new vehicles for the Tokyo Auto Show and three of them are hybrid cars. My favorite is the Senku hybrid, based off the RX-8. It will offer "flying wing" doors and, most interestingly, it will include solar cells that are embedded in the roof, according to AutoWeek. Presumably, the solar cells will be used to help keep the hybrid batteries charged.

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also be shown, which is a minivan.

Finally, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, which will be similar to the Ford Escape hybrid, will also debut. Reports indicate that sale's details will be released for the Tribute Hybrid at the show.

I really hope that Mazda moves forward with the Senku. I have numerous times promoted solar cells on hybrids, and already a few inventive garage mechanics have accomplished this task (more). Hopefully, this will pressure other hybrid makers to do the same, or to at least offer solar cells as an option.

Top 3 Reasons to buy a hybrid car

To save money

O.K. this isn't the best reason to buy a hybrid, but it isn't as impossible as many critics would have you believe. If you live in a city, hybrid cars offer the best ability to save money on gasoline; however, not all hybrids are equal in city driving.

Honda hybrids are not the best for city conditions. Unlike Ford and Toyota hybrids, Honda hybrids do not function on electric power only at low speeds.

In city driving, the Toyota Prius can easily achieve 45 mpg or more. Something like the Ford Focus, achieves just 17 mpg. In fact, in the city, the far majority of ALL conventional vehicles are going to achieve less than 20 mpg. Even worse, many trucks and SUVs will achieve less than 10 mpg in the city. Here again, the Toyota Highlander hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid offer their best gasoline savings. The Lexus RX400h does its best here as well, but who buys a Lexus to save money?

To reduce pollution

Pollution, like fuel economy, is a tricky subject. For example, why does smog develop in cities? Is it just because of the large number of cars, or are driving conditions an important factor?

Congestion, stop-and-go, and idling bring out the worst in our vehicles, except for hybrids. A Prius or Escape hybrid will function on mostly electric power in these conditions, and in these conditions, conventional vehicles simply offer no competition. Overall, hybrids produce far less pollution than conventional vehicles, and in the conditions that produce the most pollution, hybrids perform their best.

To help end foreign oil dependency

Why do people buy Hummers, Cadillacs, and BMWs? Why do people put rims on their cars? Don't they want to make a statement?

For many hybrid buyers, buying a hybrid is a message that says, 'I am willing to fund fuel efficient technology.' This message is especially aimed at automakers whom have contributed to America's yearly increase in foreign oil consumption - automakers that have for decades successfully lobbied Congress not to raise fuel efficiency standards nor to make the EPA accurate.

How do you put a cost on foreign oil consumption? How much does it cost to maintain a military presence in the Middle East to protect America's oil addiction? How much money does it cost to influence the politics of the Middle East? How much money does it cost to try to stop the flow of money that moves from oil into the hands of terrorists?

How much? How many lives?

If the real costs of foreign oil dependency were added into the price of gasoline, the question of hybrid costs would immediately be over. Since oil wealth largely runs America, should we be surprised those costs are separated?

Only in America can Hummer ads fill the advertising slots of articles criticizing the costs of hybrid cars. Only in America is materialistic ignorance more acceptable than intelligence.

American hybrids: A lack of leadership

Yes, Ford has the Escape hybrid, but it isn't nearly as coveted as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, and neither are nearly as coveted as the Prius.

So what's the problem? Leadership.

Lately Ford has blamed the "predatory" practices of Japanese automakers for their lack of hybrid production. (more)

Excuse me? As soon as a Toyota hybrid hits a dealership it is almost sold. The Escape hybrid can last for weeks, even longer. More important, if not for Toyota the hybrid supplies Ford needs wouldn't even be available. Ford is using the supply channels that Toyota created.

GM, well, GM just keeps talking. A few years ago GM thought hybrids were nonsense, then they were a good marketing story, but a poor business story. Now GM is trying to bolster it's hybrid efforts. "Right now, we're not where we ought to be (on hybrids)," said Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman and product development chief, acknowledging that it's hurting consumer perceptions of the company.(more)

Not long ago Mr. Lutz even admitted that GM could have used a sliver of its yearly marketing budget to finance the development of hybrid cars. Instead, GM chose to market the Hummer and Tahoe.

How could American automakers have been so blind to the importance of foreign oil dependency, to fuel efficiency? Is doing the right thing impossible for American corporations? Is money more important than the safety of the people?

Leadership requires vision and tough choices. The lack of American hybrids reprints a void in American corporate leadership, and if it doesn't change, it will represent the downfall of America as well.

Re: Hybrids: Don't buy the hype

My boys love the movie Napoleon Dynamite, and it was Napoleon that I thought of when I read the article Hybrids: Don't buy the hype.

"Idiots."

"There may be reasons to buy a hybrid vehicle right now, but they aren't financial reasons," says Peter Valdes-Dapena .

Really, Peter?

"A hybrid Honda Accord costs about $3,800 more than the comparable non-hybrid version. Over five years, you'll make up that cost in gasoline money if the price of gas goes up immediately to $9.20 a gallon."

Nice one, Peter, the Accord hybrid? First, the Accord hybrid isn't a top selling hybrid. Second, it's a performance hybrid, not a hybrid built for fuel efficiency. Third, there is a huge difference between Honda hybrids and Toyota hybrids. In city driving, Toyota hybrids offer far more fuel efficiency because of their ability to function on electric power only.

"For the Ford Escape hybrid, the difference is less stark. To make up the difference between the Escape hybrid and a Ford Escape SLD, gas prices would have to rise to $5.60 immediately after you purchase the vehicle or you would have to drive 37,000 miles a year. Still an unlikely scenario." At least based on Edmunds.com data, Peter notes.

How about some investigative journalism, Peter?

The Edmund's study was largely based on EPA data, and is therefore unreliable and over-generalized. For example, in city driving, the EPA is off by as much as 50 percent in its fuel economy ratings according to Consumer Reports (more on this). Additionally, Edmunds, like the EPA, assumes that most drivers drive mostly on the highway.

Not me, Peter, and not millions and millions of other Americans that live in cities and suburbs.

Then you mention diesel as a more viable option. Peter, did you know that according to CR, the Jeep Liberty Diesel, estimated to achieve 22 MPG in the city, actually only achieves 11 MPG. Is that the kind of real money savings you are talking about Peter?

Then you state that "driving more gently" can save up to the 30 percent.

C'mon, Peter, driving more gently can also make the Ford Escape hybrid more fuel efficient as well as the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Toyota Prius - of course that wasn't how Edmunds tested their hybrids, was it Peter?

And why didn't you cover the Toyota Prius in your article, since it is by far the best selling hybrid vehicle? Instead, you chose the least 'hybrid' of the hybrids to make your argument. Nice objectivity.

Since the Department of Transportation and numerous University studies claim that city driving, or congestion, is not only the new American norm, but a major American problem, shouldn't that be the standard for testing fuel efficiency?

According to Consumer Reports, not only are 3 hybrids the most fuel efficient vehicles available, but in city driving - the new American norm - the Prius is without rival. For example, the Prius is more than 150% more fuel efficient than the Ford Focus in congestion.

Hmm, Peter. So 45 MPG versus 17 MPG isn't good enough? And if I drive "gently" in the city, my Prius can achieve even 50 or 60 MPG. Still, not worth it, huh, Peter?

More important, hybrid vehicles are an emerging technology and the best is yet to come. Plug-in hybrids and experimental hybrids have been demonstrated to achieve as much as 250 MPG.

Not worth the investment Peter? Instead, we should drive more "gently"?

Buying a hybrid can save money, more important; however, it can help fund a technological revolution that can significantly help the environment and end foreign oil dependency - without finding some miracle to make million dollar fuel cell vehicles more cost effective.

Of course I guess we could just drive more "gently" to fix these problems, huh, Peter?

Ford not interested in hybrid trucks?

Ford's green push into hybrid cars is not going to include F-Series trucks according to the Detroit News. Already Ford offers the Escape hybrid and a few Mariner hybrids, but hybrid SUVS are the easiest hybrids to find.

Toyota offers the Lexus RX400h and the Highlander hybrid.

While I am happy that Ford is also going to focus its hybrid efforts on sedans and other cars, why not trucks? Giving that product segment to Toyota seems to be the dumbest move Ford could make.

Today's Top Hybrid News Stories

For a few months, Ford has been making two announcements about hybrid cars. First, that it is going to boost hybrid car production. A new report states that Ford will offer hybrid versions in half of its Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. Still, the total production will total only 250,000 vehicles by 2010 - less hybrids vehicles than Toyota will sell this year alone. (More)

Second, Ford executives are again blaming Toyota for a shortage in hybrid vehicle parts due to "predatory" activities by some Japanese automakers. (More)

I really wish Ford would shut up regarding the lack of hybrid parts. Every Prius, Highlander hybrid, and Lexus RX400h consumer has been affected by this lack of parts. This is a struggle for all hybrid manufacturers.

Had Ford been more bullish regarding hybrid technology several years ago - as bullish as Toyota - this would be a non-issue. The Ford Escape hybrid is a great vehicle, but Ford is still years behind Toyota.

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If you didn't follow the Frankfurt autoshow, AutoWeek has put together a "smattering of hybrids shown at the Frankfurt motor show." (more)

Hybrid Cars and Fuel Efficiency: The most important point

Hybrid cars are leading an automotive revolution. Yet, critics are everywhere. Hybrids cost too much, they don't achieve EPA estimates, diesel and biodiesel are better, fuel cells are the future and on and on.

On Friday Consumers Reports sent out a press release regarding the inaccuracy and inefficiency of the EPA's fuel economy ratings. Of course, even Consumer Reports had to take a stab at hybrid cars, noting that the Honda Civic hybrid missed its EPA estimated city fuel economy - utilizing CR's testing methodology - by a whopping 46 percent.

Of course CR did have to admit that hybrids still fill the top 3 most fuel efficient vehicles slot - not bad considering only a handful of hybrids are available.

In city driving, according to CR, 9 out of 10 vehicles - not just hybrids - miss their EPA estimates by as much as 50 percent. 9 out of 10 of the worse offenders were NOT hybrids. The Jeep Liberty Diesel estimated at 22 mpg city, actually achieves only 11 mpg. Chrysler's top selling 300C estimated at 17 mpg, actually achieves 10 mpg. A couple of Dodges only achieve 8 mpg in the city.

That's right just 8 mpg, yet we're worried that the Civic hybrid only achieves 24 mpg? Of course on the highway, the Civic hybrid does much better, as do all vehicles.

Still, this is an important point, especially when it comes to hybrids. Hybrids are not all the same. The Honda Accord hybrid and the Civic hybrid are built upon the same hybrid technology, but not the same hybrid technology as the Toyota Prius hybrid. Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius or Highlander hybrid, can actually function on electric power only at low speeds. This means that in city driving, where congestion creates stop-and-go traffic, Toyota hybrids can use much less gasoline, as can the Ford Escape hybrid.

Honda hybrids do not benefit from this gain. The second generation Civic hybrid, due out in October; however, will offer this capability, but its electronic component will still not equal that of Toyota hybrids.

Thus, all hybrids are not created equal and viewing hybrids as one class is as inaccurate and misleading as utilizing EPA fuel economy data. While the Civic hybrid only achieves 26 mpg in the city according to CR, the Prius achieves 45 mpg. The Ford Focus, for a conventional comparison, only achieves 17 mpg.

At today's gas prices, driving 15,000 miles per year, the Civic hybrid would save you $1500.00 in gas versus the Focus, the Prius would save $4500.00 per year in gas savings versus the Focus. Of course, not everyone drives in these conditions all the time, but for those that live in large cities, the cost-benefit of hybrids like the Prius is pretty dramatic.

Additionally, if you HAVE to drive an SUV and you drive mostly in the city, driving a Highlander hybrid or Escape hybrid will probably save close to $700 - $1000 per year. For many hybrid drivers, gasoline savings in the real world ARE enough to cover the cost of hybrid components, plus you are helping to clean the environment - can you really put a cost on that?

Ultimately, hybrids are not all the same. Currently, the Prius is best in class - at least until the second generation Civic hybrid. Still, it isn't the fuel economy of hybrids that should be in focus, rather is should be the incredible fuel inefficiency of conventional vehicles.

Is Frankfurt hybrid car talk just hype?

Hybrid cars have taken over the Frankfurt Auto Show, but is all this hybrid talk just marketing hype?

According to a BBC article, yes, "But despite the loud and confusing displays of hybrid concepts at the Frankfurt motor show, the efforts by the big car groups seem less than ambitious." Additionally, the BBC notes, "BMW's Mr Panke is even more blunt. He predicts that hybrid car sales will never rise above more than 1%-2% of the total market, and PSA Peugeot Citroen's chief executive Jean-Martin Folz agrees."

On the other side of the pond, the NYTimes article, At Frankfurt Auto Show, a Reluctant Embrace of Hybrids the Times notes, "But backstage at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, a different picture is emerging: Europe's auto executives remain privately skeptical, even dismissive, about the merits of hybrid technology."

It isn't hype if you ask Toyota, however. More important, the European auto industry and the American auto industry simply are not the dominant corporations they once were. Times are a changing and new leaders are emerging.

Still, in Europe, the common belief is that advanced diesel is just as effective as hybrids, and that assumption is correct.

But what about the future?

Hybrid vehicles are an emerging technology. When computers first emerged, it was thought only the Pentagon or huge corporations could ever utilize, or even afford one. Then came desktops, laptops, and now PDA's and more.

Already, plug-in hybrid cars and other experimental hybrid vehicles demonstrate that current hybrid technology can be adjusted to achieve as much as 100 or even 250 mpg. Others speculate that a new generation of biodiesel hybrids could achieve as much as 500 mpg.

Ultimately, the auto industry is entering a technological revolution and those companies that choose to follow the status quo will ultimately disappear.

Ten years ago, a laptop with 1000 Gig of RAM and 3 hour battery life wasn't just expensive, it was pure fantasy. Today, it costs little more than $1000.00.

Hybrid technology is not going away and it will continually get more powerful and cheaper. Within 10 years the Toyota Highlander hybrid, Toyota Prius hybrid, and the Ford Escape hybrid will be more than twice as fuel efficient as they are today, yet the cost difference between hybrid and conventional vehicles will be much less.

That isn't hype it's the reality of technology.

GM's skewed vision of Saturn Vue hybrid, Volkswagen hybrids in 2008

I laughed as soon as I read the title of AutoWeek's article, Saturn says its upcoming Vue hybrid will be less-expensive than competition.

While any drive towards fuel efficiency is a welcome one, let's get real for a second. The Saturn Vue really won't have much competition, as it will mostly be in its own class. The Saturn Vue will be a 'mild' hybrid, meaning that it cannot be powered only by its electric motor.

The Vue hybrid's "competition", on the other hand, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, or the Toyota Highlander hybrid can be powered by just the electric motor at low speeds. It is this feature which makes these hybrid suvs so fuel efficient in urban and stop-and-go traffic.

Thus, the Saturn Vue Hybrid will be less expensive than the "competition" because it offers less than the "competition". Boy, you'd think GM could be a little more innovative with its $3 billion advertising budget.

Volkswagen hybrids in 2008

Volkswagen will begin developing hybrid cars with its Chinese partner in 2008, with full-scale production set for 2010. The Volkswagen hybrids will be built upon a proprietary hybrid powertrain that Volkswagen will work alone to develop. (More)

RE: Challenges ahead for Toyota hybrids

Challenges in the hybrid space are not for Toyota, the real challenges belong to Toyota's hybrid competitors

The coolest thing about the article Challenges ahead for Toyota hybrids was the statement, "With Hurricane Katrina pushing American gas pump prices above $3 a gallon, Toyota Motor may find itself yet again in the right place at the right time, with a new, half-mile-long assembly line capable of producing gasoline-electric hybrid Prius cars at the rate of one a minute."

The rest of the article isn't bad, but the title is just wrong. What challenges, exactly, is Toyota facing?

First, an "increasingly competitive marketplace may prove to be the biggest for Toyota." The article argues that it isn't necessarily the competition, but the nature of tax credits that will cause the headache for Toyota by helping the competition. Ultimately, each manufacturer is only allowed 60,000 tax credits. Obviously, Toyota will run out of credits almost immediately, and this is seen a challenge to Toyota and a benefit to the competition.

Still, while the tax credits are a bit unfair, is this really a problem?

If each automaker, aside from Toyota, is only interested in selling 60,000 hybrid cars, then hybrids are already dead. Quite simply, this is a non-issue. With or without tax incentives, the Toyota Prius hybrid, for example, is a great vehicle at a reasonable price. The same should be true for the soon-to-be-released second generation Honda Civic hybrid. These vehicles will sell, regardless of tax credits, and the challenge will be for Ford, GM and Chrysler to compete against these products.

Hybrid SUVs, on the other hand, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, are questionable buys in terms of cost. Tax credits definitely help close the deal on these first generation, expensive hybrid vehicles. Nonetheless, it is the cost of hybrid components that elevates the price of these hybrids. As more and more hybrid vehicles are developed - by all manufacturers - the costs of these components will be reduced. More important, hybrid components will become more fuel efficient and powerful, offsetting more and more the price of hybrids.

Second, the Times questions consumers' willingness to buy hybrid vehicles that aren't as fuel efficient as expected and that fall "short of federal economy ratings".

HMMMM. Yesterday, AAA lobbied Congress to make EPA fuel economy ratings more accurate (more). Was this because the EPA does such a bad job of predicting hybrid car fuel efficiency?

NOOOOOOO!!!!!

This was because, ALL VEHICLES DO NOT MEET EPA FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS, which is a big problem in terms of foreign oil dependency. Consumers need to know the truth.

One of the biggest problems with the EPA is that it assumes that most drivers do the majority of their driving at 55 mpg on wide open highways. Anyone that lives near LA, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, etc, knows that 55 mph driving is a rare luxury, not the norm.

Conventional vehicles not only achieve far less than their EPA fuel economy ratings, they also pollute far more in the conditions of day to day urban driving. On the contrary, hybrids - even the much criticized Lexus RX400h - achieve their best fuel economy while emitting the fewest pollutants in these same conditions. In actuality, studies have shown that most vehicles - NOT HYBRIDS - achieve about 20 to 30 percent less fuel efficiency than the EPA estimates.

In real world driving for a majority of Americans, hybrids are much more fuel efficient than conventional automobiles, PERIOD.

I'd say Toyota is facing the fewest challenges when it comes to hybrids. If Toyota hybrids aren't successful, then hybrids - by all manufacturers - will not be successful. Toyota has already faced the toughest challenges, challenges which GM, Chrysler, and BMW have yet to face.