No Big 3 Prius challengers in Paris?

The only Prius challenger for years?

Duh? The Chevy Volt, right?

Not any time soon. Maybe not ever.

A significant percent of Americans simply can't plug-in, won't want to plug-in, or won't want to front the extra money up front for the benefits of electric vehicles.

Ultimately, there will be plenty of consumers for both the Toyota Prius and the Chevy Volt, but they are two very different technologies for two different consumer segments.

Yet, Toyota is also developing plug-in hybrids to challenge the Volt. Are GM's lithium-powered BAS hybrids really a challenge to the Prius? Are 20,000 Ford Focus hybrids a challenge to the Prius? And what about Chrysler?

In recent months, both Hyundai and Honda have committed to selling 100,000's of thousands of hybrid cars each, per year, within the next several years. Shouldn't the Big 3 be doing the same?

Revised plug-in tax credit in new bailout bill

$4,168 - $7,500 tax credit for plug-ins

If the new bailout package in Congress is approved on Friday, it will also include a new plug-in tax credit.

Plug-in vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds with at least a 4 kWh battery pack will qualify for a $4,168 tax credit. The value of the credit will scale up to a maximum of $7,500 for each extra kWh of battery capacity.

Once automakers, collectively, sell 250,000 plug-ins in one year, the credit will expire.

Chrysler's EVs more developed than Volt?

A Dodge plug-in concept at NAIAS 2007

Has Chrysler killed Chevy Volt hype?

Since the Volt debut in 2007, GM has reiterated over and over how they were accomplishing something almost inconceivable. Concept to reality in little more than 3 years. And, not just your standard concept. A range extended electric vehicle.

Yet, all the while, Chrysler has been quietly keeping pace. Of course, that statement isn't fully true. Chrysler's plug-in vehicles probably won't be launched as unique plug-in only models, such as the Volt. So, Chrysler's results are not as impressive.

Nevertheless, Chrysler's quick pace demonstrates that plug-ins aren't that hard to build. The real issue for both Chrysler and GM is, as it has always been, can these vehicles be powered with reliable, cost effective batteries that can be economically produced in great numbers? Unfortunately, that still won't be known even in late 2010 when these vehicles launch.

We all want plug-in hybrids, but can we afford them?

Honda has it right?

Plug-in vehicles. It's the new darling of the automotive world. It's the future. The saviour of the US auto industry. Still, when does this future make cost-effective sense for BOTH consumers and automakers?

For the past few months Hybridcarblog has run a survey asking 'What is the most you would pay for the Chevy Volt'?. Almost half those responding, 47 percent, don't want to pay more than $20,000 for a such vehicle. Another 40 percent won't pay more than $30,000.

Yet, a vehicle like the Chevy Volt will probably cost about $40,000. Certainly, at first, a $7,500 plug-in tax credit will help. Still, how likely is that after the credit expires that GM can sell the Volt for $30,000 AND make a profit?

Is the plug-in revolution really just right around the corner? In what year will the first automaker make a million plug-in vehicles per year? Are cheap hybrid cars, such as the Honda Insight, a much better solution in the next 10 years than plug-ins?

New Chrysler hybrids and EVs coming

The EcoVoyager Concept at NAIAS

Without giving any details, Jim Press told reporters today that Chrysler will launch 7 major models in 2010. Press also stated that Chrysler was, and will continue to, work on electric drive vehicles and that such vehicles would make their way to market not long after 2010.

Last week, Chrysler announced that the Envi Unit had been quietly working on new hybrid cars and electric vehicles, however, they also noted one vehicle looked good for off-roading. Thus, it's hard to know if these are just niche vehicles focused on attaining EV hype, or if Chrysler is serious about making a major move to electrification in the next few years.

Ford engineer believes in electrification

Hybrids are too expensive

Ford Motor Co.'s global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak, believes the future is not hydrogen. It's not biofuels, nor gasoline either. It's electricity. Ironically, however, he doesn't seem to know when Ford would be rolling out this future. Instead, Kuzak told the DetroitNews that Ford would still work on ALL these technologies. And, he also took a shot at hybrid cars, calling them too expensive.

Are they too expensive when gas is $4.00?

US automakers need $40 billion

A Ford plug-in hybrid at NAIAS

There is an interesting article, The Next Bailout: Detroit,
that covers the latest talks the Big 3 US automakers are having with some members of Congress. Apparently, the Big 3 need about $40 billion to both survive and to develop next generation hybrid cars and electric vehicles.

This blog has covered automaker bailouts in the past, and most that have commented seemed to be against any bailout. Nonetheless, feel free to again express your opinion for or against, but how likely do you think an automaker bailout is, regardless of your bailout opinions? Is it a sure thing? Is it dependent upon the race for President?

BorgWarner to help GM on EVs?

Ready to make transmissions for the Volt?

The CEO of BorgWarner was just on a CNBC segment titled 'Turbocharging the Auto Industry'. While discussing various technologies for improving fuel economy, the CEO also addressed technologies for hybrid cars and electric vehicles. During this part of the interview, the CEO said the company was on the verge of a major announcement regarding EV transmissions for range extended EVs.

Thus far, the only OEM close to needing such transmissions is GM for the Chevy Volt. Of course, the CEO didn't say, but GM seems the most likely recipient of such transmissions. Since the first editions of the Volt are going to be quite expensive as there are no suppliers for many major parts, adding a new member to the supply chain would be great news.

Buy the car. Lease the battery.

Is this the way to sell PHEVs and EVs?

Quite regularly, I am contacted by people inquiring about the reliability of the batteries in hybrid cars. As the auto industry moves further towards the electrification of the auto, the importance of batteries will increase significantly.

Would a battery lease be the best way to handle this issue?

Bob Lutz has already suggested such a plan for the Chevy Volt, for instance. Likewise, GM is already contemplating what to do with used batteries, which would still retain some, or even much, of their capacity. Thus, even after an EV is retired, the battery might still be valuable. Considering the considerable upfront costs of this technology, could leasing help spread that cost?

Buy the car. Lease the battery. Is this a business model that you would accept?

2000 iMiEVs in 2009

10,000 per year "shortly afterward"

Mitsubishi is building a new factory for the lithium batteries that will power the iMiEV, an electric vehicle. "The lithium-ion battery for the car will be produced by Lithium Energy Japan, a subsidiary of Japan's biggest battery maker, GS Yuasa Corp., at a newly acquired site in Shiga in western Japan, according to reports.

By mid-2009, Mitsubishi is hoping to build as many as 2,000 iMiEVs for fleet sales and general sales in 2010. "Shortly afterward" Mitsubishi is hoping to lift production to 10,000 units per year.

Nissan still working out kinks on new hybrids

Hoping to get rid of Toyota hybrid license?

Nissan showed off new technology for hybrid cars and electric vehicles in Japan on Wednesday. While the electric cars seemed to perform well, reporters did notice problems with Nissan's new hybrid. "Nissan's hybrid system still has some bugs to work out. Shown on an Infiniti luxury model, it seemed to lurch a little when the gas engine kicked in as speed picked up."

Nissan didn't offer any details on price, range, production capabilities, etc. of the new vehicles.

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?

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

Can't be too many in one neighborhood too fast

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

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

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

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

Batteries to hold back PHEVs and EVs many more years?

The ZENN electric vehicle

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

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

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

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

Tesla founder rips PHEVs

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

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

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

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

Honda: Proof that plug-in vehicles are a gimmick?

Honda just not worried about CAFE?

When it comes to CAFE and NHTSA fuel economy regulations, one automaker is always absent from the discussion, Honda. Interestingly, in this time of high gas prices and super sluggish auto sales, Honda sales keep on rolling. Sure, Honda doesn't have the hybrid cars, yet, to match Toyota, but Honda's overall fleet is far more fuel efficient than Toyota, and CAFE seems of little concern.

Thus, it's very interesting that Honda is not aggressively pursuing either plug-in hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles. Instead, Honda believes cheap hybrid cars are the best short-to-midterm solution, followed by fuel cell vehicles, such as the Honda Clarity.

Even more ironic, however, one might think Toyota and GM would be less concerned over CAFE if they are so bullish on plug-ins - vehicles which should significantly help balance their fleet fuel economy. Hence, one can only assume that neither Toyota nor GM believe that plug-ins will be a major component of their fleet fuel economy for many, many years.

Certainly, there is no doubt that America will see a number of plug-in vehicles by 2010, but when will we see them in numbers that matter? Are plug-in vehicles before 2015, even 2020, more of a niche, PR-gimmick to distract Americans from the reality that automakers are failing us as consumers on fuel efficiency, foreign oil dependency and global warming?

2010: Tesla WhiteStar v. Chevy Volt

Telsa ready to follow up the Roadster with a sedan

Thanks to $10 million in tax relief and incentives, Tesla will make its WhiteStar sedan in California, which should go on sale in 2010. Certainly, offering 225 miles per charge for $60,000 should bring more EV fans to Tesla than has the $100,000 Roadster, right?

Still, can WhiteStar compete with the likes of the Chevy Volt or a Prius plug-in hybrid?

While the Volt will only achieve 40 miles of pure electric power, it will essentially offer unlimited range as it can be fueled with gasoline to generate extra electricity. More important, the Volt will cost $20,000 less than WhiteStar. A plug-in Prius probably will offer the least amount of pure electric power, but it will offer more than 100 mpg and it will be the cheapest of the three.

Of course, different folks have different needs. Which car interests you most?

EVs: Why Nissan makes me laugh

A good, leased start?

Just a few years ago, Nissan's Carlos Ghosn was the darling of the auto world, having completely turned around struggling Nissan. During that turnaround, however, Ghosn was very bearish on hybrid cars. Nissan's only hybrid, the Altima hybrid, is significantly based on leased Toyota technology.

Yet, over the last few months - as oil prices have skyrocketed - Nissan has been speaking ever more about electric cars. Even today, Nissan announced that it is ready to supply batteries to any automaker interested electric vehicles, yet Nissan isn't offering any new electric vehicles.

Is Nissan an automaker or a battery manufacturer? Why not build a few electric cars before hyping up the media with your EV capabilities?

Electrification of the auto: Just a hedge against CAFE?

How many plug-in hybrids will automakers really build?

GM's Bob Lutz has become a huge fan of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. Nissan has been a hybrid bear, but an electric vehicle bull - at least in terms of talk and future plans. Yet, Honda, the cleanest most fuel efficient major automaker, has been an electric vehicle super bear, claiming conventional hybrid vehicles and then fuel cells are the solution (of course a fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle).

What's going on?

There is a whisper in the auto world claiming that while electric automobiles have great potential, automakers have no interest in a major conversion from gas to electric anytime soon. Instead, automakers talking electric have very specific plans to only make enough expensive electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles to balance their fleet fuel economy (CAFE).

Is the move towards the electrification of the automobile a real movement, or just PR and regulation-driven gimmickry?

Two peas in a pod: EV fans and Maximum Bob

The father of the modern electric car?

GM's Bob Lutz is a favorite in the auto writer's circuit. Anytime you're near Bob Lutz, you know you're about to get your pen on a golden quote. Last week, Manny Lopez had a chance to get a few golden Lutz quotes, but these quotes weren't about Lutz's views on global warming. Instead, Lutz defended the glories of electrification.

Regarding the EV1, however, Lutz stated, "The only things that were wrong with the EV1 (GM's first electric car) was that it was way too expensive to make; it was only a two-passenger; and the battery technology was not ready. It was a noble effort, but it was a technological force job and at a time when nobody cared. We could not find more than 800 buyers for that thing no matter how hard we tried or no matter how much we dropped the price. Finally we had to lease them out."

The Chevy Volt, on the other hand, is the perfection of the EV1 according to Lutz.

Now, many EV1 fans - showcased in the movie Who Killed the Electric Car - have disagreed with Lutz, and many of those EV1 fans have seen Bob Lutz and GM as public enemy number 1. Yet, ironically, Bob Lutz is a huge fan of electric vehicles. In fact, much like EV1 fans, Bob Lutz is a fuel cell/hydrogen highway skeptic. Then again, he's also a huge proponent of nuclear power.

So, what's my point?

How do EV fans feel when the greatest proponent of electric vehicles in the Big 6 automakers just happens to be their biggest enemy, Bob Lutz?

Project Better Place: Fill 'er up with batteries?

Israel ready to go electric?

Back in October the NYTimes ran a story on Shai Agassi (more), a 39 year old entrepreneur with high tech roots whom had raised $200 million to develop 'gas' stations for electric cars. Instead of gas, lithium-ion batteries will be replaced with fully charged batteries. Thus, charging won't take hours, not even half an hour. Your battery is simply replaced.

Recently, Israel announced a plan to develop such a system of electric car stations by 2011. Agassi's 'Project Better Place' will develop the stations and Renault-Nissan will produce the electric cars.

So, could such a plan scale to the US? First, the electric cars to be used in Israel will only have about 100 mile range, in the US that might not be sufficient. Will Project Better Place create 'recharging stations' that can accept different sized batteries, for example? Thus, standardization seems like a big obstacle. Second, what about liability? Will Project Better Place assume full responsibility for any battery problems?

Still, Project Better Place is an interesting idea, even if just a niche solution.

Batteries: Still a big problem for plug-ins and electrics

No more loose laptop batteries allowed on airlines?

Earlier this week another lithium-ion battery in a laptop computer burst into flames, and a string of lithium problems have made US transportation authorities take notice. As a a result, loose lithium-ion batteries will not be allowed in checked luggage according to a very interesting article in the Wall Street Journal.

And, if the safety of lithium-ion batteries for computers and cell phones cannot be guaranteed, can it be guaranteed in plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles? Such problems forced Toyota, for example, to delay lithium powered hybrids until at least 2010 or 2011.

"For all the hoopla, nobody yet has figured out how to make a small enough battery that will hold a big enough charge for these new cars -- and not be a risk to burst into flames," states WSJ.

While there a host of small battery makers that have claimed to solve these problems, other battery developers have serious doubts.

"It doesn't matter how far ahead you are in research and development" because all lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating, no matter what chemistries you use, contends Mitsuru Homma, Sanyo's top battery executive . "Clever design can minimize the chances for overheating. But if you don't have fool-proof manufacturing know-how, you won't be able to guarantee 100% the safety of a battery cell, no matter how safe it may be proven in the lab."

Electric vehicles and nuclear power

Fueled by nuclear power?

Recently I asked the question, Are plug-in hybrids code for nuclear power? With numerous folks on the right supporting plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, I cannot help but think that some are using the move to electric autos as a ploy for more nuclear power.

Yesterday, during the GMnext event, a reporter asked Gary Smyth, Director of Powertrain Systems Research Laboratory, about the electricity needed to 'electrify' automobiles and whether nuclear power would play a role.

"As such, we do see nuclear power potentially playing a role as an energy resource used to produce a fuel for a vehicle," responded Smyth.

At the LA Auto Show, Bob Lutz expressed the same sentiment to me when I asked him if a Chevy Volt fuel cell vehicle made more sense than a plug-in Volt because of America's over-dependence on coal-generated electricity. In fact, Lutz made it obvious that he believes that nuclear power is key to America's future.

I'm not sure where I stand on nuclear power, but I'm skeptical. I wonder, however, do most plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle fans support nuclear power?

Are plug-in hybrids code for nuclear power?

Will the move to electric vehicles lead to nuclear power

For the last several years my dream has been a solar powered home and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for years I've seen nothing but the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles. For me one of the greatest capabilities of plug-in hybrids is the ability to make solar power more cost effective.

Nonetheless, I cannot help but feel that my beloved plug-in hybrids are being hijacked by those interested in nuclear power. Read more....

Mitsubishi hybrid vehicles closer to reality

A Mitsubishi hybrid vehicle concept

Now that Mitsubishi has developed Lithium Energy Japan to developed lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles, some new plans for such cars should be forthcoming.

Mitsubishi has recently debuted some interesting hybrid concepts, and now it appears some of these hybrids might just put a little rubber to the road.

Chris Paine tells Green Hollywood Who Killed the Electric Car

Is the electric car really dead?

Yesterday, I was at the Hollywood Goes Green forum, and one of the most interesting sessions of the day was one titled Easy Rider: Fuel Usage, Energy Efficient Vehicles and Freight Options. Chris Paine, a member of the panel for this session, and his movie Who Killed the Electric Car took center stage.

As a fan of electric cars, I agree with Chris that, if you drive an electric vehicle, then you know that electric cars are the cars of the future. Nonetheless, I don't agree with Chris that anyone killed the electric car, nor that the electric car was killed by "resistance to change" from consumers, automakers and energy providers. Read more....

Are plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles really green?

The Velozzi plug-in multifuel hybrid electric vehicle

X-Prize contender, the Velozzi plug-in hybrid, is a series plug-in hybrid that, in theory, will achieve 100-200 mpg. Like the Chevy Volt, the Velozzi runs on electricity, and can also use any heavy fuel to generate electricity. Unlike the Volt, however, the Velozzi isn't intended to be a heavy fuel-range extended electric vehicle. Velozzi would prefer that biofuels were used to generate your vehicle's electricity, rather than grid electricity - unless a significant percentage of the grid electricity is NOT powered by coal.

According to the company's website, "A German study recently has indicated that an electric car is as pollutant as an internal combustion engine car if the electricity to charge the electric vehicle comes from a grid that draws 49 percent of its energy from coal-fired power plants. About 57 percent of the world's energy comes from coal-fired plants."

I couldn't find a link to an actual article. While I believe in plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric cars, I do also agree that there are serious issues when it comes to America's electric grid - especially in terms of safety, reliability and global warming.

Epoch - The Holy Grail of Lithium?

Valence's Epoch battery

"Branded Epoch™, Valence believes its new generation of phosphate-based lithium-ion battery systems will move the electric vehicle industry one step closer to the Holy Grail – finding a battery solution that is safe, intelligent, lasts longer and weighs less than outdated technologies being used today. Epoch batteries are equipped with an advanced management system that will monitor and adjust cell performance so battery packs will always operate at their optimum performance capacity. Epoch batteries present a safe, powerful and reliable energy solution designed to be low maintenance, cost competitive and environmentally friendly."

Obviously, there are other important issues to battery success, such as cost. Additionally, press releases often are used more as a financing tool, rather than a sales tool. Nonetheless, as the race to the next generation of batteries continues, it is only inevitable before significantly better and cheaper batteries power next generation hybrid cars, plug-in vehicles, electric cars and even fuel cell vehicles.

Exxon moving from oil to batteries?

No future in oil?

ExxonMobil Chemical and ExxonMobil's Japanese affiliate, Tonen Chemical, have developed new film technologies for lithium-ion batteries with the potential to improve the energy efficiency and affordability of next generation hybrid and electric vehicles, states a press release from Exxon.

“By developing new film technologies that allow lithium-ion batteries to meet hybrid and electric vehicle requirements, ExxonMobil Chemical is helping to make next generation vehicles more energy and cost efficient, as well as lighter,” said Jim P. Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “We are currently working with industry-leading battery manufacturers to expand the boundaries of current hybrid and electric vehicle applications.”

According to the book ZOOM, oil is more and more being controlled by NOCs, or National Oil Companies. Thus, companies like Exxon are losing their position in the world of oil. Yes, Exxon will probably be a major oil player for many more years, but the Exxons of the world are going to have to diversify. Is this a step towards that diversification?

Malibu/Volt hybrids on the road in 2008

Don't expect the Volt to look like this

Pay attention in the first quarter of 2008, Bob Lutz told an audience of media members on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, that's when a few Malibu bodies will be welded onto a few Chevy Volt frames to begin fully testing these potentially amazing plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Why add a Malibu body to the hot looking Volt? According to Lutz, the Concept Volt's performance in the wind tunnel was a "cruel disappointment". But that's not the real reason. Yes, the Volt body needs some refinement, but the Volt body is hand built right now. Thus, a Malibu body provides a great interim test body.

Still, Mr. Lutz expects the vehicle to achieve 40-45 mpg on electric power. Additionally, Lutz believes that electric vehicles, such as the Volt, are game changers that will, ultimately, enable automakers to abandon conventional automotive technology.

Volting: Bob Lutz did not kill the electric car

The Chevy Volt: Bob Lutz's baby?

Last night, if you read my earlier post then you know, I ate dinner with Bob Lutz. And, I'll tell you one thing, Bob Lutz did not kill the electric car. On the contrary, Bob Lutz is a huge fan of electric vehicles, and the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is Mr. Lutz's baby.

In fact, Mr. Lutz came across as far more of a plug-in hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle fan than a fuel cell and hydrogen fan, at least in the short term. Even when I tried to discuss some recent breakthroughs in hydrogen research, Lutz pooh-poohed the topic, stating that the U.S. should actively pursue nuclear power for electricity generation.

Nonetheless, it became very apparent last night that the Volt is extremely important to Lutz. Coming to the end of an amazing career, it seems obvious that Lutz sees the Volt as his defining moment. It might just be a defining moment for America as well, a "game changer", as Lutz likes to describe Volt.

California lawsuit could spark real hybrid revolution

California sues EPA over auto emissions ruling

The state of California has sued the EPA in what amounts to a legal demand for the EPA to decide whether or not the state can impose greenhouse gas emissions standards.

"Our future depends on us taking action on global warming right now," Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said during a news conference. "There's no legal basis for Washington to stand in our way."

With numerous other states prepared to follow California's lead if the EPA gives the state the right to regulate greenhouse gas emission, the decision has huge ramifications for automakers. If California wins hybrid cars, including plug-ins, and electric vehicles will become absolutely essential to automotive success.

Time to jump start the hydrogen highway?

A fuel cell vehicle being filled with hydrogen

$10 - $15 billion. Sounds like a huge sum of money, doesn't it? Too much for the government to jump start the hydrogen highway, right?

Well, let's add a little perspective.

In 2006, ethanol subsidies reached $8 billion dollars, and within 10 years those subsidies could reach $25 billion per year (more). Even ethanol subsidies, however, are chump change. (Finish: Hydrogen Highway)

EnerDel updates electric vehicle battery portfolio

Preparing for investor meetings

EnerDel has updated its lithium battery plans for upcoming investor meetings. EnerDel plans to develop two types of lithium-ion batteries for automobile use. High power batteries will be used for hybrid vehicles, and high energy batteries for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

According to Green Car Congress, "Ener1 is using two different sets of electrode materials for each type. In the HEV batteries, the company is using a lithium manganese spinel (LiMn₂O₄-spinel, LMO) for its cathode material, and a lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, LTO) for the anode material. The energy batteries (PHEV and EV) are based on a layered lithium metal oxide cathode—LiNiCoMnO₂—and a hard-carbon anode."