Honda's Volt-like plug-in hybrids coming soon?

GM's range extended plug-in Volt

When the next Honda Accord hits the streets, it just might come with a plug-in option according to some Honda insiders. It seems Honda has been quietly developing a Chevy Volt-like plug-in hybrid drive that also utilizes capacitors to increase EV range.

In addition to the next Accord, Honda's new plug-in drive could also be fitted to larger vehicles, including SUVs.

Lithium-powered Honda hybrids on the way

Can lithium challenge the Prius?

In February, Toyota sold more than 27,000 Prius hybrids worldwide. Honda sold 3,517 Insight hybrids.

To help shrink this gap in sales, Honda plans to begin using lithium-ion batteries in its hybrid cars within 2 or 3 years, according to Bloomberg, and the Civic hybrid will probably be the first lithium hybrid.

Honda to produce 'full' hybrid vehicles

But only for large vehicles?

For some time a common topic on Hybridcarblog has been the need for Honda to develop a 'full' hybrid powertrain, such as found on a Toyota Prius or a Ford Fusion hybrid, that enables a hybrid vehicle to run purely on electric power.

Well, Honda has confirmed that it is working on such a powertrain.

"We've left the research stage and entered the field of development," Tomohiko Kawanabe, Honda's COO of automotive research and development, told Reuters in an interview regarding Honda's upcoming full hybrid vehicles.

The new hybrid powertrain is probably still 3 years from debut, and it might never replace the IMA powertrain in Honda's current hybrids. Instead, Honda wants the new hybrid powertrain for larger vehicles, such as the Pilot and Odyssey, but it could also make its way into sedans like the Accord.

Honda Insight simply not a city car?

Just not built for stop and go traffic

We've had a number of conversations on this blog as to whether Honda can ever mainstream their hybrid cars without adding full hybrid technology to their hybrid portfolio.

Obviously, all hybrids can offer fuel efficiency gains outside of tough urban traffic, however, in such conditions full hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion hybrid, can achieve fuel economy numbers that simply blow away the competition.

In such conditions, however, the Insight lags.

"The lack of even a rudimentary purely electric mode seriously handicaps the Insight, especially in heavy urban traffic as I found out the fun way on my way home up main thoroughfare," notes MotorTrends Kirill Ougarov recently.

Isn't full hybrid technology essential for every hybrid maker?

Time for Honda to embrace full hybrids?

The Honda CR-Z hybrid

About a decade ago, when both Toyota and Honda were producing their first hybrid cars, each had very different visions for the future of hybrids.

For Honda, hybrids like the original Insight were simply an interim technology until fuel cell vehicles could replace them. Thus, until recently, Honda had no serious hybrid production plans.

For Toyota, on the other hand, hybrids were intricately linked to advanced technologies and to Toyota's future. Finish Reading: Time for Honda to embrace full hybrid vehicles?

Honda going lighter, adding more hybrids

To get lighter and smaller

Stop everything. That's the word around Honda these days.

Regardless of how far Honda's cars are in the development process, Honda is reviewing every vehicle with a new focus on making all of their vehicles cheaper and more fuel efficient. That means a focus on smaller and lighter vehicles, and adding hybrid technology to more of Honda's vehicles according to reports.

Hybrid technology coming to all Honda vehicles

Still a best seller in Japan

Thanks to strong sales of the Honda Insight and other fuel efficient vehicles, such as the Fit, Honda has been able to stay in the black while other automakers have suffered during this economic crisis. Nonetheless, Honda envisions huge changes in the automotive landscape.

"Even without the economic shock, cars have to change dramatically with the rise in environmental consciousness," Honda President Takanobu Ito told the Japanese Times.

Thus, Honda expects to make "huge resource investments" into clean technologies, such as hybrid cars.

Next year, Honda will launch the Honda CRZ hybrid and a Fit hybrid as well and Ito claims, "I have no doubt that (some form of) a hybrid system will eventually be installed in all cars."

Honda hybrid minivan by 2011

The Freed minivan

OK, by American standards, the Honda Freed Minivan isn't really a minivan, but maybe American standards are in need of changing.

Anyway, Honda is now committed to offering the Freed, built on the same platform as the Fit, in a hybrid version around 2011 according to reports, with an EV version to follow by 2015.

Would the Freed hybrid resonate in America?

Hybrid incentives keep Honda in the black

Hybrids help deliver profits

"The Japanese auto industry is expected to pick up later this year thanks to government incentives, which are boosting sales of environmentally friendly cars, notably hybrids," said Okasan Securities auto analyst Yasuaki Iwamoto.

And that sale's boost helped Honda post a profit yesterday as many other automakers reported huge losses. As a result, Honda is picking up its hybrid pace to take advantage of the momentum of interest in hybrid cars, but is such a move the right move?

Eventually, government incentives for the purchase of hybrids will end in Japan. What happens then? Will consumers still continue to purchase hybrids? Will other markets, such as North America, pick up the slack?

Larger Honda hybrids in the works

A future Honda hybrid?

While announcing some updated plans for Honda's next two hybrid vehicles, Honda's new CEO, Takanobu Ito, told reporters that Honda wanted to speed up the development of its hybrids. Thus, in addition to a few new hybrid cars, Ito also announced the development of a new two motor hybrid system for medium and large sized vehicles. In fact, Honda pulled its entire Formula engineering team out of Formula One development and into hybrid development.

In the last year or so, Honda has become quite bullish on the future of hybrids, and this new hybrid powertrain seems to indicate that Honda isn't just talking hybrid. So, expect a plethora of new Honda hybrids in the very near future.

Is Honda hybrid quality slipping?

Your IMA light won't shut off?

Recently, Hybridcarblog has a received a number of complaints regarding the Honda Civic hybrid.

Now, overall, most that have provided a Civic hybrid testimonial have been happy with their Honda hybrid. Nonetheless, IMA issues continue to be a problem for some Civic hybrid owners.

Coupled with the Consumer Reports slam of the Insight hybrid, I cannot help but wonder, is Honda hybrid quality slipping?

20 percent hybrid by 2020?

Ford better get ready to increase its hybrid production

In just a few years, shoppers of Honda hybrid cars will face a tough decision.

Should they buy the cheapest and smallest Honda hybrid, the Fit or the larger Honda Insight? Or, for those not interested in hatchbacks and desiring a little more passenger space, the Civic hybrid might be better . Then again, maybe some Honda hybrid consumers won't care about size, but instead prefer something sporty like the CR-Z sports hybrid.

So, why is Honda going hybrid crazy? Well, perhaps they've seen JP Morgan's latest hybrid prediction. By 2020, according to JP, hybrid sales in the US will reach 19.4 percent of the new car market.

Shoot. If gas prices pull another 2008 in the next few years, I'd say that JP is underestimating the hybrid market. In fact, the way that Honda is ramping up its hybrid efforts, I wouldn't be surprised if Honda was hybrid-only by 2020.

Now, US automakers, that's a whole other story.

Honda will also produce plug-in hybrids

Fuel cells aren't Honda's only electric plans

Honda has seen the light, the hybrid light. Not so long ago, Honda believed that cheap hybrids, such as the Insight hybrid, were a simple bridge to fuel cell vehicles, such as the Honda Clarity. Moreover, Honda wasn't too sure that plug-ins of any kind made environmental or fiscal sense.

Today, however, Honda believes hybrid cars are now becoming a "mainstream" technology. Thus, Honda will be exploring other forms of hybrid technology, including plug-in hybrids according to Honda's Chief R&D Engineer, Kenji Nakano.

Insight markups and Honda hybrid shopping

Is screwing the customer Insightful?

Last week some Honda hybrid shoppers found deals that couldn't be refused on Civic hybrids, while shopping for Insight hybrids. For instance Civic hybrids $2,000 less than the best deal on an Insight hybrid.

However, part of the reason some found good deals on the Civic hybrid was because of dealer markups on the Honda Insight. At one Honda dealership markups were as high as $4500.

This weekend, I stopped by my local Honda dealer and found no dealer markups above MSRP, however, aftermarket leather packages were being added to the cost, pushing the MSRP of an Insight hybrid up an additional $2,000, a price that seemed a little high for aftermarket leather.

Nonetheless, the Insight was still a better deal than the Civic hybrid, although my dealer told me he could offer some pretty great deals on Civic hybrid leases. Obviously, shopping for a Honda hybrid varies from dealer to dealer.

In the next few weeks I'll be doing some more Honda hybrid shopping to see how much variance there is between dealers in terms of hybrid deals, with a particular focus on dealer add-ons and markups.

Honda innovation or the lack thereof?

Still stuck on fuel cells?

Are automakers stuck in the stone ages? I'm not just talking powertrains, I mean everything about the auto industry.

That was the thought M80's new Honda video Mobility 2088 left me contemplating last week.

Fuel cells. Cars that can drive themselves, etc. These ideas, advanced by 2088, have been around for decades, yet they are still decades away. I guess that's why it's called Mobility 2088.

Nevertheless, there was a time when Honda fully embraced failure as the path to success. Today, however, it seems neither Honda, nor any other major automaker, takes much risk.

Change. In recent days I've noticed a number of Spyder Roadsters on the streets of SoCal, which makes me wonder, are automotive revolutions - beyond just powertrains - still possible? Moreover, is it possible for large automakers, such as Honda or GM, to be the leaders of such change?

Or, is real change - thinking outside of the box - purely dependent upon the likes of Tesla, Aptera and BYD?

Honda's cheap hybrids not a fad

A fun, fuel efficient sporty hybrid

Honda might not be the biggest automaker on the planet, but it is certainly one of the smartest, which makes many of Honda's recent moves very interesting.

For instance, Honda has been one of the few automakers to resist the PR campaigns most automakers have now rolled out to promote various types of plug-in vehicles - vehicles that have yet to be proven in the real world. In fact, Honda has stated quite clearly that it believes cheap hybrid vehicles, not more expensive plug-in vehicles, are the wisest short-to-midterm approach (At least until battery technology has been further developed).

And, as US automakers have dampened their support of fuel cell vehicles, at least publicly, Honda has ramped up its efforts, rolling out production-ready models and exciting new concepts, despite criticism from many.

Obviously, Honda could be wrong on both of these fronts. Yet, it has been Honda which has been the most grounded automaker, and the least likely major player to follow trends, such as the SUV craze.

Reliable, efficient common sense - not fads and trends - drives Honda.

Thus, in late 2010, when GM, Ford and Chrysler are each rolling out a few thousand EVs, PHEVs, etc, per year, Honda will be positioned to roll out hundreds of thousands of new, cheap hybrids, including a sports coupe and a version of the hot Honda Fit that some believe will be even cheaper than the Insight.

These new hybrids might not offer the cool factor that a vehicle like the Chevy Volt can evoke, but they'll offer consumers drastically cheaper price tags, and that might be the only thing that matters to consumers still in a recession state of mind.

Should Obama save the Big 3 at any cost?

25,000 per year for years now

Last night I was watching an interesting NOVA program called The Big Energy Gamble and how AB 32 is going to drastically change the auto market in California. Essentially, if California moves forward with AB 32, automakers will need to sell many millions of hybrid cars or EVs in California alone, in order to meet CO2 emissions requirements.

And, there are many states considering similar laws if California's continues to move forward.

Toyota, the king of hybrid cars, is well on its way to helping California meet its goals, and Honda is ramping up its hybrid production as well, although even Honda has some serious work ahead.

The Big 3, on the other hand, seem pathetically far behind. Possibly, Ford has some plans, but as the automaker has only been able to make 25,000 Escape hybrids per year, and has the same 25,000 cap for the Fusion hybrid, I have some serious worries. Sadly, GM and Chrysler seem even further behind.

Yet, as the bailout deadline approaches, the UAW is already calling on Obama for help. If this were the end of all bailout talk, a little extension wouldn't be a bad idea, but this is just the beginning.

GM's latest prediction for 2009 auto sales, for example, is even worse than 2008. According to Big 3 Congressional bailout testimony, GM's prediction for 2009 is unsustainable if it continues for a few years, regardless of any bailout money. UNSUSTAINABLE. The auto industry, as we know it today, would collapse.

Even if things get better, the Big 3 are still in no position to make a serious stab at fuel economy, especially if the requirement is as aggressive as AB32 - something Obama has supported. According to an economist from Moody's during Congressional testimony on the bailout, the US auto industry will need about 100 billion over the next few years just to survive.

How much more it take to make the Big 3 green?

Not one of the Big 3 has yet developed a cheap hybrid to challenge the Prius. Do they really believe that millions of Americans are going to be able to afford $40,000 Volts in five years? Will GM even be making 100,000 Volts per year by then?

President Obama's plans for an energy moon shot should move forward, and I'm sure it will, but should our moon shot be limited to the Big 3's ability to make it happen? Might it not be better, for instance, for the government to regulate standards and requirements, put all incentives in the hands of consumers, and let ALL automakers COMPETE for consumers, even if it means the UAW loses 1/2 its workforce because its products don't compete?

Or, should Obama save the Big 3 at any and all costs and make the Big 3 essential to our moon shot?

Honda, GS Yuasa form hybrid battery partnership

Eventually lithium powered?

Honda and GS Yuasa will "establish a joint venture company which will manufacture, sell and conduct R&D for high-power lithium-ion batteries with a central focus on applications in hybrid electric vehicles," according to GreenCarCongress.

While Honda might be a laggard on plug-in vehicles, it has aggressively increased its efforts into hybrid vehicles.

Still, Honda continues to develop electric cars as well, as the Honda Clarity is powered by an electric drivetrain. Thus, it seems that Honda will be quite capable of adapting to the electric vehicle market when it matures into full scale mass production.

Yet, Honda's interim plans for fuel economy will not suffer if EV adoption is slow, unlike many other automakers. Since, you can make a lot more hybrids than EVs with the same supply of batteries, Honda could flood the market with cheap hybrids as the issues of electrification are worked through without hurting EV development.

Honda has big plans for small hybrids

An Insightful future

New CAFE regulations are going to be a "game changer" for the auto industry according to Honda. Unfortunately, for consumers, that is almost certainly going to mean more expensive vehicles reports Green Car Congress.

While Honda believes fuel cells are still the future, the automaker acknowledges that fuel cells are more than a decade away from even small mass production numbers. In the interim, Honda is following electrification, but the automaker believes the battery technology for electrification is still too early to call winners. Thus, in the immediate short term, Honda "will focus on more compact and affordable hybrid technology applied to smaller vehicles."

Hopefully, US automakers don't let Honda and Japan dominate the market for small hybrid cars much the same they did small vehicles in decades past.

Honda takes jab at Big 3 on fuel economy. Has anything changed?

Honda predicted gas-guzzler fade?

While calling loans to US automakers the right thing for the US government to do, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui blamed US automakers for many of their problems saying, "Their response (to fuel economy) was too slow," according to the DetroitNews.

Fukui also indicated that even though the large truck and SUV market was highly profitable at one time, Honda didn't invest much in that segment because the company didn't believe gas-guzzling was sustainably profitable.

Ironically, when Honda was making this decision, the Big 3 were, collectively, betting the farm on gas-guzzlers, even after events like 9/11.

Yet, even today, it is very distressing how little effort the Big 3 are putting into hybrid cars to challenge the Toyota Prius and the soon-to-be-released Honda Insight. Do hybrid cars not make sense to Detroit the same way that large SUVs and trucks made so much sense just a few years ago?

Why is Honda betting on small hybrids?

Honda's biggest hybrid for years

When it comes to US made hybrid vehicles, the focus has been on SUVs and, in the near future, larger sedans. Even the Toyota Prius is going to grow in size. But, is bigger really better? Honda doesn't think so.

According to AutoWeek, Honda "plans to put hybrid systems into compacts and subcompacts because that's where the green technology achieves its greatest efficiencies, said Masaaki Kato, president of Honda R&D Co., the automaker's product development arm," because "hybrid systems are best used in small cars because small hybrids most often are used for city driving, where regenerative braking constantly recharges the batteries."

And smaller hybrids mean smaller price tags. As we asked on Toyota Prius Smackdown, might not cheaper hybrids be far more appealing to consumers than more expensive plug-in hybrids, at least until battery costs are significantly reduced?

Honda's new hybrid not as cheap as expected

Cheaper than the Civic hybrid

There has been a lot of sketchy information coming out of Honda when it comes to their new dedicated hybrid-only vehicle. And, new statements from the AP are no less clear, particularly when it comes to cost.

In a speech at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars Richard Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. confirmed everything we already know: Honda will launch the new 5-door, 5 passenger hybrid next Spring. Yet, in terms of costs, Colliver would only go so far as to say that it will be cheaper than the Honda Civic hybrid($22,600).

That seems a lot less confident than some of the $19,000 predictions of a few months ago. I'm betting no less than $19,999.

Honda credits EVs for its hybrids, fuel cell vehicles

Only possible because of EVs

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

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

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

New Honda hybrid looks like a Prius?

A smaller version of the Clarity FCX?

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

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

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

New Honda hybrid on schedule

But it probably won't look like this

Without releasing any new details, Honda President Takeo Fukui confirmed that Honda's newest hybrid, a dedicated hybrid will be ready for sale in early 2009. The price of the new hybrid has not yet been released, but Honda has reiterated over-and-over their intent to sell more hybrid vehicles by making them cheaper.

According to the AP, "In addition to the new hybrid, Honda will introduce several other hybrids: a Civic, a new sporty model based on the CR-Z and a Fit subcompact, sold as the Jazz in Europe."

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

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

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

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

Honda set for big hybrid investment

More Honda hybrids in 2009

Yesterday, Honda reconfirmed plans to launch a new hybrid in 2009 and to make the sales of hybrid vehicles account for 10 percent of Honda's overall sales by 2010.

"The competition in hybrids has just begun," said Honda President Takeo Fukui.

To help Honda achieve this growth in hybrid vehicle sales, the company plans to invest $425 million in a new research center to further develop hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.

Honda CR-Z hybrid will become reality

Coming in 2009?

Honda has announced that its lightweight hybrid sports car, the CR-Z, is going into production.

The concept CR-Z hybrid is coupled with Honda's current hybrid technology, and is now set to launch when Honda begins selling its new family hybrid - a hybrid only vehicle - in 2009.

While Honda has stated that the new hybrid coupe concept utilizes the same hybrid powertrain found in the Civic hybrid, it isn't clear whether Honda's hybrid powertrain will be updated for the launch of these new hybrid cars. My hunch, however, is that an upgrade is forthcoming.

Since Honda wants to start selling at least a quarter million hybrid vehicles by 2009, a few changes to Honda's hybrid technology seem necessary.

Honda sees hybrid, fuel cell future

Not so sure about plug-in hybrids

By 2009, Honda will make a significant push into the hybrid vehicles market, greatly expanding hybrid production. The cornerstone of that production increase will be based upon a new family hybrid that will cost less than $2,000 more than a conventional vehicle.

Finish: Honda's hybrid future

Honda, Toyota lead U.S. fuel economy

Prius balances Toyota's gas-guzzlers

Honda Motor Co. had the highest fuel economy of any manufacturer selling automobiles in the U.S. with 22.9 mpg, a slight decrease compared with its 2006 lineup, according to MSNBC.

Toyota posted a 22.8 mpg average for its 2007 vehicles compared with 22.4 mpg the previous year, largely driven by the Prius and Toyota's other hybrid vehicles.

22.9 mpg is the best fuel economy in America? There is only one word to describe America's fuel economy: pathetic.

Honda's Prius Fighter?

A cross between a Civic and a Fit?

MotorTrend has some pictures of what it is calling Honda's Global Small Hybrid. Sadly, I'm not very impressed with the design. Click here for pictures.

If Honda wants to sell 200,000 hybrid vehicles with this Toyota Prius fighter, they better think redesign.

Can Honda build a Prius-contender?

One possible new hybrid from Honda

Honda is the undisputed greenest major automaker, yet when one thinks of green automobiles, hybrid cars automatically come to mind.

When it comes to hybrids, Honda is far behind Toyota. How did that happen?

For starters, the first generation Honda Civic hybrid, for example, was almost more of a mild hybrid than a full hybrid. Even today's Civic hybrid doesn't offer as powerful of a hybrid powertrain as does the Toyota Prius. Quite simply, the Prius is the superior hybrid, especially for urban drivers.

That doesn't mean the Civic hybrid isn't a great car, it is. Finish: Can Honda build a Prius-contender?

New hybrids at LA auto show?

Will a hybrid steal the show?

Last year's Los Angeles Auto Show offered some interesting hybrid announcements from GM, such as one regarding a plug-in Saturn Vue and hints of the Chevy Volt.

On the other hand, hybrid car king Toyota offered a great display area for its hybrid vehicles, but the automaker seemed far more focused on pickup trucks than hybrids.

Still, Southern California has become the largest hybrid market, and the importance of green vehicles is becoming a major theme for the LA Show - an auto show growing greatly in importance in the auto show circuit.

Currently, there are 12 major world premiers scheduled. One of them has to be a hybrid, and I'm betting one will be a new Prius-derivative, such as a smaller Prius or a crossover Prius. In addition, I'm expecting Honda's new hybrid to also show, and I would love to see a Ford Fusion hybrid, or a dual mode Chevy Malibu hybrid.

Regardless, I'm expecting hybrids to make a strong showing in LA. I can't wait.

Honda'a small hybrid more concept than reality?

Unfortunately, Honda's new small hybrid is more concept than reality

Sure, Honda's new small hybrid sports car is cool looking, but it doesn't seem anywhere near reality. Honda, it seems, continues to believe there is little value in hybrid cars.

Disappointing....

The Honda Civic hybrid recalled

More than 45,000 Honda Civic hybrids are being recalled to fix a voltage converter defect. If the problem is not fixed, the voltage converter could cause a short circuit that might stop the engine and prevent the engine from being restarted. According to Honda, there have not been any reported accidents or injuries due to the defect. Civic hybrid owners will be contacted by mail regarding this problem so that their vehicles can be repaired.

Honda pooh poohs both plug-in hybrids and E85

The Honda FCX is nice, but is it realistic?

Honda regulatory manager, John German, told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that Honda is in favor of raising fuel economy standards in the U.S. yesterday. However, he also told the Senate that Honda doesn't see nearly as much potential in either plug-in hybrids or E85 as many other automakers apparently see, such as GM. According to German, even with significant improvements, plug-in hybrid vehicles would not be cost-effective for at least 6 years.

(Source: AutoWeek)

Honda to fight "Prius effect" in Super Bowl Ad

A natural gas Civic next to Phill at NAIAS

Honda will use the Super Bowl to promote the fuel economy of its vehicles according to Reuters. "Honda's U.S. sales unit said on Tuesday that it would air three Super Bowl ads, two 15-second spots for its Element SUV and a 30-second spot showing its full line of cars driving past unneeded gas pumps -- a bid to emphasize their fuel economy."

Yes, Honda is the most fuel efficient automaker. Yes, the Toyota Prius has given Toyota an amazing amount of green credentials as it also produces vehicles to challenge market leaders in the most fuel inefficient market segments. Yet, Toyota has been a technology leader, while Honda has continued to play it safe and conventional.

Ultimately, Honda's fuel efficiency isn't enough to end foreign oil dependency, next generation hybrid technology; however, could achieve that end. If Honda is seeking a "Prius effect" than its time for Honda to kick it up a notch.

Is the Accord hybrid dead in 2008?

When the Honda Accord Coupe Concept was revealed at NAIAS I was in attendance hoping to hear something about an updated Accord hybrid. Unfortunately, a hybrid version of the Accord was not mentioned as part of the debut. I later asked a Honda spokesperson if the new Accord Coupe, which is set for launch as a 2008 vehicle, would include a hybrid version. To that question, I was simply told there is not yet an answer.

Considering that Honda's debut focused on Honda's efforts in fuel efficiency, it was surprising not to hear something about an Accord hybrid, which only makes me think that the Accord hybrid could be phased out.

Honda: Fuel cell cars mass-produced by 2018

Honda is claiming that fuel cell cars could be mass-produced by 2018. "In 2018, I believe the development (of a fuel-cell car) will have been very advanced," Honda president Takeo Fukui said in an interview with Kyodo News today. "It will become a real possibility to a large degree." (more)

A "real possibility"? Wow! We've been hearing about this "real possibility" for decades. Sure fuel cell vehicles might be mass-produced by 2018, but they might still cost more than 100,000 apiece, maybe even much more.

I became interested in hybrid cars because of my interest in the hydrogen economy and fuel cell vehicles. Ultimately, however, I realized that fuel cell cars were at least a decade away from reality and hybrids became, minimally, the short term solution to foreign oil dependency and global warming. Still, it appeared that hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius, were also providing a foundation for fuel cell vehicles. Consequently, I came to believe that investing in such hybrid vehicles made the path to fuel cell vehicles shorter. Even before full fuel cell vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles could utilize small fuel cells to increase their fuel efficiency - another step in making full fuel cell vehicles cheaper.

Lately; however, I have become somewhat annoyed by fuel cell vehicle talk. First, the vehicles cost almost $1 million apiece. Second, where are these vehicles going to fuel up? Third, the best of hybrid technology could be used, in just a couple of years, to mass-produce carbon-fiber plug-in hybrid vehicles with a capability of more than 100 mpg for a cost less than $50,000 apiece. Small hybrids could be far cheaper.

What the hell are we talking about 2018 for then? Let's do everything we can to today, not wait until 2018. Besides, mass-producing hybrids, especially next generation hybrids, creates a very nice platform to slowly develop fuel cells until costs can be driven down.

Honda's Good Year & Fuel Efficiency

Earlier this week Honda announced that its great year in sales would result in more investment in fuel efficient vehicles. While there was no indication that Honda's increased investment in fuel efficient vehicles would include hybrids, Honda's success does show that fuel efficiency is becoming much more of a consumer concern.

Stop the Madness: Hybrid Vehicles Not E85!!!!!!!

Last year ethanol producers received subsidies and tax incentives worth more than $5 billion dollars, and those subsidies will probably be much higher next year. Yet, even with those subsidies ethanol isn't cost effective unless gas prices are close to $3.00 per gallon.

So, is ethanol worth the price?

Supporters of ethanol claim that all this investment in ethanol for automobiles will eventually lead to better ways of producing ethanol, such as cellulosic ethanol.

I say it will simply lead to more flex-fuel Hummers and little decrease in foreign oil dependency. I say E85 is a feel-good way of accomplishing nothing, something both Democrats and Republicans love - talk, talk, talk, but do nothing.

Without raising the fuel efficiency of America's automobiles - significantly - America's demand for energy will continue to grow exponentially and it will outpace any reduction in foreign oil dependency produced by ethanol.

More important, even GM is now realizing the that the future of automobiles is probably electric. If this is true, then E85 simply becomes a distraction, even a boondoggle to those ends, at least for American automakers and the American economy.

Today, hybrid cars can increase fuel efficiency by 20 to 30 percent, which is a good start. Add advanced gasoline engines or clean diesel engines and fuel efficiency could be doubled - that's with just TODAY's technology.

But the real advantage of hybrids will be lithium batteries, and the ability to utilize electric power. Within 5 years it is quite possible that you could buy a $30,000 hybrid vehicle that might never have to be filled with fuel if you drive less than 40 miles per day, all it would need is a small electric charge at night.

Within 10 years a small fuel cell stack could be added to these plug-in hybrids and the majority of drivers might never need any other fuel than just a little occasional electricity. More important, all of this could happen much quicker if more incentives were provided for hybrid technology and lithium-ion technology.

Why not give those ethanol subsidies to consumers to purchase these vehicles? Ultimately, a change in consumer behavior is the quickest path to foreign oil dependence and a cleaner environment.

Yet, ethanol is the favored buzzword, the favored recipient of tax incentives and government subsidies.

In the past Honda has already claimed it believes electric cars are integral to the future, and Toyota's hybrid efforts make them a player in electric cars as well. Even GM says the future is electric. Consequently, it is imperative that American automakers lead the way into this automotive revolution, rather than sticking to flex-fuel Hummers and Mustangs.

America's focus should be that in 10 years every American vehicle produced is either fuel-free or that fuel is simply a backup. The technology will be there within 10 years. The Japanese will be there. Will America?

Still, I'm all for ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, as a fuel to produce electricity, just not as an automobile fuel. Ultimately, transporting ethanol simply makes no sense in a liquid form, but in an electric form it makes great sense.

Consequently, E85 could become a distraction, even a boondoggle if it takes the clean energy and foreign oil dependency spotlight, and early talk from many Democrats seems headed in that direction.

The future is now. If we don't dare to dream, we just might wake up to a nightmare. New automotive technology, not alternative fuels, should be the priority for America, and the majority of our tax incentives and subsidies should be given to consumers to buy this new technology.

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)

GM's I-car Campaign set to challenge Toyota on hybrid vehicles?

According to unofficial sources cited by the Detroit News, GM is ramping up to challenge Toyota's lead in hybrid vehicles. So, are they serious?

Last year, Toyota sold more than 235,000 hybrid vehicles. GM, on the other hand, has yet to sell one single full hybrid. Sure GM offers a few mild hybrids, but mild hybrids are not going to challenge Toyota's hybrid vehicle sales lead.

Still, GM might have a secret weapon, the I-car.

The I-car isn't just a hybrid vehicle, but a plug-in hybrid vehicle. If Toyota were to develop a cost-competitive plug-in hybrid vehicle before Toyota, I think it could be a game changer. While some hybrid critics have argued that plug-in hybrids are even more of a niche product than current hybrids, poll after poll has demonstrated that Americans are very intrigued by plug-in hybrid technology.

Still, it won't be easy. Toyota hasn't been particularly bullish regarding plug-in hybrids thus far because of costs and battery issues. So, does GM have a secret weapon? Is their past experience with electric vehicles going to finally pay off? Is GM demonstrating even more vision than Toyota regarding the potential of hybrids?

Simply building plug-ins won't be enough, however. If current hybrids are too expensive for most consumers, imagine adding $6000.00 to the price tag. Americans aren't going to buy. Sure, the technology will probably pay for itself over the life of the vehicle, but that isn't the way American consumers think.

Consequently, the success of the I-car program will come down to cost. Can GM convince the Feds to not only offer tax incentives for hybrid technology, but also extra incentives for plug-in technology? Obviously, the government is probably much more interested in adding new incentives that could help an American automaker, unlike the government's lack of interest in helping Toyota hybrid buyers.

Such incentives might make a plug-in hybrid cost-effective, especially an American-made plug-in hybrid. Many Americans want to do something about foreign oil dependency, but many Americans refuse to buy a hybrid from Toyota or Honda. Unlike Toyota and Honda, GM has real power to really rally this customer segment around not only supporting GM and American workers, but fighting foreign oil dependency, pollution and global warming.

Can GM play this hand correctly, or will they just fold amidst a temporary drop in gasoline prices?

Even better than GM going green, are the choices that would open up to American consumers interested in green options. A hybrid battle between GM and Toyota would force every automaker to get very serious about clean technologies, and this competition for green supremacy would make hybrid technology not only better, but cheaper.

Before the end of this year, GM is supposed to announce this new strategy. Let's hope GM isn't just serious, but ready to launch this program as soon as possible. This could change everything for GM, and for America.

Make me a believer, GM, make me a believer!

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)

Clean diesel versus hybrid technology: A stupid debate

The Axis of Diesel states, "Mercedes, GM and even Honda, are betting on a new breed of green diesels. The goal? To leave hybrids in the dust."

First, let's be clear. There is no comparison between clean diesel vehicles and hybrid cars. PERIOD. It's no different than comparing apples to oranges.

Second, hybrid vehicles can also use clean diesel technology. So, however efficient a clean diesel is, a clean diesel hybrid will be 20 to 30 percent more efficient. Hybrid technology is not dependent upon fuel, which is why Ford is working on the Reflex diesel hybrid and Peugeot on the C-Matisse diesel hybrid.

Yes, even European automakers are buying into hybrid technology.

----> Finish Reading Clean Diesel Vehicles Versus Hybrid Vehicles: A stupid debate

Toyota hybrid technology 50% cheaper in 3 years

Toyota and Honda are in a fight not just to make their hybrid technology cheaper, but lighter. Toyota, for example, plans to reduce the weight of its hybrid powertrain by 50% in the next 3 years. Additionally, Toyota hybrid technology adds on average $4000.00 to the cost of a vehicle, within 3 years Toyota plans to reduce this price to $1900.00 according to AutoBlog.

One would assume that 50% lighter hybrid vehicles would also result in more fuel efficient vehicles, just in weight reduction alone. When better batteries and software are added to this equation, the outcome is fantastic. In 3 years Toyota and Honda hybrids will be more fuel efficient and significantly cheaper. Now that's the kind of math I like.

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.

R.I.P. - The Honda Insight

Production of the Honda Insight hybrid is now over. Yet, the love of thousands of Insight owners will love on. If you are one of those lovers check out this New York Times article.

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)

London adding 117 new hybrids to police fleet

The London Metropolitan Police force will be adding 117 new Honda Civic hybrids to its fleet.

(Source: Just Auto)

The connection between the Prius and the Hummer

There is no connection between the Toyota Prius and the Hummer. Thus, when I saw the headline, Prius: As Obnoxious as a Hummer?, I almost ignored reading the article, but, inevitably, I couldn't resist, especially after I read the article, Prius Responsibility.

The author notes, "As a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast, I find superficial excess repulsive in whatever form it takes. Yes, I think heavy-duty trucks and SUVs are a garish display of vehicular excess unless they're towing, hauling, or otherwise justifying their gluttonous existence. But it wasn't until the second-generation Toyota Prius became the darling of the Hollywood left and the Brie & Merlot quasi-literati crowd that similar feelings of disdain for this posterchild of parsimony began to well up inside me."

Wow! While I understand what the writer is saying, and while I also share some of his disdain, I also know many Prius drivers that vote Republican and drive a Prius because of National Security beliefs.

Sometimes generalizations and stereotypes are just that, generalizations and stereotypes.

Finally, the author concludes, "So at the end of the day, do I hate Priuses or their drivers? Not necessarily. Just drop the "Look at me! I'm saving the environment! Aren't I great?" attitude and that your car is superior when there are other models out there that are as fuel-efficient or better."

Here the author again makes an assumption that Prius buyers only buy the Prius because of 'looks'.

How ridiculous! First, Toyota designed the Prius in such a manner because of aerodynamics and that design leads to better fuel efficiency. It also leads to better cargo space. Second, when it comes to urban driving - stop-and-go driving - it is simply hard to compete with the Prius, even for the Honda Civic hybrid. So, what other vehicles out there do as well or better in urban driving conditions in terms of pollution and fuel efficiency - please? Third, the Prius has simply been road tested like no other hybrid and when buying an emerging technology, it isn't unusual for early adopters to stick with the most popular brand.

Sure there are some annoying Prius drivers out there, but there are a lot of cool Prius drivers out there as well. Let's not forget, critics constantly tell us that you can't save money buying hybrid cars, such as the Prius. Consequently, those Prius drivers have paid EXTRA money to try to make a better world, to try to fight pollution, to try to end foreign oil dependency.

That deserves at least a little respect.

News for hybrid cars this week

I've been sick this week, so I haven't been doing much writing. To top it off, I probably won't be doing much writing today, as I found out that someone threw a cinder block through my windshield last night - just another day in L.A.!

Anyway, over the weekend, I read an interesting article in the Detroit News, San Antonio joins hybrid-incentive trend. Aside from San Antonio joining the hybrid incentive trend, the article kind of paints the question, 'Do hybrid vehicles receive too many perks'?

The article references policies in Salt Lake City, for example, which - at times - are more favorable to small cars than some hybrid vehicles.

I think supporting small vehicles is great. Still, I don't believe that if every American drove a small car that America would be doing enough to fight oil addiction.

In fact, I'm not SURE we CAN'T do enough to fight oil addiction.

This week Toyota also released a press release noting that worldwide sales of the Toyota Prius hybrid have surpassed the 500,000 vehicle mark. While that is great P.R., what is the real impact of 500,000 cars? Not much.

Still, in America - even in the most unfavorable hybrid driving conditions, the Prius can achieve well over 40 mpg. How many compact cars achieve that kind of mileage? Then, when you add in stop-and-go traffic performance and emissions, it's pretty hard to top the performance of the Prius. And, when it comes to hybrid cars, this is just the beginning - better battery technology could easily double performance and fuel efficiency in just a few years.

Technologies, such as hybrids, represent the true power of the computer revolution and no country more than America has more to gain by embracing this revolution.

Of course some hybrids, such as the Lexus RX400h or the Honda Accord hybrid, are geared more for performance than fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, for the performance these hybrids provide, the fuel efficiency of these hybrids is nothing short of stellar. More important, buying such a car STILL invests in hybrid technology.

Let's face it, gas isn't going to get cheaper any time soon. Now that Prudhoe Bay is reducing capacity, places like California will almost certainly see $4.00 gas. In some areas of California, $5.00 gas won't be surprising before the end of this year.

Of course, if the situation in Israel-Iran-Lebanon-Syria continues to escalate, $5.00 gas will dominate all of America.

The world has changed and we're never going back to $25.00 barrels of oil. In fact, we're probably never going back to even $50.00 barrels of oil.

Ultimately, we cannot embrace hybrid technology fast enough.

Honda preparing for huge jump in hybrid production

By 2008 Honda will be able to quadruple its production of hybrid cars because of a new battery producing plant in Japan. For months, stories have filled the Internet regarding the possibility of a Honda Fit hybrid - or something very similar. Whatever the new hybrid, Honda has announced they believe the new hybrid vehicle could sell 100,000 units, and it appears Honda is preparing for such an outcome.(Source:Nihon Keizai)

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.

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.

Honda hybrid tax credits now official

The IRS has officially determined the tax credits for Honda hybrid cars. The 2006 Civic hybrid qualifies for a $2100.00 tax credit. The Accord hybrid actually qualifies for a better credit than originally estimated, if it offers updated control calibration. Thus, the new credit is $1300.00. For those without the calibration, the credit is $650.00. The Honda Insight qualifies for a $1,450 tax credit. More on tax credits for hybrid vehicles.

Newsweek's Green Gap: Hybrid Critics have become boring

I was just reading Newsweek's Green Gap which asks, "Hybrids might be hip, but are they saving consumers enough at the pump to compensate for their high sticker price?" Over and over auto writers have noted that the Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid are not selling well because of their sticker price. So hybrid cars are dead, right? Well, not exactly, the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid are hot, the Honda Civic hybrid is also hot. Ultimately, hybrid sales keep going up, and the hybrid market is only just emerging, only just being understood. It seems today's media loves to talk about hybrids. Recently, I questioned whether there was a media bias against hybrids. When Toyota announced a recall that includes the Prius, but wasn't limited to hybrids, nor was it related to hybrid technology, yet most of the media focused only on the Prius, not the fact that the majority of the affected cars were NOT hybrids.

Surprise, surprise hybrids top city picks by Forbes

According to Forbes, the soon to be deceased Honda Insight hybrid and the Toyota Prius are the two top cars for city driving. The Honda Civic hybrid came in at number 6. Of course it isn't a surprise that hybrid cars would dominate the list of best city driving cars. If they didn't, that would have been a surprise.

Honda Will Share Hybrid Technology

Honda announced that it would share its hybrid technology if other auto companies were interested, joining at least Toyota and GM/Chrysler/BMW. Already Nissan is going to lease Toyota hybrid technology for the upcoming Altima hybrid, and Ford leases some Toyota software. Perhaps, Honda is making a play for Hyundai, whom recently announced the delay of any hybrid cars until 2009? (More)