Honda bringing solar hydrogen fuel cell vehicles home

Honda's latest solar hydrogen station

For years now Honda has been very focused on making fuel cell vehicles a cost-effective reality. As the cars have gotten cheaper and closer to theoretical scale, the main issue has become hydrogen.

Where is the hydrogen highway?

As one path to that ends, Honda has been developing solar to hydrogen stations, and the latest prototype has become small enough to fit in a garage while also becoming cheaper. Currently, Honda is testing the system in California, and the automaker intends to use the station to help "advance the wider use of fuel-cell electric vehicles by consumers," according to InsideLine.

Toyota: Fuel cell hybrids ARE the best hybrids

A fuel cell version by 2015?

What's the future of the automobile? Hybrids, plug-ins or fuel cell vehicles?

All of the above according to Toyota.

Obviously, Toyota already sells a number of hybrid cars, and Toyota will begin rolling out plug-in electric vehicles by 2012, followed by fuel cell hybrids in 2015.

While demonstrating how Toyota plans to cut fuel cell costs, the company noted that plug-in vehicles will be used for small, short range intra-city vehicles. However, for larger vehicles and longer ranges, Toyota believes that fuel cell hybrids are the most well-to-wheel efficient autos compared to conventional hybrids, plug-in EVs and conventional gas vehicles.

Is the best hybrid a fuel cell hybrid?

Because it gives Americans what they want

Last week, essentially every major automaker issued a joint Letter of Understanding regarding the development and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. By 2015, these automakers anticipate the capability of producing hundreds of thousands of fuel cell vehicles per year.

So what? Won't they still be far more expensive than gasoline vehicles, even pure electric vehicles?

A couple of years ago I attended an event provided by GM called Fuel Cell University. In addition to driving fuel cell vehicles, attendees were treated to the latest details regarding fuel cell technology, at least from GM's perspective. At that time, GM claimed that if they could sell 1 million fuel cell vehicles, they could achieve cost-parity with gasoline-powered vehicles.

The hydrogen highway, or lack thereof, was the real issue GM claimed. Without a hydrogen network, such vehicles seemed pointless. Even if a hydrogen highway were paved, it seemed the US would still be foreign energy dependent.

Since then, however, the US has demonstrated that it has enough proven natural gas reserves to power the auto fleet for somewhere between 50 and 200 years. So, why not tap into these supplies? Couldn't natural gas simply be an interim step to solar, wind and/or algae-powered hydrogen?

Certainly, there are huge obstacles to fuel cell hybrids, but they do offer a package and refueling capability already accepted, and largely demanded, by most American consumers. Does this convenience, coupled with natural gas supplies, necessitate a more robust embrace of fuel cell technology?

Time to restore hydrogen and fuel cell funding?

Another fuel cell concept from Honda

Today, a number of organizations and trade groups called on Congress to restore funding for hydrogen and fuel cell research. Forgive me, but I think it's a great idea.

Certainly, many will point out that fuel cells are some never ending fairy tale with a conclusion that is perpetually just around the corner. Even worse, hydrogen production simply doesn't make sense.

Yet, Asian automakers - the same automakers that have beat US automakers to every punch - are still aggressively pursuing fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen production, as are most major European producers. Moreover, to assume that science has nothing left to offer on this front is, well, not very scientific.

Fuel cells should never have been a reason not to purse hybrid cars and other electric vehicles. Nonetheless, battery powered electric vehicles are no reason not to pursue hydrogen powered electric vehicles. Today, for instance, EV infrastructure is more myth than reality, especially if that infrastructure is to be powered by clean energy.

Spending a few hundred million on fuel cell and hydrogen research is chump change. We've already spent billions on Chrysler, a completely inept car company. Yet, we can't spend a few hundred million on a gamble that could revolutionize the entire energy paradigm?

Are EVs really the future?

Will everything be an EV in 2050?

Without doubt right?

Wrong, at least according to a conference session at the SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit. There officials from Toyota, Nissan, NREL, GM, Daimler, Honda and Bosch stated that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would be an important part of the total vehicle mix in 2050. In fact, the internal combustion engine will still be an important part of the mix in 2050.

Ultimately, the majority of the auto industry only sees EV viability for small, short range vehicles, not, however, as a powertrain solution for America's truck and SUV culture. For these vehicles, the bread and butter of the US industry and the monthly sales leaders, more efficient internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the future.

LA Auto Show and green automakers? Shut up

Proof that BMW is a green automaker?

I've now read a number of articles that discuss how green the LA Auto Show is, and how committed automakers are to green technology. Please. What show were these journalists attending?

The Honda Insight hybrid, the Ford Fusion hybrid, the Mini E, the Toyota Camry Natural Gas hybrid and some fuel cell cars demonstrate how much more committed the auto industry is to green technology? Wow! You have to be drinking some pretty good kool-aide to buy that green message.

Certainly, the Honda Insight is a legitimate effort. But, 25,000 Fusion hybrids per year? Whatever. A few hundred two-seat electric Mini E's? That'll make a difference. A Toyota Camry Natural Gas Hybrid? There are no plans to sell it. Fuel cell cars? Awesome! There's a monkey ready to fly out of my ass with plans for the hydrogen highway.

Automakers aren't green and they won't be green any time soon. Already, US automakers testified before Congress that 35 mpg fleet fuel economy by 2020 was already pushing the limits of possibility. That won't come close to ending foreign oil dependency, nor will it reduce CO2 emissions nearly enough.

Outside of some minor, niche automakers, there is no such thing as a green automaker. Not even close.

Can US automakers survive the hybrid revolution?

We've come a long way in the last 10 years

Hybrid revolution. Some don't believe in such a thing. They believe that hybrid vehicles are a gimmick. That other technologies, such as EVs or fuel cell vehicles, are the real solution. Forget that Toyota is developing its fuel cell vehicles and hybrids around the Hybrid Synergy Drive - that Toyota's fuel cell vehicles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Or, forget that many consumers might forever prefer a plug-in hybrid vehicle over an electric vehicle for any number of reasons.

Furthermore, I'd bet that within just 10 years most automobiles sold in the US will at least be mild hybrid vehicles.

Thus, the reality of the hybrid future isn't a question in my mind. It's a fact. The question I have is, can US automakers survive the hybrid revolution? The US automaker with the most aggressive - at least publicly - hybrid plans, GM, is bleeding billions by the quarter. Can GM afford to go hell bent for leather at fuel economy? Likewise, can GM and other US automakers afford not to?

Will the Big 3 still be here in 10 years, or will it be more like the Big 2? The Big 1?

Why not? Methanol fuel cell plug-in hybrids

Better than hydrogen?

Fuel cell stacks are shrinking. Lithium-ion batteries are getting lighter and more powerful. This combination alone means the need for hydrogen to power fuel cell vehicles is shrinking. Of course, where are the hydrogen pumps?

Already, automakers, such as Ford, are exploring hydrogen infrastructure gaps with plug-in hybrid functionality by developing plug-in fuel cell hybrid prototypes. This enables such a vehicle to use both hydrogen and electricity for power. Yet, what if hydrogen could be replaced with a fuel like methanol that not only can utilize a fuel cell, but also work within the current refueling infrastructure of America?

While many, including this writer, have consistently questioned biofuels, particularly ethanol, methanol seems to have some distinct advantages over other biofuels. Off the bat a fuel cell could double the efficiency of methanol. Add hybrid technology and another 30 percent in efficiency is achieved. Add plug-in functionality and little methanol would ever be needed, except for long trips, day-time refueling or other periods of high electricity costs.

Automakers are going to pursue biofuels, fuel cells, hybrid vehicles and EVs regardless of whom becomes the next President. Shouldn't the synergies of these technologies also be pursued?

FastMoney picks Toyota FCVs over Honda's

The new standard in fuel cell vehicles?

A year ago or so I thought that GM was the leader in fuel cell technology. However, in the last year, Honda has really kicked it up a notch with the latest iteration of the Honda Clarity. Yet, on FastMoney last night, Pete Najarian claimed that, just as with hybrid cars, Toyota would surpass Honda and everyone else with its fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Recently, Honda pinned its technological future to cheap hybrids and fuel cell vehicles, completely dismissing plug-in hybrids and EVs, at least for now. Has Honda lost its technological edge in some way?

Toyota doubles range of fuel cell hybrid

Twice as much range as this FCHV

Toyota's latest fuel cell hybrid vehicle is now achieving a range of 516 miles compared to a previous range of 205 miles according to the AP. Additionally, the new fuel cell hybrid is able to start and run in weather as cold as -22 degrees, an important benchmark for fuel cell vehicles, which haven't run well in cold weather in the past. Toyota will begin leasing the new fuel cell vehicle in Japan later this year.

No respect: Fuel cell hybrid vehicles?

Honda's sad solar-powered fuel cell fantasy?

I'm a big fan of hybrid vehicles. Not long ago, however, I wasn't much of a fan of mild hybrids. Recently, the Chevy Malibu hybrid eased my case of mild hybrid angst, especially when coupled with GM's plans to soon make these BAS hybrids lithium-powered.

Now, it seems only fuel cell hybrid vehicles receive less respect than mild hybrids. Even GM's own, Bob Lutz, has announced his preference for plug-in electric vehicles over fuel cell vehicles, despite the billions GM has invested in fuel cell technology. On the other hand, Honda, the world's most efficient automaker, is aggressively and confidently moving ahead with fuel cell hybrids.

Obviously, there are huge technological obstacles to cost-effective fuel cell hybrid vehicles, but at one time the technical obstacles of reaching the moon seemed even more insurmountable. And, like the moon missions, striving towards fuel cell technologies has resulted in many technological insights, revelations and developments that have advanced electric drive trains and lithium batteries.

Big dreams breed innovation. Aren't fuel cell hybrids a big dream worthy of investment if not just to push the technological envelope?

Honda's bringing fuel cells home

Honda's plan to bypass the hydrogen highway?

There are now 2,200 homes in Japan that use fuel cells to convert natural gas into electricity and hot water. By 2020, Japan hopes to have one quarter of its homes powered by fuel cells (MSBNC). Who cares? Companies like Honda are planning to develop the fuel cell vehicle, such as the Honda Clarity, on the backs of similar home fuel cells.

Here in the US, decades of fuel cell promises have created fuel cell-haters, yet Japanese automakers are moving forward with fuel cell cars as if there is NO question fuel cells are the future, and home fueling stations appear to be a key to that future?

US automakers are already chasing Japan's hybrid cars. Are we going to chase their fuel cells, especially their home fuel cells as well?

2030: Fuel car cars powered by oceanic gardens?

Cheap, common fuel cell vehicles by 2030

Reasonably priced fuel cell vehicles should be available by 2015 and become cheap and common around 2030 according Nabil Kassem, professor at Stockholm's Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).

According to AutoBlogGreen, "Prof. Kassem stated that fuel cells are the most promising technology for our energy future, a future some call the Hydrogen Society. He not only envisions hydrogen in cars, but believes that fuel cells will have applications in micro power plants, household appliances, and in heating and air conditioning units. On the issue of cost, Kassem said that the moment hydrogen starts being produced on a large scale, it will become cost competitive. How will we obtain it? Kassem referred to a Japanese project that wants to create "oceanic gardens" where solar energy would be used to create electricity and then hydrogen."

Hybrids delaying fuel cell vehicles, other technologies?

The fuel cell killer?

The Motor Authority is reporting and backing up a report coming out of France that claims that hybrid vehicles are blocking fuel cell vehicles and other technologies. In addition, Motor Authority claims that clean diesel is much more fuel efficient than the Toyota Prius. Apparently, there are Prius-sized vehicles in France that achieve over 70 mpg in the worst stop-and-go traffic in Paris?

Likewise, it seems that America's hydrogen highway could be filling up tens of millions of fuel cell vehicles, the Motor Authority believes, if not for hybrids like the Prius. Oh, that's right, there is no hydrogen highway. And, let's forget that much of the electronics powering Toyota's fuel cell-killing Hybrid Synergy Drive also powers Toyota's FCVs. Isn't that odd?

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....

Romney wants to save US auto industry

Not bashing Detroit

After winning the Michigan primary Mitt Romney said he was going to save the US auto industry by "substantially increasing our investment in basic science and research, particularly in energy technology, fuel technology, automotive and material science technologies" (See the video).

Yet it seems the science and technology is largely available, it's making it happen that's key.

Hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, clean diesel, cellulosic ethanol, and lightweight materials are here today, it's making these technologies cost effective that's the problem. In order to do that economies of scale are probably the most critical factor. Unfortunately, Mr. Romney doesn't seem to address this issue.

Of course tax subsides and incentives might work, but it seems a gas tax is the easiest path forward, yet not one candidate running for President will touch such an idea with a 1000 foot pole.

My prediction: It doesn't matter one bit who becomes President, foreign oil dependency is tightening its grip around America's neck and the grip is only going to get tighter, much tighter. Too many Americans and EVERY single candidate for President can't handle the truth of artificially low gas pump prices and foreign oil dependency. So get ready to start choking.

Honda focused on fuel cell vehicles not electric vehicles

A Honda fuel cell vehicle filling up at a solar-hydrogen station

Yesterday, President Takeo Fukui told Jiji Press that Honda was going to focus on fuel cell vehicles instead of electric vehicles because "Honda has no plan to develop automobiles that can be used only in limited areas."

Citing overseas markets, short travel distance and recharging times Honda does not believe that short range electric vehicles provide an attractive solution worldwide.

Within 10 years Honda believes it could be mass-producing fuel cell vehicles, once an infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations is resolved. To address that problem, Honda is focusing on home fueling stations that convert natural gas into hydrogen.

Recently, Honda showed off the second generation Honda Clarity FCX at the LA Auto Show, and the company plans to begin leasing a limited number of these fuel cell vehicles in 2008.

Why the Chevy Volt will succeed

It really is more than just a hype machine!

I'm not sure that there has ever been a concept vehicle that has resulted in more PR and hype than GM's Chevy Volt plug-in.

For instance, despite the fact that GM received the first and only lithium battery pack for the Chevy Volt just a few weeks ago, David Kiley of Business Week has already claimed that the Volt is "miles ahead" of Toyota and Honda. Yet, today there isn't one single Volt prototype that utilizes ANY of the potential Volt battery packs. There is still the potential - which will only be found in real world testing - that the battery packs currently planned just won't work.

Crazy!

But there is a change brewing in the world and I've been in a crazy sort of a mood since the LA Auto Show. Actually this current streak of insanity dates back a few weeks before the LA Show. That's when my belief in the automotive revolution changed, and I've since been reevaluating all my beliefs. Finish.....

Hydrogen Economy: Where's the buzz?

FCV's: Too much of a threat to the military-industrial Iron Triangle?

Fuel cell vehicles, such as the Chevy Equinox FCV, Honda FCX Clarity, and Toyota FCHV, captured a pretty big chunk of the spotlight at the LA Auto Show this year, but nobody really seemed to care.

Sure, fuel cell vehicles are expensive and there isn't yet a hydrogen infrastructure. In reality it would take 10's of billions dollars to kick start the hydrogen economy and to create enough tax incentives to make fuel cell vehicles affordable for consumers.

With such high costs, why not just focus on plug-in hybrid vehicles and pure electric vehicles anyway, the consensus seems to be saying these days.

How sad. How embarrassing for a country that used to be the world's leading auto manufacturer and technological leader. Does America have any future beyond consumption? Finish....

Is the Chevy Volt "miles ahead" of the Prius?

This Prius by Hybrids-Plus achieves more than 100 mpg, today

I just finished reading David Kiley's BW article, GM's Plug-In Push, which opens, "General Motors is developing a plug-in hybrid technology for its Chevy Volt that is miles ahead of Toyota and Honda."

Really?

I heard the same such sentiment several months ago regarding GM's hybrid vehicles, which many have called more advanced and more sophisticated than Toyota's hybrids such as the Prius. Perhaps, but still I have asked, what are the costs of GM's technology, will it be sold in a package that consumers want at a price they are willing to pay? (Finish)

Why hybrids are more important than diesel

The hot Mercedes diesel hybrid at the LA Auto Show

I just finished posting a comment to the Kicking Tires story regarding the Rand study which calls hybrids and clean diesel more beneficial than ethanol. Kicking Tires, however, focused on an element of the Rand study (earlier post) which, according to Wired Magazine, suggests diesel vehicles are better than hybrid cars.

Whether the world likes it or not, the world will eventually move beyond oil. As both diesel and gasoline require oil, both diesel and gasoline are dying fuels. So, how can diesel be a solution for the future? Are we going to start using tar sands that will make today's pollution seem like the good old days (1980s) of clean air? Please. (Finish)

Honda's visionary approach to fuel cell vehicles?

The key to Honda's green future?

Honda is a pretty cool company. Not only does Honda make some of the most fuel efficient vehicles - fleet wide - in the industry, they also make some pretty cool jet airplanes. Even more interesting, however, Honda now makes next generation solar cells.

Why would an automaker make solar cells?

I'm sure there are many reasons that Honda might make solar cells, but one interesting reason showed up at the LA Auto Show. (Finish)

Lease a Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle

Lease one in the Summer of 2008

Back in January at NAIAS, the Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle was one of the hottest-looking vehicles at Detroit's Auto Show. At that time, however, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle just seemed too far into the future for me.

At this year's LA Auto Show, Honda took a big step into the future announcing that the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will be offered for lease in the summer of 2008. For $600.00 per month - including maintenance and collision insurance - customers will be able to lease a an FCX Clarity for a term of 3 years

To start, you'll probably have to live in the greater Los Angeles ares, where hydrogen and fuel cell servicing facilities exist. Unfortunately, until the hydrogen highway is extended, fuel cell vehicles will be very limited.

My Second Equinox Fuel Cell Drive

This car kicks ass in LA traffic

I was able to take my second test drive of GM's Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle yesterday, and I have to say that all those writers that have focused on the 12 second 0 - 60 of this fuel cell vehicle just don't get it.

First, from 0 - 40 this car hauls ass. What more do you need in city driving? Second, the smooth seamless transmission, or lack thereof, makes the electric drive worthy of a slower 60 - the acceleration is just so smOOOth. Third, this vehicle is built on old fuel cell technology. The next generation of GM fuel cell technology will be lighter and more powerful, as will the battery. So, this car will see faster 60 times and better range.

GM's fuel cell vehicles will, as according to GM's plans, be ready by 2010. Will they be cost-effective? Will the hydrogen highway exist? Those are the real questions regarding GM fuel cell vehicles.

Hybrid Tax Credits & The Hydrogen Highway NOW

How Congress can empower America with an Energy Revolution

Global warming, foreign oil dependency, oil company profits, and especially CAFE are very common and important topics discussed regularly by many in Congress. Even Presidential candidates are one-upping each other with their CAFE plans.

Similarly, many environmental groups have also been particularly focused on CAFE. Yet, sadly, even the most stringent plan in Congress is going to do little to significantly affect either global warming or foreign oil dependence based upon America's history of year-after-year of increased fuel consumption.

And the other favorite of Congress, corn-based ethanol, might even be less effective than CAFE, or even harmful.

America needs an energy paradigm change, an Energy Revolution! (Finish)

Air Products continues push towards hydrogen economy

A Toyota fuel cell hybrid vehicle

Air Products has added the 5th hydrogen fuel station in Korea, making Korea - home of Hyundai - only second to the U.S. in total Air Product hydrogen fuel stations. Worldwide, Air Products has now built 70 hydrogen fueling stations in 12 countries, including 20 in the U.S.

Can the hydrogen economy and fuel cell hybrids ever become reality without serious help from the government?

Both Democrats and Republicans have done a lot of talking about foreign oil dependency and global warming, yet few have discussed the hydrogen economy. However, can great change to the current energy paradigm be achieved without embracing the hydrogen economy and fuel cell hybrid vehicles, such as the one pictured above (aside from going nuclear)?

Are utility companies afraid of the hydrogen highway?

Fuel cell cars: The greatest fear of power companies?

I've long been a huge fan of hybrid cars and, especially, of plug-in hybrid vehicles. For the last several years, I've believed that plug-in hybrids made fuel cell vehicles and, more important, the hydrogen highway irrelevant to a new energy paradigm. In fact, I started to believe that the hydrogen highway was the quickest path away from a new, clean and green energy paradigm.

Lately, however, I've been buying into the hydrogen economy, and I'm starting to wonder if utility companies and some of their plug-in hybrid-supporting friends are fighting against the hydrogen economy for all the wrong reasons. (Finish)

Daimler purchases fuel cell company?

Daimler ramps up fuel cell efforts?

Daimler has agreed to purchase Ballard Power Systems' automotive fuel cell division according to Reuters.

Few details have been released about the deal, but an announcement is expected some time this month. However, Ballard has responded to this story by claiming that a deal has NOT yet been finalized, but that the fuel cell company is in negotiations with both Daimler and Ford.

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)

Hydrogen fuel cells versus battery electric vehicles

Are battery electric vehicles just as compelling as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles?

That's the argument that Gizmag makes for BW in the article, Is Hydrogen the Answer to Our Future Transport Needs?

A number of years ago, I thought I was going to become a disciple of the hydrogen economy, but the more I read about fuel cell cars, let alone the missing hydrogen highway, the more I felt that fuel cell vehicles were just a delay tactic to real fuel economy.

Thus, I embraced hybrid vehicles and the future of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which I have believed could make fuel cell vehicles, and the hydrogen highway, unnecessary. Lately, however, I am having second thoughts. (Finish: hydrogen versus electric)

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

Project Driveway: GM's real world fuel cell vehicle test

First large-scale market test of fuel cell electric vehicles

GM is launching the largest fuel cell electric vehicle fleet into the hands of regular people everywhere. O.K., not everywhere, but in LA, New York City, and Washington, DC, although this program will probably spread to other locations where hydrogen is available.

For three months, regular people will replace their current vehicle and, instead, drive a Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle.

The Equinox fuel cell vehicle is road-ready and expected to meet all applicable 2007 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The Equinox also includes many safety features such as driver and passenger frontal air bags and roof rail side-impact air bags; anti-locking braking system (ABS); StabiliTrak stability enhancement technology and OnStar.

Thus, Equinox fuel cell drivers are not signing up for some crazy, dangerous experiment.

This test will go on for the next few years, as GM monitors these fuel cell drivers, noting their likes and dislikes and, of course, any technical problems. By 2010, if all goes well, GM is hoping that it could start selling next generation fuel cell vehicles at the same cost as gasoline-powered vehicles, and Project Driveway is meant to help achieve that goal.

GM demonstrates hydrogen fuel cell vehicle success

A shining example of fuel cell reality

Not more than a couple of months ago I was certain that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were a boondoggle. Even if all the problems with fuel cell vehicles could be overcome, I believed, costs would still be too prohibitive to make such technology cost-effective.

And, then there is the hydrogen highway.

Yesterday, I test drove GM's Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle, and now everything has changed. Finish: GM's fuel cell reality

Test driving a fuel cell vehicle

The best hybrid vehicle?

I love hybrid cars, and the best hybrid car would be a fuel cell hybrid car.

Will fuel cell vehicles ever make sense? Will they ever be cost-effective? What about the hydrogen highway?

I've been hanging out with GM's fuel cell crew, and I have to say, they certainly believe that fuel cell vehicles make sense, and a lot sooner than you can believe. I'll have much more to say about that later.

Right now, I have to get ready to go drive a fuel cell vehicle.

By what year will fuel cell hybrid vehicles be produced?

Will fuel cell vehicles ever be a reality?

I know a few environmentalists whom both love hybrid cars and think fuel cell vehicles are a stupid idea.

Can you blame them? To some extent, fuel cell vehicles have driven America into greater and greater foreign oil dependency as fuel cell R&D was used to justify denying CAFE increases. Yet, after decades of promises, it appears mass-produced, cost-effective fuel cell vehicles might still be decades away. (Finish)

Washington doesn't give "a damn about Detroit"?

Reap what you sow?

This morning Angus Mackenzie wrote on his blog, "The main difference between the Japanese and American auto industries is that the Japanese government does what it can to help its automakers succeed, whereas in Washington, no-one gives a damn about Detroit."

Is this true? Is this a new or old phenomenon?

Since the 1970's there has been growing concern regarding foreign oil dependency. Thus, the last 5 or 6 Presidents have stated that America needs to do something to end foreign oil dependency to protect National security. For decades, however, U.S. automakers lobbied Congress to minimize any fuel economy regulations because such legislation might slow fuel cells - which have now been just around the corner for the last 3 decades. Yet, cost effective fuel cells and a hydrogen highway might still be decades away from cost-effective reality.

In the 90s, U.S. automakers were each given 100s of millions to develop the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles by the Clinton Administration. What did America receive in return from U.S. automakers for this investment of tax payer dollars?

Record sales of the biggest gas-guzzling , foreign oil dependency-increasing vehicles as Honda launched the Honda Insight hybrid and Toyota launched the Toyota Prius hybrid.

Today, America is bent over an oil barrel, and America's foreign oil dependency problems are certain to get far worse before they get better. Thus, can Detroit really blame Washington and America for being a little disappointed?

Indian automakers chasing green

Tata Motors: Tomorrow's green leader?

"Indian vehicle makers are joining the global race to make less-polluting greener vehicles, teaming up with international firms and pouring money into research that could result in commercially viable technologies quickly," Reuters claims this morning.

Bio-fuels, hybrid cars, fuel cells and more. India's emerging automakers are thinking big, and they are thinking green.

American automakers, pay attention. Years of declining U.S. marketshare have been balanced by Europe, Asia and emerging markets. Even worse, the future for U.S. automakers seems pinned to China and India - markets where local automakers are fiercely trying to catch up to the big boys of the auto world.

Once, the Big 3 laughed off the challenge of Japanese automakers and compact cars. Will U.S. automakers make the same mistake again regarding hybrid cars and other fuel efficient and green technologies?

Fuel cell assisted hybrid vehicles?

Forget fuel cell vehicles, think fuel cell assisted?

"Versa Power Systems, Inc., a leading developer of environmentally friendly Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) that generate clean electricity in compact form for a range of applications, today announced that a bench-top study of its technology in combination with an advanced battery validated the performance of a hybrid engine under conditions simulating the rigors of a commercial truck's operation."

Imagine plug-in hybrid vehicles with small fuel cells to extend the range of such hybrid vehicles. They wouldn't require a hydrogen highway, and they would be far cheaper than a fully hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle. Oh, yeah, and they could wipe out foreign oil dependency.

Are plug-in hybrids the key to fuel cells?

Forget fuel cell cars?

GM is once again on the fuel cell crazy train.

"After years of intensive research and development, General Motors Corp. says it now is ready to concentrate on finding a way to produce hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles for the mass market." (more)

Haven't they been doing this for decades?

While GM has achieved impressive results with fuel cell vehicles, the costs of this technology are still astronomical, and then there is still that little problem - the hydrogen highway. Where is it?

Thus, might not plug-in hybrid vehicles be the key to fuel cells? Couldn't a small fuel cell increase the performance of such hybrids, while making fuel cells significantly smaller and significantly cheaper?

Today, aren't full fuel cell vehicles a great R&D exercise, but PR nonsense?

Hybrid vehicle battery wars?

Not your father's battery

Many call hybrid cars an interim technology to the hydrogen economy, to fuel cell vehicles or to pure electric vehicles. Much like Toyota, I believe the hybrid powertrain is the future, not some temporary technology.

For starters, hybrids make hydrogen powered vehicles more efficient. Hybrids could integrate smaller, therefore cheaper, fuel cells into automobiles - making fuel cell vehicles much more cost-effective. Hybrids can also extend the range of electric vehicles, while also providing a plethora of fuel options to electric vehicles when electric power is either unavailable or more expensive than an alternative fuel.

Nonetheless, whether hybrids are just an interim technology or not, the key to the hybrid future, as well as the key to these other alternative vehicles, is significantly influenced by battery development, particularly lithium-ion batteries. Thus, the flurry of news regarding.... (Finish hybrid vehicle battery wars)

GM Sequel hits 300 mile fuel cell mark

300 miles on one tank of hydrogen

"With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today's consumers," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. "And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower - a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle -- was virtually carbon dioxide free."

While an important fuel cell milestone, GM - and all automakers - still face another monumental obstacle regarding fuel cell vehicles: where will the hydrogen come from?

Then there is the cost of these vehicles, and we're not just talking fuel cell costs. Brake-by-wire, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries, advanced aluminum framework - all of these are not standard, production ready systems. So, even if a hydrogen highway, or some other fuel network can be developed, it might still be decades before such vehicles cost less than $100,000 per vehicle.

Is there a future for the Honda FCX?

Did Honda steal a few design cues from the Prius?

I believe Honda has the best hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle in the world. Of course, as I was told by a Honda spokesperson, "You don't win any awards for being first to half way there."

As remarkable as the fully-functional Honda FCX Concept vehicle is, I wonder whether it really has any future. Aside from the extremely high cost of the vehicle, where is an owner going to fill up? There are not even 50 hydrogen pumps in the entire United States.

Will this force Honda to develop a new platform, similar to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive or GM's new E-Flex Drive, which provide an adaptable, evolutionary path to fuel cells? Are plug-in hybrids the next big step to fuel cell vehicles?

Also, check out the front end of the FCX - looks eerily like the Prius.

E flex System versus Hybrid Synergy Drive: First Thoughts

Several years ago I thought that automakers should do everything possible to develop hydrogen powered vehicles, especially fuel cell vehicles. Eventually, however, it became obvious that there were many, many technological hurdles - in addition to massive costs - to overcome and make this hydrogen future a reality. Yet, it seemed obvious, especially after 9/11, that America couldn't just wait for the hydrogen highway to deliver a road to energy security.

Fortunately, Honda launched the Insight hybrid and Toyota quickly followed with the Prius. For Honda, hybrid technology was a niche a technology, an experiment in fuel efficiency. By the second generation of the Prius, however, not only was the Prius a hit with consumers, it was the beginning of a foundation, an element of Toyota's kaizen.

The Prius had become a path to fuel cell vehicles.

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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.

Detroit must "think anew"

Last week I questioned an editorial by the Detroit News regarding fuel economy because of its complacency, and it's inability to foresee and realize that change must be realized by American automakers. Today, however, Daniel Howes of the Detroit News is singing my tune, telling politicians to give up the blame game while also telling Michigan and the Big 3 that it's time to change.

"The only questions are how and how quickly. Not, why us? Nor who's to blame for tampering with what U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow likes to call "our way of life" -- as if Detroit's automakers, their unions and others are immune to the laws of supply and demand. They aren't, no matter how freely some politicians may be willing to manipulate reality to suggest otherwise."

"Apologies to Sen. Stabenow, but "our way of life" is strangling Michigan because it was never designed to adapt to a changing world, much less accept that the economy and competition would change."

Evolution is often driven by small constant changes. Toyota, for example, is driven by small constant changes focused on increasing efficiency. This process, or Kaizen, led Toyota to hybrid cars - a new platform to increase efficiency. Inevitably the efficiency potential of hybrids has barely been tapped. Moreover, hybrids are adaptable to flex-fuel, hydrogen, gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, or even electricity, and they can lead to advanced batteries and fuel cell development.

Ultimately, hybrids exude change and flexibility. Today's hybrids are gasoline-electric, but tomorrow's might be flex-fuel plug-in hybrids and not long after that they might by hydrogen hybrids, or plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Hybrid technology is changing rapidly, adapting to the future.

Today, Democrats and the Big 3 appear very close to becoming fixated upon ethanol, a fuel which requires little change for the Big 3. Ultimately, ethanol won't really make the Big 3 any more adaptable, and it just might lead to another decade of complacency. Alternative fuels can help America, but not enough. Only significantly more fuel efficient automobiles can lead to real change.

Detroit must "think anew", and ethanol just isn't new enough.

GM set to go hybrid, then all electric?

So, GM is canceling their hydrogen fuel cell program? Well, not exactly, but it appears GM is finally beginning to understand that the world doesn't have to wait for hydrogen fuel cells before getting serious about fuel economy and pollution.

"What started as a fuel cell project is now an electric vehicle project," GM's Bob Lutz told the Automotive News recently.

"A series hybrid could run primarily on electricity from lithium-ion batteries, with an engine as backup to replenish batteries, Lutz says. The backup engine could be a diesel or gasoline internal combustion engine. Backup energy also could come from a fuel cell."

Of course, Toyota has claimed this same idea for a number of years, although their approach is a bit different. Even fuel cell makers have been calling for plug-in hybrid vehicles because they make a smaller, cheaper fuel cell stack much more cost effective to add to a vehicle.

Still, the costs of the batteries, fuel cell stacks, etc for either an all-electric fuel cell vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid fuel cell vehicle, will probably be very high for several years and maybe even a decade or longer. Which is why current hybrid technology is so important.

If not for current hybrids, GM wouldn't even be having this conversation. If not for current hybrids, plug-in hybrids wouldn't even be a buzzword in the auto industry. If not for current hybrids, there wouldn't be enough upside to develop lithium-ion batteries for automobiles.

Today's hybrid vehicles, with today's hybrid technology, are an investment in lithium ion batteries and in fuel cells, in addition to being a way to begin to reduce foreign oil dependency and global warming emissions. With today's hybrid vehicles we can begin changing the world TODAY.

It's about time GM has gotten with the program. Let's just hope this revelation isn't just hot air! America, the world, needs GM to do the right thing now more than ever.

Foreign oil dependency makes America stronger!

Do you think foreign oil dependency makes America stronger? In today's world, isn't that a stupid question?

Yet, it seems many Americans either believe that cheap foreign oil is good for America or that it poses little threat to America's National Security. Otherwise, how can the continued purchasing of gas-guzzlers be justified? How can the lack of hybrid vehicles from 2 out of 3 of Detroit's automakers be explained?

I often criticize GM for its lack of leadership in fighting foreign oil dependency. Does my criticism stem from my perpetual hate of anything GM? Absolutely not. It stems from the immense power GM has to take a leadership role in fighting oil dependency coupled with GM's refusal to do so.

Ultimately, I would gladly buy a GM hybrid vehicle - as long as it was a full hybrid vehicle. Unfortunately, GM just doesn't have any full hybrid vehicles available yet.

Why?

Well, just a few years ago important GM executives, such as Bob Lutz, publicly ridiculed hybrid vehicles and those automakers investing in them, which is particularly offensive since billions of taxpayer dollars were given to Detroit to develop similar vehicles back in the 90s.

Sure, GM has been claiming the future will be fuel cell vehicles, but they've been saying this for decades and they might be saying it a few more decades before it is a reality. Still, everything that can be done to fight oil dependency today, needs to be done today.

Quite simply, today, the hybrid vehicle is the best course of action in the war on oil dependency. The hybrid powertrain by itself is already efficient and will become even far more efficient. More important, however, the hybrid powertrain enables the integration of clean diesel, flex-fuel, electricity, hydrogen and fuel cells into the same powertrain.

Today's technology, such as a clean diesel hybrid, could produce vehicles that are 50 percent more efficient than today's vehicles. What are we waiting for? Too expensive? No way! There are enough subsidies already being wasted on big oil and other pork barrel legislation to provide the tax incentives needed for consumers to make clean diesel hybrids cost effective.

But, clean diesel hybrids are just one slice of the potential hybrid pie. In areas where ethanol makes sense, flex-fuel hybrids could be built. Add plug-in technology to both diesel hybrids and flex-fuel hybrids and you might only have to fill up on trips greater than 40 miles.

Imagine only filling your vehicle up a couple of times per year.

In the Southwest, such plug-in hybrids could make solar power far more cost-effective, enabling homeowners the ability to power their homes and their automobiles. Imagine never paying an electricity bill nor to fuel your automobiles. How's that for fighting global warming?

Of course these vehicles could also eventually develop into hydrogen powered hybrid vehicles, or fuel cell hybrid vehicles, but foreign oil dependency could be ended without either of these innovations. We don't have to wait for the holy grail, fuel cells. We just have to start demanding action right now.

To be fair, it's not as if GM is evil and Toyota is a saint. Neither automaker is doing enough. Nonetheless, considering the trends of the last few decades, such as previous oil embargoes, Katrina, global warming, and 9/11 isn't it finally time to say enough is enough?

And I say, it's especially time for GM, the most important automaker in America and one of the most important American companies, not to just act, but to take the lead. GM has the kind of loyal following to buy these war-effort vehicles and the political power to force the government to assist with subsidies and tax incentives for these war-effort vehicles.

Instead of using that billion dollar GM marketing budget to market gas-guzzlers, market the fight against the war on foreign oil dependency and global warming. It's our GM hybrid vehicle, it's our national security.

I don't think there is a company that could do more for America than GM if GM began to look at foreign oil dependency and global warming as a war, a war that GM was leading the battle against at ALL costs - even bankruptcy. That is simply a battle that GM would not and could not lose today.

Bob Lutz has admitted that GM could have taken a FRACTION of their YEARLY marketing budget to develop a hybrid to rival the Toyota Prius. Yet, they willfully continue to chose to spend that money marketing gas-guzzling - even AFTER 9/11. Stop!

Before 9/11 most Americans had their heads buried in the sand regarding the consequences of America's addiction to oil. Sometimes when something is so good, it's just better not to ask questions. After 9/11, however, there is no excuse not to act. Now America needs GM to do the right thing more than ever.

If 9/11, Katrina, Iraq and all the threats about global warming are not enough to get America to realize it is time to change, what will it take? Would the deaths of 10,000 or 100,000 citizens be enough? Do we need a third world war, or the loss of a major city, such as New York? Would that finally be enough?

Then again foreign oil dependency has nothing to do with 9/11, Iraq or global warming, right? Foreign oil dependency makes America stronger!

Over $5 billion in 2006 to subsidize ethanol as hybrid tax credits run out

"A recent study conducted by the Swiss-based group called Global Subsidies Initiative revealed the total cost of the tax breaks and subsidies that go into U.S. production of ethanol to be in the whopping range of $5.1 to $6.8 billion for 2006." (more)

While I'd rather use my tax dollars to subsidize American industries, such as ethanol producers, rather than foreign oil companies, I'd rather subsidize hybrid cars and other clean vehicle technologies more than ethanol. Give GM and Ford $5 billion per year to perfect hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel cell hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

If lighter materials and smarter automobile designs were coupled with next generation batteries, fuel cells and hybrid technology, the U.S. could easily end foreign oil dependency. Sure it would be expensive, but not too expensive if we simply made better use of current tax subsidies - Not by adding new ones.

Another reason alternative fuels are not enough? Go hybrid!

"Our whole farming system really contributes a lot to global warming, and it could be made to be much more sustainable," claims Francis Thicke, an organic dairy farmer from Fairfield, Iowa, who has a Ph.D. in soil fertility.

Thick also believes subsidies for farmers to grow corn and soybeans should end because of their global warming contribution. (more)

On the other hand, synergistic technologies, such as lithium batteries, fuel cells, and hybrid vehicles will soon create autos that might need very little fuel, regardless of whether it is oil, ethanol or hydrogen. By the end of the decade, new hybrid technology combined with next generation lithium batteries might easily achieve more than 70 mpg. Plug-in technology could be added to these hybrid vehicles and most urban drivers might rarely, if ever, need any fuel other than a little electricity. Additionally, adding small fuel cells might make such hybrids even more efficient, requiring even less fuel or electricity.

Sure it would be nice to fill these next generation hybrids with ethanol instead of gasoline, but the focus should be on as little fuel as possible. In fact, whether ethanol is every viable in America shouldn't even be a primary concern for Detroit's automakers. Making the most efficient vehicles possible, should be their only concern.

Go hybrid, Detroit, go hybrid.

A giant bug for the hydrogen economy?

I used to believe absolutely in the hydrogen economy. I wanted it to happen as fast as possible. As a result I've read a lot regarding fuel cells, hydrogen storage, etc. Suddenly, I began to realize that the hydrogen economy probably wasn't going to come as quickly as I'd hoped.

More distressing, I read statements by some scientists whom claimed that the vapor exhaust from billions of fuel cell vehicles might have unintended, negative consequences. Not long ago, for example, CO2 emissions were deemed just as harmless.

Still, it seems hard to believe that H20 vapor emitted from fuel cell vehicles could cause any problems, right?

Well, according to a new study, if the percentage of oxygen in our atmosphere increased, so to might the size of many bugs, such as hawk-sized dragon-flies. What if this also means hawk-sized locusts, or parrot-sized mosquitoes? How would that affect crops and disease?

Perhaps there are many other downsides to increasing hydrogen and oxygen emissions into our atmosphere.

Maybe this time around we shouldn't allow huge corporations and their cronies in Washington to bet the farm on hydrogen as they once bet the farm on petroleum. The welfare of the people, not just corporate profit, has to be a major consideration.

Maybe a solar hybrid fuel cell vehicle is a better goal than a hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle.

Russia puts Western oil 'supplies at risk'? Join the hybrid revolution.

"A former government adviser has warned it is "only a matter of time" before BP or Shell faces a bid from a Russian state-owned group such as Gazprom which could threaten western oil supplies. Professor Peter Odell, an energy economist, says ExxonMobil is also vulnerable to a Chinese takeover as the large UK and American stock-listed oil groups lose their influence in global markets." (more)

If it isn't OPEC seeking a bottom cap of $55.00 per barrel, it's China and Russia and state-owned oil companies threatening the price of gasoline.

Fortunately, Congress has passed tax incentives for hybrids that protect GM and Ford, rather than incentives that seek to achieve change as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, protectionism isn't what GM needs, it needs a good kick in the ass. GM's biggest problem these days, apparently, is a lack of Hummers according to Bob Lutz, not tax incentives for hybrids.

Hummers are far more important than foreign oil dependency.

Besides, what would ending foreign oil dependency accomplish anyway? A less complicated Middle East? Putting an important part of the American economy back in the hands of Americans?

Obviously, achieving oil dependency wouldn't be easy, it would require the kind of technological revolution which would create new jobs, new industries and new markets. What a waste!

The technology behind hybrid cars offers such a revolution. Hybrid technology can make any vehicle 20 - 30 percent more fuel efficient, today, whether that vehicle is fueled by gasoline, diesel, ethanol or even hydrogen. New software and new batteries will double the fuel efficiency of today's hybrids in just a few years. Then plug-in hybrids could also increase hybrid performance while creating an ideal platform for the introduction of small fuel cells into the automobile.

Unfortunately, hybrid production doesn't result in the huge profit margins many automakers covet - hybrid vehicles only make the world a better place. And Hummers, it seems, are much cooler than making a better world.

Gasoline and oil costs might drop in the short term, but the long term is filled with too many risks not to act as quickly as possible.

GM's naive, monopolistic and capitalistic fuel cell vehicle plans?

"Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles could hit showrooms as early as 2011 and the technology will revitalize General Motors, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said as he delivered a hydrogen concept car to be test driven by Camp Pendleton Marines over the next few months." (more)

Hmmm. So, why will fuel cells revitalize GM more than any other automaker?

For decades GM has successfully lobbied the government not to increase fuel economy standards because such a move would interfere with GM's fuel cell development. For decades, GM has told the government, zero emission fuel cell vehicles were just around the corner. Now, once again, GM's fuel cell vehicles are just around the corner - at least according to GM execs.

Should we believe them this time, or has GM cried fuel cell one too many times?

Every major automaker on the face of the planet is working on fuel cell vehicles, and most of these automakers, as well as most automotive experts, claim that cost-effective fuel cell vehicles are still more than a decade away, at least. Other experts claim it will take at least two decades or more. Some experts claim it might never happen.

I think it'll happen and here's why.

Recently, fuel cell developers have started to dig the idea of plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles. For years now, Toyota has claimed that its hybrid vehicles were the beginning of their fuel cell vehicle platform. Even GM engineers have admitted that their fuel cell vehicles will also be fuel cell hybrid vehicles. This is because fuel cell vehicles will almost certainly require an electric drive, and hybrids offer that electric drive.

Yet, hybrid cars are too expensive for GM, but we are to believe that in a couple of years GM's fuel cell hybrid vehicles will not be? I'd like to see the numbers behind that kind of bean-counting!!

In fact, the idea of plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles might call into question the entire idea of the 'hydrogen highway' - and the foundation of GM's fuel cell vehicle program.

O.K. current hybrid vehicles are not the answer to the world's problems. I'll willfully admit that as FACT. Still, next generation hybrids, such as those powered by lithium batteries will almost certainly, easily, achieve over 100 mpg, and plug-in capabilities could extend this efficiency even further.

More important, plug-in hybrid vehicles could receive additional power from small fuel cells. Utilizing a small fuel cell would be far more cost-effective than using a large fuel cell - at least in the short term. Consequently, this could be the quickest way of both ending foreign oil dependency and investing in fuel cells, but the upside doesn't end there.

If you can have a fuel cell in your car, why not in your home? Such a fuel cell could be powered by natural gas, or, in many areas of the U.S., by solar power.

Imagine all of California's homes and vehicles powered by solar-powered fuel cells with excess energy stored in advanced lithium-ion batteries? Would places like California really even need a hydrogen highway?

Why not dare to dream? Why does GM only envision the future as just a subtle offshoot of today's world, of today's energy paradigm? In reality, does America really need a new multi-billion dollar hydrogen highway? Maybe GM does, but America might not.

I'm sure the monopolistic, capitalistic, corporate-lobby-controlled politicians can easily be sold on this idea, but we THE PEOPLE, should demand more. The hydrogen highway might be great for corporate America, but is it really so great for the people of America?

Hybrids are "basis" for fuel cells

"The hybrid is the basis," said Robert Stempel, chairman and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices Inc., which develops batteries used in hybrid cars. "It gets the electric drive on the vehicle. Once you have the electric drive there, then you really don't care if you have the gasoline engine or diesel or fuel cells. The key is that electric drive." (more)

So, why haven't American automakers been more bullish on hybrid vehicles? If hybrids help create the necessary powertrain for fuel cell vehicles, doesn't hybrid production ultimately help reduce the costs for fuel cell production? Moreover, other fuel cell makers have argued that plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicles could also speed fuel cell development by enabling smaller - thus cheaper - fuel cells to help power the vehicle.

Are American automakers really going to compete in the world auto market by focusing on alternative fuels?

I say technology is the only answer, and it seems American automakers are already missing the boat. C'mon GM and Ford, it's OUR future! Give us foreign-oil dependency, fuel cell investing American-made hybrid vehicles and ask those jackasses in Washington to help foot the bill.

Isn't it ironic? GOP tells Detroit 'Drop Dead'

I like Daniel Howes of the Detroit News, but I think he wrote an absolutely ridiculous article, Top GOP leaders sending message to Big 3: Drop dead.

"But meet with Detroit's automakers? Nah, why should the president care whether U.S.-owned automakers, burdened by fierce foreign competition and cumulative decisions that threaten to swamp them, are fighting for their collective lives? Instead, key Republicans and the White House are reprising President Ford's message to New York back in the mid-'70s: "Drop dead."

Wow! So, was it Democrats that have protected Detroit's fuel inefficiency for decades? Was it Democrats that forever blocked increased fuel economy standards? Was it Democrats that protected SUVs for decades?

Give me a break, Daniel. If not for Republicans preventing the Carter administration from ending the SUV craze, before it even started, Detroit would already be a very different place.

Detroit should have realized that cheap gas couldn't last forever - that warning bell has been ringing, quite loudly, for decades. Sure the auto industry is important for America, but not at the expense of our National Security. America is literally spending trillions of dollars to maintain cheap oil.

Screw the unions, screw trade barriers. It all comes down to product. Ultimately, GM and Ford blew it. The first hybrid cars should have been American, without question. No country has more to gain by increasing fuel efficiency. More important, if fuel cells are the holy grail for Detroit, then hybrids make fuel cells happen sooner.

I say Detroit should drop dead until it starts acting like an American company - you know - a company that fights for freedom, not increased foreign oil dependency.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are ideal for fuel cell development

For years I have been promoting hybrids, not just to reduce foreign oil dependency or to clean the environment, but to push the evolution of the automobile. As it turns out, plug-in hybrid vehicles might just be the perfect platform for the utilization of fuel cells. (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.

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)

What would be the ultimate hybrid vehicle?

In the last year there have been some very interesting hybrid concept vehicles. Two of my favorites are the Ford Reflex hybrid and the Mazda Senku hybrid.

The Reflex is a diesel hybrid 'muscle' car that looks cool, but is an even hotter performer. How hot? How about 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds while achieving 65 mpg? Sure this hybrid requires next generation lithium-ion batteries - the same batteries which could power the Toyota Prius to almost 100 mpg - but if you are going to dream, why not dream big?

That's why I like REALLY like the Senku hybrid. Yes, the styling of this vehicle is incredibly futuristic and some people don't like that, but I do, boy, do I. But the thing that really makes this hybrid special for me is the use of solar technology. By embedding solar cells into the roof, this hybrid vehicle could actually act like a solar-powered plug-in hybrid vehicle. That means that the next-gen 100 mpg Prius could perhaps become a 140 mpg Prius with solar power.

In Southern California - where I live - the constant sunshine could provide a huge source of clean electric energy - making trips to the gas station much less frequent. In the future, make it a solar-powered fuel cell hybrid vehicle and hydrogen gas stations might not even be needed.

The technology behind hybrid cars makes such dreams seem possible.

What would be your ultimate hybrid vehicle?

Fuel cells, ethanol and hydrogen: GM's bag of excuses?

For decades, GM has lobbied Congress and the White House not to increase fuel economy standards. In fact, it is rumored that even Rick Wagoner has lobbied the White House, stating that increased fuel economy would hinder fuel cell development.

Now that it's obvious that fuel cells are still decades away, GM has switched to ethanol - not just as an alternative fuel, but as a bridge to hydrogen. "Even some of the initial steps in the processing of the biomass -- whether to make it hydrogen or ethanol -- will be one and the same, so it is an important step toward an alternative pathway for energy," he said. "And it allows us to use our existing internal combustion engines as we transition to hydrogen in the future." (AutomotiveNews)

And they don't have to stop making gas-guzzlers. The more ethanol GM uses, the more they are helping farmers, right?

Back to Reality

Scientist after scientist - many of whom are working on ethanol - claim that even cellulosic ethanol will not help America much if we don't create more fuel efficient vehicles. Yet, it seems that GM comes up with excuse after excuse not to become significantly more fuel efficient.

Perhaps ethanol can help create a path to hydrogen, but hybrid cars can also use ethanol and hydrogen. Moreover, since GM's current fuel cell vehicles are fuel cell hybrid vehicles, the more hybrids we build today, the faster we can build tomorrow's fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Oh yeah, and in the interim we can at least end foreign oil dependency.

So why doesn't GM care about foreign oil dependency? What can't GM help make America stronger?

GM needs to stop making excuses and start taking the realities of the new world more seriously. Millions of Americans will support GM to the very end, yet millions more would support GM if they acted like they truly cared about the environment and about America's foreign oil dependency.

Take on the Toyota Prius, GM, and you could attract millions of new customers. Follow the current path and you'll lose many of us forever.

CNBC's Hydrogen Hybrid Video

Are you interested in the future of hybrid cars? Well, one potential path is hydrogen hybrids. These are not fuel cell hybrids that are fueled by hydrogen. There are no fuel cells in these hybrids. Hydrogen hybrids could help reduce foreign oil dependency, clean the environment, and build the fueling network for future fuel cell hybrid vehicles. (Watch)

Hybrid Vehicles: Neither an interim technology, nor a bridge to the future

The time for the hybrid car revolution is now

I regularly note that one of the best things about hybrid cars is the potential of hybrid technology. For example, the second generation Toyota Prius hybrid made great gains in efficiency and performance compared to the first generation Prius.

Ultimately, hybrids are an emerging technology and the best is yet to come.

Ironically, earlier today I noted that GM regularly tries to downplay hybrids, yet also admits that its fuel cell vehicles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles. So, is this just deceptive marketing by GM, or don't they really believe in the future of fuel cells?

Inevitably, I don't care. The future will emerge - with or without GM. (More)

Energy Secretary Disses Hybrids?

U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman called on Americans to embrace ethanol, but did little to promote hybrid cars or clean diesel at the SAE conference in Detroit.

"It should be our common goal that E85 become a nationwide fueling option," Bodman said. "In the coming days, I will be asking that we do more to make consumers aware of the flex-fuel option both when they are considering a new car purchase and for existing owners of flex-fuel vehicles."(DetroitNews)

Additionally, the Secretary plugged electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells as the 'answer' to America's energy problems.

It's ironic that since GM, Ford and Toyota fuel cell vehicles will be hybrid vehicles, that the Secretary didn't promote hybrids, minimally, as a bridge to not just fuel cell vehicles, but electric vehicles as well. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, for example, can function as electric cars, while also providing gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel or even hydrogen as a supplementary or primary fuel source.

On the other hand, there is a good chance that if someone buys a flex-fuel vehicle, especially if they live on either coast - they will never fill it up with E85, since they won't be able to find any gas stations that carry ethanol.

In fact, if you are worried about the environment, or foreign oil dependency, many flex fuel vehicles cause much more harm than good. Since many flex fuel vehicles are large trucks and SUVs, flex fuel capabilities were only added to avoid penalties for missing CAFE requirements. Consequently, flex-fuel technology is often only serving as a loop hole that increases foreign oil dependency and pollution.

And the government is good at loopholes. According to some, Bush's new CAFE requirements - intended to make more fuel efficient trucks and SUVs - might lead to bigger, more fuel inefficient trucks and SUVs thanks to another loophole. (AutoWeek)

Why should we be surprised since the government already gives unlimited, $25,000 tax deductions for small business owners to buy the most pollution and foreign oil dependency causing vehicles, yet gives much smaller, capped tax incentives for hybrids?

It seems the government and the Energy Secretary are either ignorant, incompetent, or too focused on protectionist legislation designed to protect American corporations, rather than to actually make America a safer place. Apparently, only gigantic, inefficient corporations can save America.

Yes, ethanol is important, but so to is clean diesel, biodiesel, and even clean gasoline. More important, hybrid technology can make any of these fuels much more efficient, while clearing the path to fully electric cars and/or fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Let's put the power in the hands of the people, not the corporations. Join the campaign for hybrid vehicle tax incentives.

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)

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.

Are hybrid vehicles forever marginal or a step into the future?

Over the weekend I've been contemplating the article, Despite car show hype, hybrids, diesels will remain marginal.

Not only does the article dismiss hybrid cars, diesels and small autos, but even fuel cell vehicles, which is contrary to the typical hybrid critic. Many critics call hybrids an interim step to fuel cells - a distraction if you will - but they do see a changing market. While I disagree, seeing hybrids as an essential step toward fuel cell hybrid vehicles, that's not the point.

Mr. Winton, the author of the article, seems to think nothing will change and that America will forever be dominated by the size of the motor, not fuel efficiency. Now Mr.Winton does note that gas prices have to remain at $2.00 per gallon for his future to take place.

I say the days of $2.00 gas are long over, which immediately calls into question the entire logic of Mr. Winton.

This year, $3.00+ gasoline will become commonplace in many parts of the U.S. for an extended period of time - possibly forever - and the possibility of spikes as high as $4.00 or $5.00 are almost a certainty. This alone could significantly affect demand for hybrid vehicles and other alternative fuels, etc.

With significant hurricane activity expected the next several years, combined with limited oil refinery capacity and ever-increasing world demand, higher gasoline prices are inevitable for America.

But that isn't the whole story.

Environmental concerns and foreign oil dependency could also push many more Americans to completely rethink their vehicles and the relationship their vehicle has to world politics. Still, that isn't even the whole story.

I'm a Gen-X'er and I've grown up around computers. The way computer technology has advanced and become 'dirt' cheap in the last 20 years is truly mind-bending.

Well, hybrid technology is largely dependent upon the very same computer technology.

Hybrids will become cheaper; however, they will never match the cost of conventional vehicles. That is probably a fact. Nonetheless, as hybrid technology becomes cheaper, it will also become significantly more powerful.

This means that hybrids will not only offer significantly more fuel efficiency than their conventional counterparts in the next generations - more easily justifying the cost difference - but they will offer far more speed and power at the same time. That is the nature of computer technology.

Mr. Winton can continue to write about the marginality of hybrid cars on his typewriter, but hybrids, just as personal computers 20 years ago, are simply a young, barely-tapped, emerging technology. In 10 years hybrid technology will evolve significantly. Gasoline engine technology; on the other hand, will have changed about as much as, well, typewriter technology in the last 20 years.

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.

Is clean diesel better than hybrid vehicles?

DaimlerChrylser is nowhere to be seen in the segment of hybrid cars. Why? They say clean diesel is better (more)

So is hybrid technology less important than clean diesel technology?

An interesting place to find an answer to that question is Europe. Europe is all about diesel, and in France, diesel is seen as the short term answer, but diesel hybrid vehicles are seen as the next step before fuel cells. (more)

Why? Because diesel hybrids would still be 20 - 30 percent more fuel efficient than clean diesel engines, and that is just with today's technology.

What the critics of hybrids are missing - in a huge way - is that experimental hybrids already demonstrate that is quite possible to achieve more than 200 mpg. When lithium-ion batteries take over NiMH batteries for use in hybrid cars, everything will change.

To assume that won't happen would be like assuming computers wouldn't overtake calculators.

The fact is, hybrid technology is just emerging, and the potential of hybrid technology has barely been tapped.

In reality, in the next decade, a diesel hybrid that achieves more than 200 mpg is completely feasible and cost effective. Within this same period, a completely feasible fuel cell vehicle will still cost more than $100,000.00.

In a decade, the potential of clean diesel technology simply won't be in the same league as hybrid technology.

Still, even if clean diesel is 20 or 30 percent more efficient than standard gasoline engines, diesel still costs almost a $1.00 more per gallon in California.

How cost effective is that?

Hybrid cars versus biodiesel

Diesel, then diesel hybrids, then fuel cells states PSA Peugeot Citroen

Recently PSA Peugeot Citroen announced it will begin developing hybrid cars in connection with a call to do so by French President Jacques Chirac (more). Yesterday, Puegeot announced that it has also made significant gains in its fuel cells, yet the company still believes that fuel cell vehicles are still a long way from commercial reality.

"SA Chairman Jean-Martin Folz told a news conference that the best way to save on fuel consumption of cars in the short term was by boosting the use of diesel and by adding bio-fuel to diesel."

"For the medium term, hybrid diesel engines would offer further reduction in consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while fuel cells, which release energy from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with a catalyst, were for a later stage, he said." (more)

PSA Puegeot Citroen going hybrid too!

In the past there has been a lot of indifference coming from Europe regarding hybrid vehicles, but that sentiment seems to be changing. According to Reuters, "France's second-biggest carmaker said on Thursday it would show off a Peugeot 307 and a Citroen C4 demonstration car with a hybrid diesel system on January 31."

"The announcement coincides with a call by French President Jacques Chirac to develop such cars within 10 years."

Both GM and Ford have both developed diesel hybrids and Toyota has announced numerous times that their hybrid vehicles can function with gasoline engines, diesel engines, or even hydrogen engines.

If hybrid technology is just hype, why is automaker after automaker investing more and more into hybrid development?

I think it has become obvious that hybrids are not hype, as hybrid technology will also be important for fuel cell vehicles. Hybrids are more than just an interim step to fuel cells. In fact, hybrids are even more than a bridge to fuel cells, for hybrid technology is an integral piece of fuel cell vehicle technology. At this point in time, fuel cell vehicles WILL also be hybrid vehicles.

Those automakers calling hybrids hype are simply trying to buy time as they recover from their lack of leadership and vision. The days of hybrid hype are over.

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?

Re: "GM drawing on the past as it attempts to speed development of hybrids"

I was just reading AutoWeek's article, GM drawing on the past as it attempts to speed development of hybrids, and it seems that GM is even more dysfunctional than I have previously thought.

Saying something like that can be dangerous because, in America, there are many devout GM followers. While I criticize GM quite often, it's not because I think GM is technologically inept. I think GM is corporately inept. When it comes to technology I think GM is just as capable as any other auto maker. It's vision where GM is lacking, and that boils down to corporate leadership.

Having said that, I think that GM is even more dysfunctional than previously thought because of the double talk coming out of Detroit. How can GM's Bob Lutz state that hybrid cars don't make economic sense when GM's Larry Nitz, a 30-year GM veteran and executive director of GM's global hybrid powertrains states, "Fuel cell vehicles are always fuel cell hybrid vehicles because they have battery packs. The same people that work on the hybrid batteries work on the fuel cell batteries. The same people that do electric motor controls for the hybrid system do motor controls for the fuel cells, too."?

So, the future IS hybrid vehicles, even to GM? So, why the lies and deception? Is this the model for corporate America? Is this the model for success?

Perhaps GM is just too old of a company, run by an ancient belief in the good ole boy's network. The rich might still run America, but average Americans aren't as blind as we used to be, and change is inevitable.

Toyota has been making the fuel cell argument in support of its hybrid vehicles since it started selling the Prius hybrid car. I've often stated that Toyota is laying out the fuel cell vehicle future right now, with every hybrid it puts on the road.

On the other hand, hybrid critics have long stated that fuel cell vehicles, not hybrid vehicles, are the future. Yet hybrid technology is integral to the fuel cell vehicle. Thus, the more work that is done on hybrids - even gasoline electric hybrids - the faster fuel cell vehicles become reality.

So, what exactly is the point of hybrid critics?

Let's be clear about another thing. Pure hydrogen vehicles ARE NOT the future, and if GM believed, or still believes, its path to fuel cells would begin with pure hydrogen vehicles as an interim step to fuel cell vehicles, then GM really sucks.

Pure hydrogen vehicles just aren't all that fuel efficient. That's a fact. Ford has noted that the best way to create fuel efficient hydrogen vehicles would be to create hydrogen hybrid vehicles. Once again hybrid technology is a critical component.

Yet, GM's boldest hybrid move to date has been hybrid lies.

Now I realize that GM has legacy costs that make R&D more difficult, and that is a serious problem, so serious that it's going to cost at least 30,000 their jobs. Nonetheless, GM has a multi-billion dollar yearly marketing budget. Couldn't some of that have been used for R&D, especially after 9/11?

Let's face it, in hindsight, GM and Ford should have started taking fuel efficiency seriously in the 80's and 90's - not just because of gas scares, or political problems in the Middle East, but because of simple market share. When does year after year of declining market share finally make you think, huh, maybe we should try something different?

Yet, even after 9/11, GM is still barely doing things different. In many respects, GM's very survival is still dependent upon gas-guzzling vehicles. High gas prices, too bad. Foreign oil dependency, too bad. Helping to finance terrorism, too bad. Polluting the environment, too bad. That's GM today.

Unfortunately, it's average Americans, not rich shareholders and corporate executives, that will pay the real price for this ineptitude.

Fuel cell vehicles: Toyota versus GM

The AutoWeek article, GM's r&d guru says 'cooperation would make sense' in drive to create hydrogen-powered vehicles really bothered me when I read it this weekend. In fact, it made me research Crain Communications to see if they were somehow corporately connected to GM.

O.K., I couldn't find any connection. Nonetheless, AutoWeek is just one piece of Crain Communications and it is obvious that Crain Communications is about one thing - advertising. While there isn't a corporate connection between Crain and GM, there is certainly a huge relationship - advertising budgets.

But all automakers spend advertising dollars, why would Crain care the most about GM, you ask? Well, in the past several years, GM has spent about twice as much as any other automaker per year, and we're talking billions.

So, what was it that bothered me so much about the GM article?

I love the idea of fuel cells and I've read hundreds of articles about fuel cells and fuel cell vehicles. Ultimately, however, there are many issues regarding the functionality of fuel cells, especially in the near term - which is decades long. Just because GM has been promising fuel cells since the Nixon administration doesn't mean their fuel cell technology is the best.

Perhaps, as the article suggests, there should be cooperation between automakers regarding fuel cell vehicles, but any implication that GM is the fuel cell leader is a huge stretch at this point in time.

I'd say that GM, in fact, isn't the leader.

Toyota's approach to fuel cells is a good bit different than GM because Toyota fuel cell vehicles are hybrid vehicles. The fact that Toyota's gasoline electric hybrids can adapt into diesel electric hybrids, hydrogen electric hybrids, and -finally - fuel cell electric hybrids, offers something that GM doesn't offer - flexibility.

A recent press release from a Technical Insights Group at Frost & Sullivan notes, "Stricter emission standards are forcing companies to manufacture environment-friendly automobiles, with the resultant explosion in interest in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. Automotive safety is another major concern, as advances in electronics and sensor technologies seek to make driving safer."

"Though Japanese companies such as Toyota and Honda have taken the lead in hybrid vehicle development, the growing concern over automotive pollution has led to a flurry of interest in this arena. Development is underway at all major automotive R&D houses to produce more fuel-efficient cars -- hybrid, fuel cell, or a cross between the two," notes Rajesh Kannan.

I repeat, "or a cross between the two".

Many autowriters have called hybrids just a step towards fuel cells, others have called them a bridge to fuel cell vehicles. Ultimately, however, today's hybrids can evolve into fuel cell hybrids. Today's gasoline electric Prius could be tomorrow's fuel cell electric Prius. Thus, some essential fuel cell developments are already taking place today in these hybrids and the future is that much closer.

Hybrids just might prove that billions of dollars for hydrogen fueling stations are not even needed. There could be a better way than GM's fuel cell vehicle path, perhaps even an easier, less expensive path.

AutoWeek writers work for Crain Communications and far too often AutoWeek has shown an unobjective bias against hybrids and for GM. The focus of Crain Communications doesn't appear to be an objective view of the automotive future, but rather a subjective grab for today's advertising dollars.

A major American failure: The hybrid vehicle

I was reading the article The Hot Hybrids published by E: The Environmental Magazine that was reposted by MotorTrend.

The article opens, "With $1 billion in taxpayer money poured into the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles in the 1990s, Detroit's Big Three developed a trio of hybrid vehicles (with both gasoline and electric drivetrains for maximum fuel economy). The resulting prototypes were shown off at auto shows, but the domestic automakers were steadfast in their refusal to actually produce these consumersubsidized eco-cars."

Always good to see tax-payer dollars hard at work! So, it took a billion tax payer dollars for Detroit to decide there was, "No market for them," and they were, "too expensive to build"? That's just great!

Well, a decade later, U.S. monthly Toyota Prius sales can surpass Audi, Volvo or Saab monthly sales, and the sales potential of the Prius still hasn't fully been tapped. Currently, supply simply cannot keep up with demand.

So what, the critics of hybrid cars say, it's just all the treehuggers and that market will soon run dry. It's just marketing hype they claim.

Fine, maybe it is hype, but couldn't GM use a little marketing hype?

The DetroitNews published an article this weekend called Black October: How one month changed the course of the auto industry. "It was the pivotal event in the month that may be remembered as the industry's Black October, when the vulnerabilities of Detroit's automakers were laid bare in dramatic fashion."

The American auto industry is in serious trouble and that trouble will resonate - has resonated - throughout the American economy, and the worst is yet to come.

Hybrid cars might not be the dominant vehicle of the future; however, in light of the connection between terrorism and foreign oil, global warming, hurricanes, and high gas prices, average Americans have become interested in hybrids. This interest takes them to Toyota and Honda dealerships because consumers are starting to feel like maybe they do have a choice. Maybe there is a difference.

Ultimately, hybrid technology might be expensive, but it is expensive because it requires some of the most advanced automotive technology - it demands invention and innovation. Since the potential of technology, quite simply, has few limits - technology can and will advance.

Hybrid cars utilize this kind of technology that can and will advance. Sure diesel, or biodiesel might compare fairly well with hybrids today, but hybrids are only an emerging technology. Experimental hybrids prove that the potential of hybrid vehicles has barely been tapped. Additionally, hybrid technology can also utilize the advancements made in diesel, biodiesel, hydrogen, or even fuel cells - in addition to hybrid advancements.

In today's world the potential of technology must be chased, and it must be chased ALL the time. For too long the American auto industry has succeeded at maintaining the status quo, rather than driving the technology of the future.

Some might say GM is a fuel cell leader - they are pushing the future, the real future. Maybe, but GM has been promoting this fuel cell future since the Nixon administration. When are real results required? The future cannot always be an excuse for doing nothing today.

When it comes to technology there is always a better, more efficient way to do things. If always finding a better way to do things isn't driving the core of a business, then that business might use technology, but it isn't a technological leader.

For too long, Detroit has used technology to maintain the status quo, not to innovate automaking. The success of the Toyota Prius has changed everything, and the bar has been raised. There is no status quo, there is only innovation.

GM's Bob Lutz once said that GM could have developed a competitor to the Prius by simply diverting a fraction of ONE year's marketing budget to such development. Actually, GM should have just used it's share of the billion dollars of tax payer money with which it was paid to do this.

If hybrids are just hype, why will EVERY major automaker be offering a selection of hybrids within just the next few years? That's a pretty expensive exercise in futility if they are just chasing hype.

Inevitably, hybrids demonstrate the complete failure of the American auto industry. Let's hope they can change, they OWE it to us.

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?

Do creationists hate hybrid cars?

I make this post with a little tongue-in-cheek. Nonetheless, I read an interesting article the other day called, Is US becoming hostile to science? Ultimately, the article focuses on creationism versus evolution and it asserts that a significant percentage of Americans don't believe in evolution, nor the big bang, and many have become quite hostile towards science.

Similarly, an interesting video on CNN Video titled, America's Negative Numbers, notes that the U.S. has dropped to 28th in math compared to other countries and 22nd in science.

Is it any wonder China and Russia are sending men into space as America watches?

While I don't want to get into the debate between creationism and evolution, I have to admit that I believe in the power of science, but I also believe in god. To me science is simply the reproducible understanding of nature, and reviewing just the last 100 years it is hard to argue against what science has accomplished.

Some creationists that I know not only dismiss evolution, but also global warming and the dangers of oil dependency. Since hybrid cars are utilized by many as a solution to both global warming and oil dependency, then hybrids are equally dismissed as unnecessary.

Many bright bloggers and writers might argue that the dismissal of hybrids isn't due to a dislike of science, but is about simple facts. They argue that clean diesel or bio-diesel is a more affordable solution.

While I agree that both clean diesel and bio-diesel are significantly better options than our current path, I do not agree that either, by themselves, go far enough nor match the potential of hybrid technology. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain can accommodate both clean diesel and bio-diesel engines. Moreover, experimental hybrid technology demonstrates that even conventional vehicles can be converted into hybrids that can achieve well over 100 mpg. Consequently, it becomes obvious that the potential of hybrids has barely been tapped.

Neither bio-diesel nor clean diesel have demonstrated anywhere near such potential. Thus, while bio-diesel and clean diesel are important technologies, hybrid bio-diesels and clean diesel hybrids are even far more important technologies.

Is it a realization gap, rather than religion?

Is the problem that science and technology, much like evolution, isn't always visible via huge steps, but rather small incremental steps? For example, I have been using laptops for more than 10 years. Year after year, the performance of memory, speed, and battery power increases. From year to year the gains don't seem terribly significant, but comparing today's laptops to the laptops of 10 years ago, demonstrates that we've made amazing strides.

In my opinion, especially based on available, experimental technology, hybrids offer that same kind of potential, at a cost that is significantly less than fuel cells. That doesn't mean fuel cells won't replace hybrids, it just means that hybrid technology is important enough for investment until the many obstacles surrounding fuel cell vehicles can be resolved. In actuality, it might just be hybrid technology that resolves many fuel cell problems.

Yet, if America neither embraces nor believes in science and technology, what is the future for hybrids, for fuel cells, and for America?

The American auto industry might be an example of the path that America is taking. Decades of materialistically driven engineering and marketing have left GM on the verge of bankruptcy, as Ford continually becomes less and less significant. Appearance and useless power, not technological innovation, have been the drivers of the American automarket.

Likewise, if you work in technology, then you know of the void that exists in America when it comes to filling technical jobs - we have to import our programmers, engineers, and scientists. In America too much attention has been put on law and entertainment. We'd rather sue, act or be a professional athlete, rather than a scientist, engineer, or astronaut.

This has to change. As the population of the world booms in the next hundred years only pandemics or science can keep us moving forward. The world's demand for resources is growing so rapidly that only the death of billions and billions of us will allow us to move forward, or we can use science.

Somehow, America and the world must resolve our religious and scientific differences. Both god and science can co-exist. Our religious beliefs and values shouldn't hold science back, rather they should be used to ensure that we use science to benefit humankind, rather than to just control and profit from humankind.

Still, America's scientific problems aren't just about religion, as there are plenty of godless Americans that do not value science.

Ultimately, however, I believe that it is the religious Americans that will be the difference. If god is the ultimate creator, than science is nothing but an expression of god, an expression that should be embraced for good, not denied out of fear.

In recent years I've noticed a number of bumper stickers on the backs of luxury vehicles and SUVs that say, "Jesus was a liberal." While that might be true, Jesus would today drive neither a luxury vehicle, nor a gas-guzzler, Jesus would drive a hybrid.

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.

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.

Fuel cell vehicles versus hybrids, Part 1

The'Hydrogen Highway' has been touted by American automakers, especially GM, as the answer to America's energy problems. Unfortunately, the hum of hydrogen and fuel cells has been in the air for decades, yet the reality of the hydrogen highway might still be decades away.

Even worse, lobbyists from GM, on numerous occasions, have coaxed American Congresspeople not to enact stricter fuel economy regulations because such actions would interfere with the development of fuel cell vehicles. Essentially, the huge profits margins that GM makes on foreign-oil guzzling SUVs would be reduced and this would cut into fuel cell development.

Thus, America's national fuel economy is no better now that it was in the 1980s, and with more and more Americans driving, our need for foreign oil regularly increases.

When Toyota and Honda began developing hybrid cars, American automakers laughed and ridiculed them. Only about a year ago, GM's Bob Lutz joked that hybrids make a nice marketing story, but a poor business story. Since, GM spends almost $3 billion per year on marketing, I'll assume Mr. Lutz knows a lot about marketing.

Yet, I wonder if Mr. Lutz still thinks hybrids are a poor business story? Toyota continues to rack up month after month of great sales - without incentives - as the Toyota Prius hybrid and Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive rack up 100,000's of sales. GM, on the other hand, loses more than $1000.00 per vehicle when averaged across its fleet.

Don't worry, GM tells us, fuel cell vehicles are just around the corner to the save the day. Never mind the fact that fuel cell vehicles cost almost $1,000,000 per vehicle, that they won't work in cold climates, that there isn't any place to fuel them, and numerous other issues.

Still, GM says don't worry.

The hybrid leader, Toyota, also believes very heavily in fuel cells, but Toyota believes hybrid vehicles are a natural transition to fuel cells. In fact, Toyota hopes that much of its current hybrid powertrain will be the foundation of its fuel cell vehicles.

Still, lately, I find myself wondering, are fuel cell vehicles even that important?

While current hybrid technology isn't enough to solve America's oil crisis, what about the next generation of hybrid technology? Plug-in hybrids, for example, can make current hybrids, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, significantly more fuel efficient. Moreover, other experimental hybrids have been demonstrated to achieve as much as 250 mpg, at a cost that is significantly less than fuel cell vehicles.

This has prompted cities such as Austin, Texas and states, such as Pennsylvania, to seek ways to help fund experimental hybrid vehicle development.

Yet, GM is still at least a couple of years away from hybrid passenger vehicles. While GM still has time to get into the hybrid race, I cannot help but wonder if they are even serious about the move. Rather, it seems that GM has risked its entire future on proprietary fuel cell technology.

Hopefully, GM will succeed, but what if they fail? GM is not just risking the failure of GM Corporation, but of an important source of American jobs, and an incredibly important part of the American economy.

Katrina, the strong likelihood of future hurricanes, and the threat terrorism - let alone rising global demand for oil - demonstrate the extreme vulnerability of America's energy sector and the dangers of gas-guzzling.

Can fuel cell vehicles really be developed quickly enough to solve this vulnerability, or must America - in the short term - focus on second generation hybrid technology, plug-in's and other experimental hybrid vehicles?

This will be the focus of Part II.

Re: Polk's hybrid vehicle adoption study

R.L. Polk and Co. is set to release its new hybrid vehicle adoption study, which doesn't provide too many surprising details. Most notably "97 percent of respondents recognize hybrid vehicle terminology","78 percent of respondents would consider buying a hybrid vehicle", but "61 percent indicate they are concerned with price".

Yesterday, Ronald Jones of MSNBC asked, Is a hybrid car really good for your wallet? Ultimately, Mr. Jones found it really depends, but in many cases, no. While the Toyota Prius is the most cost-effective hybrid and many hybrids are cost-effective - or can be - over the long term, most hybrid cars are not really going to save you money.

Of course, hybrids can be a edge against further increases in the price of oil and gasoline. Additionally, if congestion, or stop-and-go traffic, is a regular part of your commute - as it is for many millions of Americans - hybrids become much more cost effective.

Moreover, Mr. Jones bases much of his cost effectiveness on Edmunds.com. I've written many times that the Edmunds study wasn't well done. In particular, it assumes that most hybrid drivers will do some 75 percent of their driving on the open highway. I live in Los Angeles and like many drivers in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, etc, the far majority of my driving is done in congestion - the ideal conditions to achieve a hybrid's best fuel efficiency.

According to transportation studies by the government and academics, congestion is getting far worse year after year, and not in just large cities, but even in suburban and rural areas. In these conditions, most conventional vehicles can fall short of their EPA fuel efficiency ratings by as much as 35 percent, while causing obscene amounts of pollution.

Consequently, for many, hybrid vehicles are about something much greater than just saving money. They are about saving the environment and ending foreign oil dependency. While foreign oil dependency isn't accurately accounted for in the price of oil, there is no doubt that America's geo-political oil interests have had a significant impact upon the national security of America.

Thus, there are plenty of people willing to buy the current supply of hybrids, which will lead to better and cheaper hybrid technology, and hybrids offer great potential. Recently, an article noted that experimental hybrids can achieve 250 mpg.

Why are waiting for fuel cells if current technology has the ability to accomplish so much, for just a fraction of the cost of fuel cells and a new energy infrastructure?

The fact that so many people are so aware of hybrid vehicles and that so many are willing to buy them indicates the vast growth potential of hybrids. For such a new technology, still just an emerging technology, the future looks very bright.

Further, the technology behind hybrids is very much like the technology behind computers. Ten years ago most Americans were interested in buying a computer, but thought they were still too expensive. Today, many Americans own multiple computers.

I expect the same thing will happen to hybrids. Hybrid vehicles might not always be the cheapest technology, but they will be the best technology - the best technology that continually gets better and cheaper.

250 mpg hybrid vehicles with today's technology

Forget fuel cells and the hydrogen economy, plug-in hybrids offer the technology to end foreign-oil dependency now!

There is a great AP article, Experimental Hybrid Cars Get Up to 250 Mpg, which demonstrates the fact that plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as a plug-in Prius could achieve 80 mpg for the daily commute of most drivers. Additionally, more advanced plug-in hybrids have achieved up to 250 mpg.

Not long ago I wrote about flex-fuel hybrids that could achieve 500 mpg.

Why doesn't the government care? Why doesn't GM or Ford care? This isn't just foreign oil dependency, this is America's national security. Are the lobbyists of the auto and energy industries really so powerful that the safety of the American people is less important than their energy monopoly?

For more check out, What's better than a hybrid car? A plug-in hybrid car of course!

The energy bill, hybrid critics and American political ineptitude

The energy bill isn't a complete waste, but the amount of pork-barrel legislation that becomes part of any legislation is truly astounding.

Anyway, the clean vehicle tax credits were initially meant to reward technological innovations that provide clean energy and reduce foreign oil dependency. The original intention of the clean vehicle tax credits was to reward expensive and advanced technologies, such as hybrid cars and fuel cell vehicles, as an incentive for greater production and development amidst high costs.

Since neither GM nor Chrysler have any hybrid vehicles, they successfully lobbied Congress to add clean diesel vehicles to the tax credit as well.

At first glance this might seem fine. Shouldn't any clean technology be able to utilize the clean vehicle tax credit?

That might be OK if not for the caps on the amount of vehicles that can qualify for the tax credits. Under the clean vehicle tax credit, not everyone who buys a hybrid car, for example, will be able to utilize the tax credit. Additionally, Chrysler and GM can utilize the tax credits to promote diesel, instead of hybrids. In fact, tax credits for diesels offer GM and Chrysler incentives NOT to produce hybrids, since there are only a limited number of credits available.

So what? Diesel can achieve the same fuel efficiency as hybrids at a cheaper cost, some diesel advocates will reply.

Hogwash. The only way a super clean diesel engine will match the efficiency of true hybrid vehicles is by utilizing EPA fuel efficiency testing methodologies.

Well, the Toyota Prius hybrid doesn't achieve EPA fuel efficiency estimates the critics will clamor.



The truth is, very few vehicles achieve EPA fuel efficiency ratings. This isn't a hybrid vehicle issue. In fact, in real world driving it is large trucks, SUVs, and overly-horsepowered cars that miserably fail to achieve their EPA estimates. I'm still waiting for the hybrid-hating editors at AutoWeek to address this one (more on this).

There are number of problems with EPA fuel efficiency estimates, but the biggest is the EPA's assumption that Americans do most of their driving on the highway going 55 mph.

This simply isn't true. Congestion is becoming more and more commonplace in America, and the problem is only going to get worse. Don't believe me? Check out what the Department of Transportation has to say on the matter (click here).

In congested traffic, hybrid vehicles achieve their best fuel efficiency and, in such conditions the Toyota Prius, contrary to its many critics, can achieve the EPA estimated 60 mpg, or even higher. On the contrary, conventional vehicles perform their worst in these conditions, and that is the problem with clean diesel.

In congestion, clean diesel does not perform as well as hybrids. If not only congestion, but increased congestion, is the future for the American driver, then diesels luster truly beings to tarnish.

More important, in terms of congestion, hybrids offer significant untapped potential. Plug-in hybrids and new hybrid batteries will offer the potential for hybrids to become significantly more fuel efficient. A 100 mpg Prius is possible with today's technology. Even a 100 mpg Ford Escape hybrid SUV, or a 100 mpg Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV, isn't that far off if hybrid batteries continue their current gains in efficiency and size and/or if plug-in capabilities are added.

Ultimately, the technology that has made computers faster, more powerful, smaller and more portable is essentially the same technology that is key to hybrid vehicles. Equally important, this same technology will ultimately be key to fuel cell vehicles.

Quite simply, diesel technology will never be the answer to foreign oil dependency, but advanced hybrids can not only end foreign oil dependency, but they could do it almost pollution-free.

While I agree that diesel technology offers important gains in fuel efficiency and can be a good buy today, diesel technology simply doesn't compare to the potential of hybrid technology. With a limited number of tax credits available, and a Congress that refuses to address fuel efficiency - even in the midst of oil wars in Iraq and oil-driven terrorism - technology offers the only hope for change.

Thus, only the most promising technologies should be rewarded with tax credits. Otherwise tax credits for clean vehicles become another loophole for the Big 3 to increase our foreign oil dependency, as a new EPA report - withheld until the passage of the energy bill - is going to show (Read).

Sure GM can continue to assure Congress that cheap fuel cell vehicles are just around the corner, as GM has done for decades. Nonetheless, too many smart people have noted that this simply doesn't seem possible, and how many decades does it take to get around the corner?

How long will Americans continue to tolerate such unAmerican leadership from one of America's most important American companies. Neither consumers, nor citizens, but shareholders, are the only concern to GM.

Ultimately, the clean vehicle tax credits and much of the energy bill promotes and endorses complacency, rather than technological innovation. With such political and corporate ineptitude leading America, is it really any wonder that America continues to fall further and further behind in the technological battlefield?

Congress and corporation, an American disgrace.

Hybrid car reliability

I just finished responding to an e-mail that covered a common question that I receive, "Is it true that hybrid cars are unreliable?"

NO, it is not true! Recently there have been a few dozen complaints regarding a software glitch in the Toyota Prius hybrid. That glitch; however, has still not lead to a government recall, nor has it caused any deaths, injuries, or any accidents.

Additionally, consumer surveys have put the Prius atop customer satisfaction rankings. They have been exceedingly reliable and almost 100% of Prius owners would buy another Prius.

While there could be long term maintenance issues and battery pack problems, there is no proof thus far that either issue will actually ever materialize - it's pure speculation at this point. Many first generation Prii are soon approaching their first decades of operation and the evidence thus far suggests one thing, reliability.

Honda is high on natural gas

Before I rip on Honda, let me start out by acknowledging that Honda is the greenest auto company in the world, and they deserve kudos. Additionally, they produce excellent vehicles, and the Honda Civic GX is the cleanest vehicle on the road and it doesn't depend on foreign oil. Nonetheless, natural gas vehicles are not going to take over the American automarket, and anybody who thinks they will is just plain silly.

Thus, John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations of American Honda Motor Co., seems to have inhaled a few too many natural gas fumes. "We'll do hybrids as it makes sense, but I do not think they are the best solution. Right now hybrids don't make sense economically," Mandel was recently quoted as saying as he expressed his vision that natural gas vehicles are more important than hybrid vehicles.

I don't even know where to start on this one. First, natural gas simply isn't going to replace gasoline as the new energy infrastructure. The savings simply are not that great, and while Honda can sell home fueling systems, most consumers simply are not going to buy into the concept.

Second, while natural gas vehicles do offer independence from foreign oil, and burn cleaner than gasoline vehicles, new technologies - particularly hybrid vehicles - could easily outweigh every positive aspect of natural gas vehicles. One significant upgrade in hybrid batteries ends natural gas's cost effectiveness. Two upgrades and, well, you get the point.

Third, the hydrogen economy is the future. While it will probably take a few decades to achieve it, the hydrogen economy will be built upon fuel cells and those fuel cells will work in coordination with batteries. The hybrid powertrain can evolve into fuel cell-electric vehicles and help move the world entirely from fossil fuels. Natural gas is a fossil fuel.

Fourth, Mandel states, "you can use the car pool lane (in California)." Yes you can in the short term, but don't expect this privilege to last, if sales start numbering in the 1000's.

Additionally, if natural gas capabilities were to be added to trucks and SUVs, or even cars, which demand greater horsepower, the lure of natural gas begins to tarnish rather quickly. In terms of the future natural gas is already dead. In reality, the most interesting natural gas vehicle would be a natural gas-electric hybrid vehicle.

So, what is Honda's deal? I don't know. While Honda has been much more bullish on hybrids than the Big 3, they are still far behind Toyota. The Civic hybrid is a great vehicle, nothing flashy, but a quality vehicle. Still, in terms of hybrid technology, it really isn't Best of Breed. The Accord hybrid is the best Accord ever,but it also is a mediocre hybrid at best.

In terms of pure hybrid technology, Toyota and Ford stand above Honda. The Prius is simply the best hybrid vehicle. The Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Escape hybrid demonstrate that very fuel efficient hybrid SUVs are possible - as more efficient batteries are developed. This, while frustrating for environmentalists, is simply an important aspect of the American automobile market.

Natural gas is a new fuel for a dying technology. While it offers great potential for fleets, it does not offer the same for the average consumer.

Hybrid technology, on the other hand, is a step towards the future, a future that can offer unlimited horsepower without foreign oil, without pollution. More important, hybrids can work within the current energy infrastructure and the technology can naturally, transparently accommodate fickle consumers afraid of change, as the industry adapts and evolves into the hydrogen highway.

Yes, hybrid technology is a bit expensive, but not as expensive as the first calculators, cellphones, and computers.

Part's maker keys into hybrid cars

Toyota, the undisputed king of hybrid cars, has corporately stated that third party suppliers are key to bringing the costs of hybrid technology down. Today, the DetroitNews featured an article on how Bosch, "and other suppliers have turned their attention to hybrid technologies and the North American market". In fact Bernd Bohr, chairman of Bosch's automotive business, told a global technology conference last month at the company's proving grounds in Germany, "We think mass production of fuel cells is not going to happen in the next 20 years, to be provocative, at least not in an economical way."

Thus, Bosch is focusing on hybrid vehicles. With more than 50 models expected by 2010, it isn't hard to see why Bosch is bullishly pursing hybrids. Ultimately, as more and more third party companies become involved in hybrids, the better for hybrid technology and for hybrid consumers.

Hybrid hater contradictions

Last month I made a post titled, Edmunds.com's Senseless Hybrid Vehicle Cost Study, that questioned the data behind the Edmunds study. Ultimately, like the EPA, Edmunds uses data which doesn't correspond to the real world driving conditions of a huge percentage of Americans. In particular, assuming that all Americans drive 75% of the time at the speed limit on the highway, while driving just 25% of the time in city driving.

Anybody that commutes in Los Angeles, San Francisco - most of California - or New York, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and many, many other urban areas knows how ridiculous is that assumption. Congestion has become an American epidemic that most transportation scholars say - via real world data - is rapidly becoming much worse, even in far-out suburban and rural areas.

In these areas, hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, can achieve unbelievable mileage - for those that care - almost entirely free from pollution. If every driver in America achieved Prius efficiency, the air would be drastically cleaner and foreign oil dependency would end.

Yet, American automakers continue to make their bread and butter off more expensive SUVs and trucks than the Prius. Still, Edmunds complains about the 'cost' of hybrid cars.

The costs? Doctors in Los Angeles insist that air pollution is killing people every day, as well as causing huge amounts of asthma and other respiratory problems. Yet pollution doesn't exist to these rocket scientists - paid by the polluter's advertisements.

Moreover, how many terrorist acts will it take for America to accept the cause and effects of foreign oil dependency? That doesn't cost?

Of course, every American isn't going to drive a vehicle the size of a Prius, and that is the beauty of hybrids. Hybrid technology is still just emerging, and the possibility of a SUV that achieves the same fuel efficiency and pollution reductions as the Prius is almost here.

Is the Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Lexus RX400h hybrid there yet? No, but just one significant battery development could make it happen.

Ultimately, the most pathetic of the contradictions is that we shouldn't waste our time with hybrid costs to focus on fuel cells. Well, in terms of costs, the Prius costs about $20,000, a fuel cell vehicle costs about $1,000,000. That's some interesting math.

In time, these hydrogen highway advocates claim costs will come down, but - somehow - hybrid costs will never come down - even though much of Toyota's fuel cell technology is built on a hybrid powertrain?

Ohhhh, GM is going to do it differently. GM tells America they are so excited about their fuel cell technology that they are going to give Americans their Employee Discount on the Hummer and the Yukon in the interim. Give me a break.

Fuel cell vehicles will happen, but they could still be decades away. Hybrid vehicles can make fuel cell vehicles happen much quicker. In fact, most fuel cell vehicles might be hybrid vehicles.

The hybrid haters simply make no sense. Do nothing. Build bigger SUVs, oil is cheap they tell us. Someday cheap technology...when has technology ever started out cheap? Even calculators used to be grossly expensive, let alone cell phones and computers.

Technology is made cheap by investment, and hybrid vehicles are the best investment Americans can make in the automotive sector. The conflicted interest of most hybrid critics is simply pathetic.

Hybrid trucks and other hybrid tidbits

As the fifth tropical storm Emily builds in the Gulf, and BP's new deep oil rig Crazyhorse (Thunderhorse Field) sits listing in the Gulf of Mexico, one cannot begin to underestimate the potential of much higher gasoline prices. And if gasoline prices rise, the technology behind hybrid cars becomes significantly more appealing.

According to a new R. L. Polk & Co. study, 97 percent of consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles and 78 percent would consider buying one; however, cost would still limit the majority from taking such action. (More from Car and Driver)

Obviously higher gas prices can help offset the cost barrier.

Yesterday, Ford released its second hybrid, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, and Toyota continues to suggest that a hybrid truck is soon coming. While Toyota has mentioned this possibility in the past, it indicated yesterday that Toyota seeks to offer the first hybrid truck. Still, Toyota has released few details about a Tundra hybrid.

Nonetheless, even if gas prices make hybrids more desirable, will it matter? Demand is still greater than supply, and the new Mariner hybrid really won't help, since only a few 1000 units are even planned.

Toyota, and the very successful Prius hybrid, combined with the Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Camry hybrid will still only hit about 500,000 total hybrids next year.

Honda's upgraded hybrids, the Civic and the Accord, will help, but American-made hybrids are the missing ingredient. Foreign oil dependency, terrorism, global oil demand, and global warming - America needs leadership and responsibility from American corporations.

It's furiously ironic that GM often speaks of hybrid costs, while touting fuel cells, which are exorbitantly more costly than hybrid vehicles. Yet, GM is considering a fuel cell agreement with Toyota - a company which is building its fuel cell future on the backbone of the hybrid powertrain?

'American-made' automobiles simply mean nothing if they also mean increased 'terrorist-supporting foreign oil dependency.' It's time for Ford and GM to stop talking about a stronger America and to start building a stronger America today, not tomorrow.

Prius price increase

The price of the Toyota Prius hybrid will increase by $300 starting in August.

Hybrid hype: Toyota to double hybrid production

Despite the constant crowing of critics against hybrids, demand for Toyota hybrid vehicles is still far greater than supply. As a result, once again, Toyota will be doubling the production of hybrid vehicles to half a million for 2006. The greatest increase in numbers will be directed towards the Prius hybrid car, but both the Lexus RX400h and the Highlander hybrid will also have their productions increased by 50 percent. Moreover, Toyota will start producing 50,000 Camry hybrids per year next year as well.

According to Asahi.com, "Toyota affiliates in charge of making hybrid-vehicle parts, such as batteries, have reinforced their manufacturing facilities, making it much easier for Toyota to obtain key components of the gas-electricity cars."

Hybrid battery manufacturers could have a huge impact on the success of hybrid vehicles, so this is great news for hybrid supporters.

Prius hype? 57 MPG in the real world

EPA estimated MPG is far off in the real world. Some critics have used this fact to criticize hybrids, yet they typically, conveniently, forget to mention that conventional vehicles often miss their EPA estimates by 20%. A neighbor of mine, driving in city traffic, achieves more than 70 mpg in his Prius, and Joe achieves 57 mpg (more Prius experiences). While driving conditions and habits do affect fuel efficiency, how can either of those numbers be hype?

How high are oil prices going to go?

"There is no question that the market is going to $60,'' said Kyle Cooper, an analyst with Citigroup Inc. in Houston according to Bloomberg.com.

In fact many analysts think there is a 70 percent to 80 percent chance that oil will top even $70 per barrel. Yet, U.S. demand for oil continues to grow causing fears that summer demand could possibly outpace supply.

My prediction still stands at $3.00 gasoline before year's end. While that number might be temporary it will be a sign of things to come over the next few years.

How cost effective will hybrid cars be then?

The reality of fuel cells drives hybrid vehicles

There is an interesting AutomotiveNews article, Honda continues work on cold start, range issues with its fuel-cell vehicles, that demonstrates the great importance of hybrid cars.

"If all goes well, Honda hopes to sell 50,000 fuel cell vehicles a year in the United States by 2020. Toyota wants to sell 12,000 fuel cell vehicles annually in the United States in the early 2010s," the article states.

Why so few vehicles?

One of the biggest problems, aside from extreme cost, is that fuel cell vehicles cannot operate in cold weather. While significant gains are being made, the necessary gains are at least a decade or two away.

Quite simply, fuel cell vehicles will not take over the automotive market for at least two decades. Can America continue its SUV love affair amidst foreign oil dependency and global warming for another two decades?

Not with current technology.

Imagine a Toyota Prius that is significantly more powerful and twice as efficient as today's model. Such a vehicle is possible within a decade or less, and that technology will also be available for SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, or the Toyota Highlander hybrid.

Hybrid technology is simply the best automotive investment any American can make if you don't believe in supporting foreign oil dependency, high gas prices, or destroying the environment.

Demand nothing less than hybrid vehicle efficiency.

Hybrid cars and marijuana!

O.K. there really isn't a direct connection between marijuana and hybrid cars.

Still, yesterday, I wrote an entry Marijuana, Hemp, and Hypocrisy discussing a perspective of the Supreme Court ruling affirming federal jurisdiction over state's rights and marijuana.

Essentially, I argued that the issue should have never come before the Supreme Court - this is an issue for Congress and I discuss the hypocrisy behind government campaigns, such as Hemp for Victory and the continued law against growing hemp in America. Basically, since hemp is almost like marijuana - even thought it can't get you 'high' - it still has to be illegal because it is related to marijuana.

Yet, I find myself amused about stories of Henry Ford growing fields of Hemp to fuel his automobiles. And how Dupont and Mellon, Treasury Secretary of the U.S., and petroleum supporter and investor, conspired against hemp - in the guise of marijuana - to eliminate not only a competitor of the petroleum industry, but cotton, tobacco, and almost every other important industry of the day.

Then there are stories of how tire, petroleum, and auto industries bought out the original Los Angeles light-rail system, dismantled it and created freeway sprawl as well as today's most important automotive market - certainly no motive-driven collusion.

Ultimately, the story claims that Ford was against petroleum because it was so dirty - even then, in the early 1900's, oil was dirty and polluting. Ford was interested in biodiesel, hemp-biodiesel, but the robber barons were interested in petroleum.

And where has petroleum taken us?

The damage that foreign oil dependency has caused to America is beyond measure - SMOG, 911, and multiple wars in Iraq are nothing compared to the coming environmental costs.

Yet, Ford sells Ford Explorers and receives a tax advantage from the government because those Explorers 'could' fill up with ethanol gasoline, but don't. Thus, Ford receives a tax credit for fuel efficiency, even though it isn't. Good to see the government hard at work!

American automakers have become incapable of competing in the fuel efficient vehicle segment, so the government creates loopholes and tax incentives for America automakers to increase America's foreign oil dependency. Someday, they've said for decades, fuel cells will take care of the all the world's problems.

Thus, Congress - Democrats and Republicans alike - continue to ignore the importance of fuel efficiency to reduce foreign oil dependence, to help reduce funding for terrorism against the U.S., to help American auto companies become more competitive, and to help the damned environment.

If you don't believe in pollution, stop using your plumbing and just crap in the backyard for a few months and then tell me there is no such thing as pollution or global warming. What is wrong with people?

Those whom argue against global warming constantly try to say the science is not 100%. While that is true, the science? What kind of idiot can say pollution isn't a problem based on science, when the essence of science is based on the principle that for every action is an equal and opposite reaction?

Efficiency is the essence of natural science and fuel efficiency should be a national priority for America, but it isn't. Instead, the U.S. Congress rewards Ford for building gas-guzzling SUVs. Unfortunately, it is obvious that U.S. politicians and corporations represent money, not people.

Demand nothing less than hybrid vehicle efficiency and register to vote! The only thing that can change America, is the people.

Hybrids versus Fuel Cell Vehicles

Are hybrid vehicles just an interim technology? Are fuel cells over-rated? Why does GM act like hybrids are an annoyance in the way of fuel cell vehicles? Why is it cheaper for America to be dependent upon foreign energy when the technology to end such dependence exists today? (More)

Is Wall Street Wrong on Fuel Cells?

Is Wall Street wrong on fuel cells? That's what Ballard Power Systems, CEO Dennis Campbell, recently told Autoweek. "Wall Street has very short vision. All the fuel cell stocks have been hammered. I can't explain it."

Still, even under the best, best, best case scenario, fuel cell cars are at least a decade away from reality. At that point they will still be very expensive, and fueling stations could still be a major issue. Even if Ballard does perfect a fuel cell stack, integrating them into automobiles is another important obstacle and demonstrates the vast upside of some hybrid vehicles.

Toyota hybrid vehicles, such as the Highlander hybrid and the Prius, have only begun to achieve their potential. Both these vehicles serve as platforms for gasoline-electric hybrids, but more important, they serve as the platform for fuel cell vehicles as well.

Hybrid vehicles can help make fuel cell vehicles a reality much faster, and they can help us deal with today's oil-dependency problem, today. Can America really afford to wait another decade or two before taking action?

GM and Toyota partnership good for both

As GM and Toyota meet this weekend, I'm very excited that something special could happen in Japan. In the last couple of weeks Toyota has considered raising prices on its vehicles to 'help' GM. Really the "Japanese rival is worried about doing too well and sparking a protectionist backlash in the United States," according to a great DetroitNews article. In an odd way, Toyota needs GM as much GM needs Toyota. GM needs a jump start into new products, and earlier this week I wrote that GM and Toyota fuel cell talks have to include hybrid vehicles (read article). Sure GM would have to pay a licensing fee to Toyota for its hybrid technology, but GM could gain some momentum, today, rather than 5 - 10 years from now. Ultimately, Toyota needs GM to stay healthy so that the American economy stays healthy. Without America, even mighty Toyota could falter.

23 Billion reasons to buy a hybrid car

Hybrid vehicles can change the world today.

The only question, today, is cost-effectiveness. So, we're supposed to wait until fuel cells, we're told by the American auto establishment?

How cost-effective are fuel cells?

Instead of giving billions to the oil industry with the Energy Bill, perhaps Congress should give it to GM to produce some hybrid vehicle "Freedom Fighter" fleets. Buy this hybrid car, end foreign oil dependency, make America stronger.

Instead we're asking filthy rich oil barons to solve our problems, until fuel cells?

Who does Congress represent? American automakers invested far too much of their future into SUVs because Congress made it profitable for them to do so - at the expense of America's national security.

While I believe in laissez-faire economics, foreign-oil dependency has led to two wars in Iraq, terrorism against the United States, and life-shortening pollution.

I'd say its quite clear that gas-guzzling products have put America's peace and property rights at risk, without question. America's transportation habits have significantly increased America's dependence upon foreign oil, while exposing Americans to significant physical and economic risk.

When Congress gives billions to the oil industry, an industry that saw $23 billion in profits in just the first 3 months of this year, to help, that's 23 billion reasons for me to demand nothing less than hybrid car efficiency now.

More on hybrid cars.

Toyota and GM talks: Hybrids, fuel cells, or both?

When the Asian Wall Street Journal speculated that GM and Toyota might discuss sharing hybrid technology, GM went out of its way to quash such thinking. The meeting to discuss fuel cell technology was set over a year ago, GM immediately shot back while reaffirming its hybrid partnership with DaimlerChrysler. Still, Toyota has stated that its fuel cell vehicles will be hybrid vehicles. Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius, Highlander hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid are simply the beginning of a technological bridge to affordable fuel cells. Thus, isn't a meeting that involves Toyota fuel cells also a meeting about hybrids?

Hybrid car buyer's guide: Which hybrid vehicle is best for you?

So you've decided that you want to do something to reduce foreign oil-dependency, or to help the environment. Maybe you're just a technology buff and you believe that hybrid cars are a bridge to fuel cells. The point is, you have your reasons for buying a hybrid, but not all hybrids address those issues equally.

So, why do you want a hybrid?

If you want to use as little gas as possible, then the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic hybrid are best. These hybrid vehicles look very different and feel very different. Additionally, leases are available for Civic hybrids, but not for the Prius. Both hybrids are in the same price range, but the Prius is a bit of a better performer.

Perhaps a car just isn't an option. You need an SUV. Fortunately for you, the hybrid SUV segment offers the most choices. You won't save nearly as much gas as with the Prius or Civic hybrid, but the Ford Escape hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV. This June, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will come to market, offering slightly less fuel efficiency than the Escape, but more seating and more power.

For a large family, the Highlander hybrid is probably the best choice because it will seat up to seven.

The Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV is the least efficient of the SUV bunch, but by far the most powerful, as well as the most luxurious. This luxury hybrid is faster than its conventional cousin, significantly more fuel efficient, and emits far less pollution. Of course this performance has costs and the hybrid Lexus is priced over $10,000 more than a standard RX330.

The Honda Accord hybrid is a different breed of hybrid, but it is best of breed when it comes to Accords. Just as the RX400h, the Accord hybrid is faster, more powerful, and significantly more fuel efficient than its conventional cousin. In urban, stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid Accord is the least efficient of all the hybrids. This hybrid is a highway vehicle.

Each one of these hybrids is a good investment in the future. On average, with tax credits and 6 years of driving you'll recover your hybrid costs, and you'll have helped make the world a better place.

Can you really put a price on that?