Chevy to reveal electric vehicle at NAIAS

On Sunday, January 7th, Chevy will reveal an electric concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. While GM has been accused of killing the electric vehicle, the automaker has recently claimed that the future is electric. In addition to an electric concept vehicle, there is great speculation that GM might also debut a plug-in hybrid at the Detroit show. Or, perhaps the Chevy offers both possibilities?

Germans hoping to take over America with diesel

German automakers are hoping to leave hybrid cars in the dust and convert Americans into clean diesel guzzlers, rather than gasoline guzzlers. "That is the bet European automobile manufacturers are making as they talk the talk of gas-electric hybrid engines to show they care for the environment, but walk the walk down the diesel trail." (more)

Why is that hybrid vehicles are only seen as environment savers? Obviously the environment is a huge reason that many Americans buy hybrids, but just as many buy hybrids because of foreign oil dependency. Clean diesel technology simply isn't going to end foreign oil dependency, however, plug-in hybrid technology could.

Foreign oil dependency: Security versus profits

So, we know that America's current electric grid could handle the power demands of converting conventional automobiles into plug-in hybrid vehicles. We know that such a move would reduce pollution. We know that using advanced carbon-fibers could produce 50 percent lighter vehicles that are stronger than today's vehicles. We know that adding plug-in hybrid technology to such vehicles would produce super strong, super fuel efficient automobiles capable of ending foreign oil dependency and drastically reducing all forms of pollution.

The only thing we don't know is, are such vehicles profitable to automakers? While it is a sad commentary on society that health and security are bean-counted against profitability, that is today's reality.

Still, wouldn't funding an automotive revolution via advanced technology be a worthy investment for government via less military protection of oil, for automakers via retooling their entire operations in state of the art technology geared for the future, and for consumers via increased fuel savings and security?

Why not spawn the next great revolution in human history?

Worsening traffic congestion underscores need for hybrid technology

According to a very interesting article in BusinessWeek, traffic congestion has increased significantly every year since 1982, and within 10 years the problem is going to increase drastically, even in areas with only medium congestion.

What are the costs? "In 2003, the wasted time and fuel due to congestion cost the U.S. population $63.1 billion. This translates to nearly $800 per traveler and 2.3 billion gallons of fuel!" Unfortunately, the BW article also points out the lack of any easy solutions to this worsening problem. One can only imagine how many billions of gallons we will be wasting by 2010 - scary!

Greater congestion is simply the future, which underscores the need for hybrid technology. When it comes to real world fuel economy, automobiles perform horribly in congestion, yet hybrid cars offer significant improvements in these conditions. More important the potential of hybrids in these conditions is just emerging. Plug-in hybrids could largely function gasoline-free in such conditions.

Isn't it time to really start thinking about the future?

Toyota will offer plug-in hybrids as soon as technology is ready

Toyota is hearing the voice of Americans when it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles, Jim Press, President of Toyota North America told the Inside Line. However, just as GM has indicated, plug-in technology just isn't quite ready for prime time. "We are hearing the voice of the customer, and we want [plug-ins] as much as anyone else," Press said. "It is not a lack of desire; it is a lack of science. We don't want to come out with a technology prematurely that might not succeed." So, if you are interested in plug-in hybrid technology, buy one of today's hybrids - its the best way to invest in tomorrow's hybrid technology.

Nissan VP calls hybrids "unprofitable"

"Hybrids today are not a very viable economic proposition. It's still a loss-making proposition and we'll see," said Dominique Thormann, Nissan North America's senior vice president for administration and finance. "People don't want to pay more for a hybrid. They get a tax credit for it but they don't want to pay the price for the cost of the hybrid," he said.

Of course, what else can anyone from Nissan claim? Imagine the V.P. claiming "Hybrids are profitable, which is why we don't offer any." Of course Nissan will soon offer the Altima hybrid, but they had to borrow technology from Toyota to do so.

On the other hand, Thormann also stated that half the cars sold in America are sold by companies losing money, so it isn't just about hybrid vehicles . Such a statement speaks to the larger issue facing the auto industry: The vehicles that are profitable simply aren't healthy for America or the world in terms of global warming and foreign oil dependency.

Yet, as more and more hybrid supplies are produced, those parts will become cheaper, as will hybrid vehicles. If hybrid vehicles can evolve into plug-in hybrids achieving 100+ mpg fuel economy - including a significant reduction in fueling costs - then hybrids could become cost-effective for consumers and profitable for automakers.

Of course, only some automakers have that vision.

Commerical viability of plug-in hybrids to be tested in 3 year study

Argonne National Laboratory and the Electric Power Research Institute will conduct a three year research project to determine the commercial feasibility of plug-in hybrid vehicles for the U.S. Department of Energy.

"The objective of the multi-year research project is to provide a balanced and authoritative study of both the advantages of and the challenges to the design and commercial production of PHEVs. An assessment of potential social benefits of PHEVs, including reductions in imported petroleum-based fuels, enhancement of American energy security and air quality improvement will be key components of the study." (more)

Are Democrats AGAINST the hybrid vehicle revolution?

In a bid to support geothermal power, Harry Reid today accused the Bush Administration of being "so oil-friendly that we have been able to get their attention on virtually nothing that is not oil related," Reid said. "They’re not that interested in renewables."

Hmmm??? While Democrats are looking to bail out the fuel inefficient Big 3, Bush did have the courage to tell Detroit to produce 'relevant' vehicles. Bush has also, on numerous occasions promoted hybrid vehicles and lithium ion battery development. In fact, Bush even went so far as to say that hybrid vehicles were the best way to change consumer behavior.

Is that the definition of "lack of interest"? Maybe, for a politician.

Moreover, Bush asked Congress to extend tax credits for hybrid cars, something which Congress chose not to do. Yet, now that Democrats have taken over Congress I've heard very little about hybrid vehicles and even less about tax credits for hybrid cars.

Instead, the whole Democratic platform now seems fixated on E85.

Even worse Democratic ranking members of Congress have already voiced their disinterest in raising fuel economy standards in the U.S. because they don't want to sacrifice jobs - Democrat supporting UAW jobs - for increased fuel efficiency. Quite a different tune the Democrats are singing now compared to just a couple of years ago when Democrats blamed Republicans for not raising fuel economy standards, even though key Democrats joined Republicans on that vote.

Can we stop playing politics, for at least one year?

I really wish Reid and some other Democrats would quit the partisanship. Didn't America vote for change? Well, let's start changing, please? Let's take the high road, Democrats. Lead by example.

Obviously, the Democratic Party wants to do as much as possible to tarnish the President in an effort to claim the White House. However, if they don't focus on doing something these next two years just to try to win the White House, they might just catapult Republicans back into power.

For years Democrats have done a lot of talking about what should be done, what Republicans didn't do, and they were right, the Republican Party failed the people and America.

Still, now its time for Democrats to stop talking and to start acting. When it comes to foreign oil dependency and national security, even global warming, nothing matters more than fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, the benefits provided by E85 are not going to amount to much if our energy consumption keeps going up. Democrats and the rest of Congress must focus on fuel efficiency. If they are not going to mandate tough standards, then help Detroit develop fuel efficient technologies, particularly hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and give consumers tax incentives to buy these global warming and foreign oil dependency fighters.

Even oil man Bush understood that issue.

Let's hope Democrats and the rest of Congress can finally start helping America instead of just blaming each other for what is wrong with America.

Plug-in hybrid technology being tested

Valence Technology has partnered with EnergyCS to produce a plug-in Prius hybrid for the city of Sacramento to test for fleet viability. Likewise, Canada's Manitoba Hydro is also testing plug-in hybrid vehicles and their impact on the electric grid.

While it is great these developments are occurring, it seems plug-in hybrid technology is still a couple of years away from reality, and I hope that fact doesn't stymie hybrid investment.

The technology powering plug-ins, particularly lithium-ion batteries, will rapidly evolve in the next decade. A fleet of plug-in hybrids might not be cost-effective for cities such as Sacramento in the short term. Nonetheless, current hybrid vehicles certainly are cost effective today for Sacramento, and their purchase helps invest in the future of plug-in hybrids, which will definitely be cost effective in the future.

Lithium hybrid revolution 3 to 4 years away?

While you can't buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle today from any of the major auto manufacturers, you could buy a Toyota Prius and have that hybrid vehicle converted into a plug-in hybrid vehicle, but why would you do that?

Full hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid, have the ability to run completely on electric power, as well as the ability to generate electric power. In current hybrid technology this typically happens at lower speeds such as in stop-and-go or slow-and-go traffic, and this feature is one of the primary reasons hybrids are so fuel efficient.

Nonetheless, current hybrids have a limited ability to store energy because NiMH batteries in hybrids only have so much capacitiy.

Lithium ion batteries, on the other hand, enable a hybrid to extend this storage capacity, however, simply driving the hybrid probably won't generate enough electricity via regenerative breaking, etc to fill the batteries to full capactity.

Thus, why not plug the hybrid into an outlet and top the batteries off? Doing so with today's plug-in prototypes enables these hybrids to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone, a distance greater than the average American commute.

This is the potential of lithium ion battery powered hybrid vehicles, and this is what has GM preparing to show off a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle in early 2007 - probably at the North American International Auto Show. Still, according to GM's Bob Lutz, the real potential of a plug-in hybrid vehicle is still about 3 to 4 years away.

Lutz told The Detroit News that GM estimates it will take three to four years "to convert from 'power' lithium batteries to 'energy storage' lithium cells," which would allow vehicles to travel farther distances.

Imagine the ability to travel 100 miles on electric power alone with technology which will probably be available in just 3 to 4 years. Imagine the effect such vehicles would have on foreign oil dependency. Imagine adding a a few solar panels or a small wind turbine to your garage and powering your plug-in hybrid with completely green electricity.

So why just imagine it? Why not make this a reality?

Buying today's hybrid cars helps invest in this future. Additionally, we must put pressure on Congress to offer more incentives to both automakers and consumers for developing and buying these types of vehicles. In the long run, these investments in the future will more than pay for themselves.

GM's i-Car plug-in hybrid probably to debut at NAIAS

While unconfirmed, GM's prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle will probably be unveiled a the North American International Auto Show, although CEO Rick Wagoner might also cover the vehicle at a speech he'll be giving later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

GM already toning down its i-Car campaign?

About two weeks ago I made a post about GM's i-Car, a car many believe will be some type of plug-in hybrid vehicle. According to unconfirmed sources at that time, the i-Car campaign would be launched some time before the end of the year as a challenge to Toyota and its hybrid cars. Then, earlier this week, Bob Lutz told the AutomotiveNews that the future was all electric vehicles powered by fuel cells. In the interim, Mr. Lutz claimed a plug-in hybrid would probably be the best solution, and the reality of the i-Car campaign seemed, well, real.

Suddenly, it seemed GM was preparing to completely reinvent itself. Finally, I thought, finally.

Perhaps, I got a little too excited a little too quickly.

While the LA Times is reporting that GM is going to launch an electric vehicle prototype next year, there are already questions about how serious GM actually is about the i-Car program, at least in the short term. Maybe, now that Democrats have control of Congress, GM believes it can rest on E85 and flex-fuel vehicles for several years rather than actually doing something great.

Democrats appear ready to focus on alternative fuels as answer to foreign oil dependency

As I stated earlier today, when it comes to foreign oil dependency, don't expect any real change from Democrats. Rep. John Dingell, whom will become chairmen of House Energy and Commerce Committee in January, has been a strong proponent against increased CAFE standards and he appears to see E85 and alternative fuels as the main solution to foreign oil dependency. (more)

Hopefully, Democrats will extend a few crumbs towards hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid cars, but that might offend the UAW too much, so don't expect any new tax credits for hybrids.

This is the big change America voted for? Excuse me for not being overly excited. When push comes to shove, politicians are just politicians and Democrats aren't really much better than Republicans.

It all comes down to the people. Politicians don't lead revolutions, people do, and voting for Democrats is no revolution.

Some interesting quotes

"In recent years, attempts to increase fuel economy standards have been met with broad bipartisan opposition and we're hopeful that that opposition continues," said Charles Territo, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

"Energy policy and fuel economy standards for the past 20 years have been a bipartisan failure," said David Friedman, research director for the Union of Concerned Scientists' Clean Vehicles Program. "The next year will tell us a lot about how serious people are."

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

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

So, is ethanol worth the price?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Silverado hybrid wins SEMA Award

I had to laugh when I read the press release from SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, regarding the award the Chevy Silverado Hybrid won at the 2006 show.

"The Chevrolet Silverado Classic Hybrid -- the first full-size production pickup to utilize hybrid technology -- is also the first hybrid to be recognized as the most accessory friendly vehicle at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, capturing one of four SEMA Vehicle Design Awards and becoming the benchmark in SEMA's newest design award category." (more)

"First hybrid....", please.

Quite frankly, calling the Silverado a hybrid is offensive to those whom truly support hybrid technology. If the Saturn Vue hybrid is a "a maximally minimal venture in hybrid powertrain technology that would seem less about fuel economy and more about securing coveted hybrid badges on the doors," then the Silverado hybrid is a maximally inept hybrid vehicle.

Sorry GM fans. Until GM offers a full hybrid vehicle, GM is on my #8@* list regarding hybrids. Hopefully, GM will exceed my expectations when they announce plans for the i-Car plug-in hybrid.

For now, however, GM simply doesn't offer any hybrid vehicles in my eyes.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Forget plug-in hybrid vehicles - For Now

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. That's the sentiment that plug-in hybrid vehicles are beginning to cause me.

Over the weekend, as I was catching up on some news I read two hybrid stories. The first by Green Car Congress discussed Hymotion, a hybrid to plug-in hybrid conversion company, and their plans to add solar panels to their conversion process. Now this is an idea I completely support and I totally support Hymotion.

So, why am I beginning to have plug-in angst? (Full Story)

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.

An interesting week for hybrid cars

It was an interesting week for hybrid cars. It started with Peugeot's C-Matisse diesel hybrid vehicle. While only a concept vehicle, this hybrid demonstrates that Peugeot is preparing for the hybrid revolution. By 2010, when I predict the hybrid revolution will really getting rolling, Peugeot will be ready.

Then there was an Intellichoice award for the Mariner hybrid, the debut of the 2008 Mariner hybrid, and the debut of the 2007 Nissan Altima hybrid. Plus a number of other hybrid stories which you can review by scrolling down on this blog.

Still, my favorite piece of hybrid news this week was the Astrolab solar hybrid vehicle. This is going to be a production vehicle, not a concept car. While solar hybrids are a long way away from the mainstream, this vehicle demonstrates that the potential of hybrid technology is only just emerging. Shucks, throw in a small fuel cell and the 'hydrogen highway' might not even be needed.

Today's hybrid cars are just the beginning.

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.

Astrolab: First solar hybrid available for sale

For EUR92,000 you can purchase an Astrolab solar electric hybrid vehicle according to BusinessWeekOnline. The Venturi Astrolab can achieve a top speed of about 70 mph and its performance is "remarkably close to that of a petrol-engined vehicle". While the two-seater can be fueled completely be the power of the sun, it also functions as a plug-in hybrid, so it can also be fueled by standard electricity. Sure this solar hybrid is expensive, but it clearly demonstrates what CAN be accomplished. Maybe the 'solar economy' makes more sense than the 'hydrogen economy'.

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.

Congress: Plug-in hybrids or extended tax credits for hybrids?

O.K., even oil man, President Bush, says we gotta end our foreign oil dependency, and I think the majority of Americans agree. Consequently, the big talk lately has focused on plug-in hybrid vehicles, and even the largest utility in California is now promoting plug-in technology (more).

I say, 'hold on'.

Plug-in hybrids are an excellent direction to push automotive technology towards, and getting the government involved is both wise and necessary. However, the current tax credit for hybrid vehicles is a far more important issue - for now.

Right now, the market for hybrid cars is dominated by the Toyota Prius. Yet, the Prius and every other Toyota are going to soon see smaller tax credits, quickly followed by no tax credits.

This is how Toyota is rewarded for doing the right thing? This is how consumers are rewarded for doing the right thing? But, back to plug-ins.

Plug-in hybrid technology just isn't cost-effective - at least not mentally - for most Americans. While the technology might pay for itself in the long run, Americans think about today, maybe tomorrow, not 7 years from now.

Plug-in hybrid technology just isn't there yet. Current hybrid vehicles are a hard enough sell for most with tax credits, but without.....?

That doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for plug-ins. We absolutely should strive for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and nothing pushes automobiles towards plug-in technology faster than current hybrid vehicles. The more current hybrids that sell, the faster plug-in hybrids will hit the market.

Plug-in hybrids are a great idea, a great idea that might never see the light of day if tax credits for hybrid vehicles are not extended.

Almost certainly, millions of small business owners have received far more tax incentives for buying gas-guzzling SUVs, so I think the government can afford tax incentives for foreign oil dependency fighting hybrid cars - even if they are Japanese.

Join our campaign for extending the tax credits on hybrid cars.

Hybrids, Flex-fuel guzzling and biodiesel

Well, who knows if we'll need hybrid cars for much longer. Since Chevron has apparently discovered a huge oil reserve, maybe we can go back to $1.00 gas! Of course, then we'll simply increase our demand, and eventually end up back in the same place.

Besides, I say technology can revolutionize the American auto industry, which is only going to survive if we take the automobile into the next generation, and that means the end of gasoline.

But the revolution extends beyond the auto industry.

One of my primary interests in plug-in hybrid vehicles is not just the end of foreign oil dependency, or cleaner energy, but the effect that plug-in technology could have on the solar industry. Imagine clean and green solar energy powering your house and vehicles, while paying for itself in less than 20 years? In the interim, monthly energy expenses will still probably be less than without solar power.

Now that's revolutionary. Besides, alternative fuels have limited potential.

"Even if all of the corn and soy being grown in the U.S. right now were used to make biodiesel in its 100% vegetable oil form, it would only satisfy about 15% of the current demand for diesel fuel," says Geeta Agashe, director of the Petroleum and Energy practice for Kline's research division. (more)

Anyway, don't we have better uses for food crops and all the water we'd need to make these fuels?

Let's face it, a 10 mpg flex fuel vehicle really isn't really going green by going yellow.

Ultimately, technology is the only way forward for America. That means hybrid vehicles and solar power.

Utility company backs plug-in hybrid vehicles

So, now California's largest utility company is getting on the plug-in hybrid bandwagon (more)? And why not? It's just more business for the utility companies, right? Maybe, maybe not.

An even more important issue for many; however, is whether electricity is cleaner than gasoline?

On the face of it, maybe not, but that isn't the real point. The point is, today, hybrid cars are more efficient than conventional vehicles due to technologies such as regenerative breaking which creates electricity stored in batteries. This electricity can be used to fully power some hybrids at lower speeds, such as in the daily slow-and-go commutes of the average urbanite.

And that's where plug-in technology comes in.

Effective plug-in hybrid vehicles will need new battery technology, such as lithium-ion technology. Lithium batteries could increase the efficiency capabilities of hybrids, enabling them to act almost as electric vehicles. Still, if battery power isn't sufficient, gasoline is always available as a backup.

But let's get back to the clean energy debate. Next generation hybrid technology and software, coupled with next generation batteries, means that hybrids can generate even more of their own electricity. Consequently, the vehicle doesn't have to plug-in for all of its fuel - just to top off the batteries. Eventually, this model could even incorporate a small fuel cell, which would make the vehicle even far more efficient.

Already, labs such as Argonne, have studied the clean energy debate and their studies indicate that plug-in hybrids - ALL THINGS CONSIDERED - are cleaner than gasoline powered vehicles. Moreover, over time plug-in hybrids will achieve greater and greater efficiency.

Oh yeah, and we could end foreign oil dependency. Even if plug-in hybrids were ONLY as clean as gasoline vehicles, wouldn't ending foreign oil dependency still make them worth it?

The Best Hybrid Vehicle

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

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

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

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

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)

Study indicates strong consumer interest in hybrids, including plug-in hybrids

A study by Synovate indicates the consumers are very knowledgeable about hybrid cars and that almost 50% of those surveyed would consider buying one. Additionally, once consumers are informed about plug-in hybrid technology, consumer interest is also strong. (more)

No Toyota plug-in hybrid until 2010?

Do you like hybrid cars, but you want to wait for a plug-in hybrid vehicle before making a purchase? Well, you might be waiting until at least 2010 before buying such a vehicle from Toyota according to new article in AutoWeek.

Bush plugs plug-in hybrids again

"We're working on battery technologies," President Bush said in Washington at a speech to the National Association of Manufacturers. "They say we're pretty close to a breakthrough in a battery where you can drive the first 40 miles on a battery, and your car doesn't look like a golf cart." (more)

Sure, he might be an oil man, but when it comes to hybrid cars, President Bush deserves a few kudos. Bush has now been on the plug-in hybrid vehicle bandwagon for at least year and he has been lobbying Congress to extend the tax credits for buying hybrid cars. Hopefully, Congress will take a little action.

More on the obstacles regarding plug-in hybrids.

Plug-in hybrid cars not ready for prime time?

I love the idea of plug-in hybrid cars, but I've long believed that plug-in hybrid cars are not ready for prime time. California's current electrical grid, for example, simply could not tolerate millions of cars plugging in at this time. Then there are environmental concerns and high costs.

In reality, even standard hybrid cars aren't yet ready for prime time, but they are close. Until there is a $15,000 hybrid vehicle, mass market consumption of hybrids will be extremely limited. Still, the technology behind hybrid vehicles - both standard and plug-in - is poised for great advancements and both hybrids will not only become more powerful and fuel efficient, but cheaper. In fact, the potential of the next generation of hybrids demonstrates that fuel cell vehicles might not even be quite so necessary. While that doesn't mean we should discontinue fuel cell vehicle research, it does mean we should do everything we can to create the most environment friendly, fuel efficient automobiles as quickly as possible. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids offer too much potential to turn back now. More important, as I recently argued, give consumers the choice to choose their fuel - whether that fuel is gasoline, electricity or ethanol

For an interesting article on the realities of plug-in hybrid cars, check out this CNN article, Plug-in hybrids: Not ready for primetime.

More juice for plug-in hybrid vehicles

Recently, I was doing some research on the Tesla electric car. 0 - 60 in around 4 seconds, 250 miles per charge at a fueling cost of about 1 cent per gallon - how awesome is that? Sure the vehicle costs $100,000 and will probably only be an option for the Hollywood elite, but it still demonstrates that the days of gasoline are nearing an end and that we definitely don't have to wait for hydrogen to save the world.

Even better, especially in the short term, flex-fuel-plug-in hybrid vehicles could be made for less than half the cost of the Tesla. Such a vehicle would extend the range of the vehicle and make it easier to fuel on long distance trips. Additionally, it would allow owners to choose the fuel of their choice.

While gas-guzzlers and their producers consistently talk about consumer choice, wouldn't real choice include not just the size of the vehicle, but the choice of fuel? Let me decide if I want ethanol, gasoline or electricity. Now that's real choice.

Toyota more interested in plug-in hybrids

Toyota is becoming more and more receptive to plug-in hybrid cars saying they are "strongly considering" the technology. Still, there are some critical battery issues that must be resolved and a Toyota plug-in hybrid is still probably years away. More important, Toyota announced that hybrid cars are an integral piece of the future, “Make no mistake about it, hybrids are the technology of the future and they will play a starring role in the automotive industry in the 21st century.” (MSNBC)

$6500.00 to double your hybrid's fuel mileage?

So, you achieve 50 mpg in your Toyota Prius, nice, huh? Would you pay another $6500 to double your mileage? By next summer, that's the price Hymotion is hoping to sell its plug-in kits for hybrid cars. Currently, the price for such a kit and installation is $12,000. Is $6500.00 still too expensive, or a great bargain?

Alternative fuels to save the world?

Can alternative fuels, such as ethanol or biodiesel, end the world's oil dependency?

It seems to me that supply and demand will always catch up to most fuels. Once petroleum was extremely cheap, so cheap that alternative fuels just didn't offer a viable enough economic case compared to gasoline.

While I'm not opposed to alternative fuels, technologies, such as hybrid cars, demonstrate that fuel is becoming less and less important. Lithium-ion powered hybrid cars with plug-in technology, for example, could take the far majority of Americans to work and home every day without any fuel. Now it is true that some electricity would be required to power these hybrids and that electricity might not come from clean sources. Nonetheless, how much quicker would a solar powered roof become cost effective if you could not only power your home, but all of your daily driving needs?

GM considering plug-in hybrid vehicle

GM has stated that it is considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

"We are always looking at ways to provide fuel efficiency to our customers, and energy independence to the United States," said GM spokesman Brian Corbett. "Obviously, a plug-in hybrid is something that would definitely be on our radar screen, something we could consider for the future. But I'm not saying we're going to do one or the other." (more)

Concern for energy independence? Oh, really? Wow! I'm sorry, but GM is still admitting that hybrid cars are only useful for image and marketing. I guess their plug-in hybrid vehicle would be for the same?

Still, I hope GM builds the plug-in hybrid.

Is GM heading down the wrong hybrid path?

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

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

So, which is better?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Toyota to double hybrid lineup by 2010

"We believe that hybrids will be the core technology in the 21st century," said Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of technology development, at a news conference. Thus, around 2010 Toyota will like to double its hybrid vehicle lineup from today's 7 to around 14 - leading to total sales of around 1 million hybrid cars. Moreover, Toyota wants to cut hybrid costs in half and further develop hybrid batteries - something the automaker indicated it was close to doing. Toyota also acknowledged that it was working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

UC Davis hybrid prepares for Challenge X

UC Davis has strong history with hybrid cars, especially plug-in hybrids, so it comes as no surprise that students from the University will enter Challenge X. "UC Davis is the latest entrant to the upcoming Challenge X, a competition to develop a fuel-efficient SUV sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors. The UC Davis team's entry, called Trinity, is a modified Chevrolet Equinox whose batteries solely power the SUV for 50 miles before switching to the gasoline-electric hybrid system. A fuel cell powers secondary electrical systems such as air-conditioning." (AutoblogGreen)

New hybrid technology plugged to Congress

Yesterday, a number of scientists promoted plug-in hybrid vehicles to Congress whom might offer $250 million in incentives for such a program. (MORE)

Ford Considering Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

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

What Can the New X-Prize Accomplish?

Almost 2 years ago I drove out to the Mojave Desert in the middle of the morning to watch Burt Rutan blast into suborbital space with SpaceShipOne. While the X-Prize did accomplish its goal, the private business space race has been slow to develop. Of course, conquering space is much more complicated than building an extremely fuel efficient vehicle, isn't it?

That's why the X-Prize's newest venture, a 250 mpg vehicle, is very compelling.

It seems automakers can develop extremely efficient technologies, for example, hybrid cars with lithium-ion batteries, or hybrids that plug-in to the grid for extra power. Combined with lighter materials, new aerodynamic designs, and the automotive revolution seems at hand.

So, why isn't it happening?

While I don't really think the X-Prize will result in much that the standard auto industry hasn't explored, I think the X-Prize could inspire the public - the average auto consumer. The time has come for America to rethink its relationship to the automobile, hopefully, the X-Prize can spur that movement.

Fickle consumers underscore need for hybrid technology

Most Consumers Still Demand Performance and/or Size

Hybrid technology is just emerging and still evolving, but already there are mild hybrids, full hybrids, one-mode hybrids, two-mode hybrids, gasoline hybrids, diesel hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, plug-in hybrids, flex-fuel hybrids, etc.

Another class of hybrids, performance hybrids, have often been the source of much media ridicule because they are as much about performance as fuel efficiency. Such hybrids include the Lexus RX400h and the Honda Accord hybrid. Additionally, other hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, could have been made to be more fuel efficient, but Toyota figured Highlander drivers, and many SUV drivers, still favored a certain level of performance more than fuel efficiency. Much evidence seems to show that Toyota is right.

According to a CNN/Kelly Blue Book study, almost 25% of consumers are willing to give up performance and size for better fuel economy; however, 25% refuse to give up anything for better fuel economy. The other 50% will give up a little size, or a little performance, etc.

Along those same lines, an AutoWeek article notes, Loyalists won't quit big SUVs; hauling power, improved fuel economy help move vehicles . "Arguably, Americans insist on SUVs. It's unique to their lifestyle and utility."

Additionally, while Congress is going to finally address CAFE, it now appears that the new regulations will still protect Detroit's SUV domain. It is just too obvious in Congress that Detroit probably cannot survive if CAFE is pushed too high.

Unfortunately, performance and size are simply more important to most Americans than is fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, ever rising oil prices, ever more realizations of the connection between foreign oil, terrorism and American hate, will slowly force more and more Americans to take fuel efficiency seriously.

The technology behind hybrid cars enables automakers to continue to provide performance and size to Americans, while also significantly reducing foreign oil dependency. This isn't something that should be done, it is something that must be done. While Congress will probably be weak on CAFE, they should be overly aggressive in offering tax incentives to promote hybrid technology.

Join our Campaign to Make Congress Act On Hybrid Tax Incentives.

Is Silicon Valley the Next Detroit, but Cleaner and Greener?

Sometimes I just don't think that Ford and GM are going to find the light at the end of the tunnel. They simply seem to be lost in the past and unable to find a new vision for the future.

While I hope that changes, as the technology behind automobiles evolves from motors and gasoline into computers and batteries, perhaps Silicon Valley is better positioned for the future than is Detroit. That's the point of the article, A car that could save the planet—fast.

This movement, "a growing cluster of engineers, startups, and investors, most of them based in Silicon Valley, that believe they can do what major automakers have failed at for decades: Think beyond the golf cart and deliver an electric vehicle (EV) to the mass market."

"Beyond that, startups are forming to equip new "plug-in" hybrids that run almost entirely on their electric motors. And around the country, a handful of other exotic EVs are showing up on the road -- including George Clooney's new ride, a $108,000 commuter coupe that's just 3 feet wide."

Hybrid cars, such as the Prius, have demonstrated that automakers can do better, much better. If Detroit can't be the place for this automotive revolution, let's hope that Silicon Valley can.

Bush Promotes More Hybrid Tax Incentives This Morning

This morning President Bush said that America needs to end its dependence on oil, but he also noted that such a move will neither be fast nor easy. Again, Bush plugged not only hybrid cars, but plug-in hybrid vehicles. Moreover, he also asked for more tax incentives for buying hybrids and stated that all hybrid buyers should receive the current tax credit.

According to many scientists, $3.00 gas is only the beginning of why we should move on hybrids and other fuel efficient technologies as fast as possible. For if Hubbert's Peak has been reached, or is just around the corner, then America and much of the world will not be able to react fast enough.

On Hubbert's Peak, $3.00 gas is cheap.

So, where or what is Hubbert's Peak? It is the tipping point when global oil production begins a permanent decline. Some scientists think this point was hit in late 2005, others think it will be reached within 20 or 30 years.

In the next 20 or 30 years, global oil demand is predicted to skyrocket. What happens if we reach Hubbert's Peak in 5 years or 10 years? What happens if we've already reached the Peak?

A Prius in Every Pot? Mrs. Dowd smoking too much pot?

"It's taken over five years, but George W. Bush finally made a concession speech to Al Gore.

He conceded that America needs to conserve, by buying hybrid vehicles and developing new energy sources."

This is the lead to Maureen Dowd's A Prius in Every Pot editorial originally posted in the NY Times, in which Mrs. Dowd blames the entire gas crisis on Republicans, particularly Dick Cheney.

Just to be clear, Bush has been on the hybrid band wagon for at least year, even promoting plug-in hybrids last year, but why haggle over facts?

So, Mrs. Dowd would have us believe that Republicans like Cheney, Bush etc. would screw over Americans to make their oil co-conspirators rich at the expense of the entire Republican Party? So, these very rich Republicans are not only selling out their Presidential legacies, but the entire Republican Party, for a little more money?

That's just silly, especially since the current price of oil is decided in the open markets.

Certainly, Republicans deserve a great amount of blame for not helping to promote alternative fuels or alternative technologies, such as hybrid cars earlier. Democrats, on the other hand, deserve considerable blame for protecting the Unions of inefficient, gas-guzzling producing American auto companies.

For decades many Democrats have regularly joined Republicans, including recently, to prevent an increase in CAFE because they knew union members would lose their jobs.

More important, American citizens deserve much blame for not being more fuel efficient. When Europe pays $5.00 for a gallon of gas, did we really believe we could pay just $2.00 forever while always increasing our demand?

And to be fair, just what did President Clinton accomplish to reduce America's average fuel economy in his 8 years? According to statistics, nothing.

O.K., since gas prices weren't that high then, Americans didn't really care about this issue, so we just guzzled more gas. Was this also Bush and Cheney's fault?

Let's not forget, gas-guzzler sales really took off during the Clinton Administration, when Dowd's hero, Al Gore, was in office.

Inevitably, too many Americans, including most members of Congress, waste energy and guzzle gas. Earlier today I posted an article about how the members of Congress contribute to gas-guzzling. Most members of Congress are horrible conservationists and most drive gas-guzzlers, regardless of party.

With this kind of leadership to follow, is there really any wonder why America is in this energy crisis?

Inevitably, Democrats, Republicans, automakers, and many American citizens share the blame for America's oil problems. Too bad professional mudslingers, such as Mrs. Dowd, can't be more open-minded, dare I say fair-minded, for it is precisely this type of myopic, provincial vision that has caused this crisis in the first place.

Plug-in hybrids gain a little momentum

AutoWeek claims, "Hybrid variant holds promise".

"Top politicians from President George W. Bush to Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch have thrown their weight behind a hybrid variant dubbed the 'plug-in hybrid.'

Hatch suggests a plug-in hybrid that burns ethanol could be the 'silver bullet' that frees America from dependency on foreign oil."

Still, effective plug-in hybrids are probably not cost-effective until lithium-ion batteries are far more common. Even then, according to Toyota, such capability could reduce the life of lithium-ion batteries. Obviously, this is a serious concern. Moreover, when lithium-ion batteries are made cost-effective, will hybrid cars even need plug-in capabilities?

Toyota believes its next generation Prius, a coupling of lithium-ion batteries and advanced computer technology, could achieve 94 mpg - without plugging into the grid.

Nonetheless, it's beautiful thing to imagine plugging your hybrid vehicle into a solar or wind powered house for a little extra energy.

Now that's energy independence.

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.

Can automakers do the right thing? Join the hybrid revolution

Talking 'bout a revolution

Recently, IBM held a think tank calling on business leaders to lead the green revolution, before the government forces them to do it with messy and expensive regulations.

Automakers need to heed this call.

Let's face it, can we really afford to wait much longer before taking oil dependency seriously? Political tensions in Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, the War in Iraq, bomb attacks on Saudi oil refineries and increased hurricane activity over the next decade are already great reasons to act, but they are only the beginning.

New evidence suggests that global warming is picking up fast. In less than 100 years, Miami could be a memory as oceans rise as much as 20 feet (NewScientist).

Additionally, yesterday I blogged about the potential of a billion new drivers from Asia and asked, "Where will the oil come from?"

Today, even China is beginning to tax SUVs and other gas guzzlers in an attempt to spur the sales and development of efficient automobiles.

Yet in America, we can only propose new fuel efficiency standards on large SUVs, but not on trucks - a huge source of gas-guzzling - because we wouldn't want to upset the American consumer or the American auto industry. (MORE)

We must do more, much more.

Even Flex fuel cars, hybrid cars, and plug-in hybrid cars are not enough. We need even better cars. We need to make automobiles smaller, and we need to make them flex fuel, plug-in hybrid vehicles. We need the best technology that the entire auto industry has to offer and we need it to be affordable. Most important, we need it NOW!

Yet, AutoWeek questions, "Do consumers even want plug-in hybrids?"

Since when did consumerism become more important than health or national security? So, what about smoking? What about seat belts? What about the Dubai port deal?

Ultimately, consumers will mostly do what is in their best interest, however, national security takes priority over consumer choice - ALWAYS. Still, if consumers know they can reduce fuel costs by 50%, they will gladly plug-in their vehicles.

Imagine the competition that could be created by flex-fuel plug-in hybrids for fuel choices. Ethanol, diesel, bio-diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, clean coal-powered electric, solar-powered electric, wind-powered electric, etc. all could play an important part in the new energy revolution that can fundamentally change the world. Ultimately, the green revolution and energy independence are not about protecting America, it's about liberating the people of the world.

The green revolution can be driven with the automobile. If the auto industry cannot focus on creating green choices for the world, then eventually the government will have to, and that won't be good for either consumers or businesses. Starting now might already be too late, but waiting any longer is simply suicidal.

Let's Revolt!

Congress doesn't need to build the green revolution, they need to inspire the green revolution with intelligent tax incentives. Let's keep the pressure on Congress and Business to do the right thing. Join the Hybrid Car Revolution Campaign.

The hybrid car revolution: Time to get Congress to Act

$25,000.00 Small Business Tax Deduction for Gas Guzzlers, but not hybrid cars? And how about a plug-in hybrid tax deduction?

Why are we giving huge tax deductions to small business owners that buy vehicles which cause the most pollution and offer the worst gas mileage? Why do we reward American automakers for continued complacency and incompetence?

Sure, Congress offers tax credits for hybrid cars, but they are capped. Yet there is no cap on how many extreme gas-guzzlers can receive a $25,000.00 tax deduction.

Why?

Even worse, the caps on hybrid cars are limited by manufacturer, which means that some manufactures, such as GM, can essentially sit on their credits for a couple of years. Why aren't these credits controlled by consumers, rather than greedy corporations?

Why?

Is this how Congress rewards technological innovation, or protects inept auto corporations?

We worry about the Dubai Port’s Deal and national security, even though numerous security experts say this is political issue, not a security issue. Yet, we don’t care that the security of the American economy is in the hands of terrorist-harboring countries that aren’t helping with the War on Terror, but countries which have explicitly exclaimed their hate for America and against the War on Terror.

Why?

But I don’t want to get too political. The point is, Congress can create real momentum towards a cleaner environment and towards energy security. The small business tax credit should immediately include hybrid vehicles and other forms of clean, alternative transportation.

Plug-in Hybrid Tax Incentives

Additionally, there should be some tax incentives for consumers that are willing to convert their hybrids into plug-in hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrid technology extends the benefits of hybrid vehicles, in addition to promoting more hybrid battery research.

The People, not the Corporations

Let's also move towards tax incentives on the buyer side, not the producer side. We’ve already given GM hundreds of millions of tax dollars to develop hybrids, instead, we got professional grade gas-guzzlers.

Put the power in the hands of consumers, not corporations.

Join the campaign to make Congress act on tax credits and deductions for hybrid cars.

New Energy Bill to include plug-in hybrid vehicles?

Plug-in hybrids, just like a regular hybrid, only better

Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado was on CNBC's Morning Call this morning to discuss a panel that had been convened to discuss America's energy situation. He indicated that there is broad bipartisan support in Congress for a new energy bill that further pushes the country towards energy independence. Congressman Salazar noted a two step approach to make this happen: 1.) Alternative fuels and 2.) A whole new generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

I say excellent idea, but make them flex-fuel plug-in hybrids. Click here to help.

Oil independence: Do Americans really care?

In order to achieve oil independence, Americans will have to make some tough decisions according to the article, Does America Want Oil Independence?. Still, hybrid cars and alternative fuels are a strong step in the right direction. While the article also plugs plug-in hybrid vehicles, I think it indirectly points out that flex-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles offer the best path towards beginning a real push for oil independence. Nonetheless, without a majority of Americans pushing for oil independence, many analysts think real change is almost impossible.

Thus, the question remains, "Do the majority of Americans really care about oil independence?"

Why I like the flex-fuel Ford Escape hybrid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on plug-in hybrid cars.

Bush keeps plugging hybrid vehicles

President Bush is plugging alternative energy on a two day trip starting today. One stop took Bush to Johnson Controls, Inc., an auto-parts supplier, where he promoted the development of new batteries for hybrid cars, including plug-in hybrid vehicles. Like many auto suppliers, Johnson Controls believes that Lithium-ion batteries will soon power most hybrid vehicles. (more)

Diesel versus ethanol versus hybrid: Why not Dare to Dream?

"Advocates for diesel -- a less refined fuel than gasoline that burns more completely in the engine, delivering more power -- say it can cut oil use, perhaps more quickly and cost effectively than alternatives such as hybrids and ethanol." (CNNMoney)

Wow, diesel can cut oil use. Holy cow, somebody call up the Nobel committee!! We're ready to end foreign oil dependence!!

O.K., maybe not. While clean diesel is an excellent technology, it will never go far enough.

Diesel advocate Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler, "estimated that if 30 per cent of the vehicle fleet were powered by diesels, the United States could reduce fuel consumption enough to cut oil imports by the equivalent of what it buys each year from Saudi Arabia." (MotorTrend)

But what about Iran, Nigeria, and Venezuela, etc.? Why are we so content with such insignificant results and small goals?

Additionally, I disagree with the fuel efficiency of diesels. Advocates claim that clean diesel is 30% more fuel efficient - on the highway at least.

Yet new studies claim, "The worst traffic in the U.S. is getting even worse. It pollutes as the vehicles idle. It wastes the time of trucks and passenger cars. The annual delay per driver is in excess of 47 hours per year. It creates delayed shipments. It wastes more than 2.3 billion gallons of fuel each year." (Fortune)

In reality, diesel gas is going to have little effect on reducing fuel consumption in these conditions. Since census data suggests that the far majority of Americans are going to live around just a few large cities in the future, shouldn't congestion be the new standard for testing fuel efficiency?

In congestion - or the driving conditions of the future - full hybrid technology, such as that powering Toyota and Ford hybrid cars, is the best.

Then there is the cost of diesel fuel, and even if those costs are eventually reduced, Americans will simply drive more and then we'll need that Saudi Arabian oil anyway. So, where is the gain?

Dare to Dream

Why are we so afraid to shoot for the moon? Why do we accept such complacency from governments, oil barons, and automotive corporations? Why don't we demand the best, most innovative fuel efficient technology available? Why don't we demand choice?

For example, instead of diesel, why not diesel hybrids? Even better, flex-fuel diesel plug-in hybrids or flex-fuel gasoline plug-in hybrids blow every competitor away.

The only technology that can compare to or surpass flex plug-in hybrid technology is fuel cell technology, but the costs are just to high at this time, and fuel cell vehicles will probably be hybrid vehicles anyway.. Flex-fuel plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, can already achieve well over 100 mpg, while offering numerous fuel choices, such bio-diesel, diesel, gasoline, ethanol, electricity, solar-electricity, wind-electricity, etc.

More important, as hybrid battery technology advances, the fuel efficiency of hybrid batteries will increase significantly while reducing costs - think notebook computers and their batteries.

Besides isn't capitalism supposed to be about competition? Where is the competition in today's energy paradigm?

Don't question the lack of competition because energy is cheap?

How many trillions will oil politics and oil-driven pollution end up costing the world? Has cheap oil really been such a bargain?

Obviously, cheap oil has been great for oil companies. Entire countries are driven by oil profits alone, and oil conglomerates set unbelievable records for profits, yet continually ask for tax incentives as if they have somehow lost money over the history of oil.

We the People

Ultimately, most American simply haven't demanded more. Instead we complain about high gas prices, about Bush's oil connections, about Haliburton, about Iraq, about Iran, and then we go buy a gas-guzzler.

Americans should Dare to Dream for energy independence just as we dared to dream for the moon. If America could become energy independent, then any country could become energy independent, and what would be so wrong with that? Bankrupt oil companies?

I say let's start judging our politicians, corporations, and other capitalists by their ability make our dreams reality, not by their ability to maintain the status quo.

Let's DARE TO DREAM!!!

Plug-in hybrid vehicles and pollution

Every time I write about plug-in hybrid vehicles, someone replies that electricity might seem cleaner up front, but not when you factor in the fact that large amounts of electricity are made by coal, etc.

I thought the same thing when I first heard about plug-ins. Since; however, I've learned about a few studies, such as one by Argonne Laboratories, which contradict the naysayers. According to science, electricity - ALL THINGS CONSIDERED - is still cleaner than refining oil into gasoline.

Plug-in hybrids certainly aren't the answer to America's pollution or foreign oil dependency problems, but they definitely offer another step towards these goals and they also increase visibility and momentum.

Equally as important, plug-in hybrids help drive more competition and innovation into the advanced batteries that hybrids use, escalating quality and performance for all hybrid vehicles.

According to the best scientific facts available, plug-in hybrid technology helps hybrids further reduce pollution and oil dependence. Until science demonstrates otherwise, Soultek.com will continue to promote plug-in hybrid technology.

Join our campaign for plug-in hybrids.

The Super Bowl and Hybrid Cars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hemp and hybrid cars: A perfect marriage?

Tired of record oil profits, let's change America!

Tonight, when the President gives his State of the Union address, one of his main topics is expected to be energy. Oil and gasoline prices are rising and will continue to rise. Some have speculated that oil could even rise to $262 per barrel (more).

Thus many, such as Fortune, are speculating that the President is going to plug alternative fuels and energy, especially ethanol.

I've written about ethanol, diesel and biodiesel many times. I don't see them as the answer. I do; however, see them as an important part of the solution.

My solution, on the other hand, is flex-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles. The technology already exists today and will only become significantly better. Moreover, it is far cheaper than hydrogen. Additionally, such technology gives consumers the widest array of clean and efficient fueling choices - we don't want to put all of our eggs in one basket.

But, back to ethanol. If ethanol makes gasoline cheaper, then demand will simply increase, and much more ethanol will be needed. Where will all this ethanol come from? How many pesticides and fertilizers will be needed? What happens if there is a drought?

Couldn't hemp address many of these issues?

Hemp is not marijuana and the government has legalized hemp in the past to help fight wars. Why not legalize it again?

Hemp grows like a weed, doesn't need fertilizers, is drought resistant and helps enrich the soil. Thus, it could very efficiently provide a massive amount of material to convert into ethanol, while protecting the environment.

Ethanol and hybrid cars provide the tools to drastically change America in just a couple of decades to the benefit of everyone and America can start right now.

Will America care? Unfortunately, I doubt it, there just isn't enough bling in it.

Diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol not enough

Even hybrid cars, or plug-in hybrid vehicles do not push the envelope of auto technology far enough


Flex-fuel plug-in diesel/gasoline hybrid vehicles can completely change America's national energy paradigm - long before fuel cell vehicles become either cost-effective or technologically feasible.

Such vehicles could easily achieve well over 100 miles per gallon, utilizing gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, or combinations, while completely ending foreign oil dependency. (more)

Nationwide campaign for plug-in hybrids launched

Nationwide grassroots campaign of cities, public utilities, etc. promote plug-in hybrids

"Plug-in hybrids represent a real near-term solution to America's over-reliance on foreign oil imports and energy prices that escalate the cost of everything and threaten the very economic life of our nation," says Austin Mayor Will Wynn, who pledged $1 million in city rebates to help citizens and businesses purchase the first wave of plug-ins to roll off assembly lines. "The technology exists today," Wynn says. "This campaign will demonstrate to automakers that the market is also there." (Mototrend)

Many plug-in hybrids currently achieve 80 mpg and significantly reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Even when adding the extra emissions from electricity plants, plug-in hybrids still offer 50 - 75 percent cleaner emissions. Additionally, the cost of the 'electric gas' is just 75 cents per gallon.

Why not make all hybrids, plug-in hybrid vehicles?

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

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?

Toyota Prius Hybrid Testimonials

I HAVE A 2005 PRIUS. ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 75 MPH, WITH THE AIR OFF, I GET 54.SOMETHING. IN TOWN I GET 46-47 MPG. THE CAR HAS 17000 MILES ON IT AND USES MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC OIL. CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE IT A PLUG IN HYBRID.

THE WIFE HAS A 2005 CIVIC HYBRID,7000 MILES GETS 39 IN THE CITY 41-43 ON THE ROAD.

PUTTING IN A PHOTOVOLTIC SYSTEM TO POWER THE HOUSE ALSO WANT TO USE IT WHEN I CONVERT THE PRIUS TO A PLUG IN HYBRID.

JERR
_________________________________

My 2004 Prius gets an average of 46.7 mpg!

B. H.
_________________________________

On Prius wife is getting 48mpg in city, no idea on open road, we
don't go any place.

On Lexus RX400h, my car, with 91 octane, 24.6 in city, using 87
octane 21.9 in city. Almost happy with Lexus, very pleased with Prius.

W. K.
Palm Desert, CA
_________________________________

We drive Toyota Prius's. Mine is a 2001, hers is 2003. During the summer and winter when the AC or Heat is running I average 40mpg, she does a little better, 43mpg. In the spring and fall when we don't use AC or heat much our averages are better 45-50mpg. We work 2 jobs each. One job for both of us is 25 miles away, the other is 75 miles away. The closer jobs are about 45 mph range. The further jobs are 65 mph range, with which we get lower mpgs.

Happy Holidays,

B. B. & J. J.
_________________________________

I have a 2004 (Jan) Prius 30,000mi. I admit I am a little lead footed. My worst mileage for a tank was last winter 38MPG. The best was last spring 54MPG. Mostly though its 40 to 45 in winter, 48 to 52 in spring, summer & fall.

Art in the Northeast
_________________________________

Hello,

The gas mileage for our 2004 TOYOTA full loaded prius from the display screen is about 44 miles/gal city mileage. This is an interesting question for us because I used to calculate gas mileage when I am at the pump. With the display of TOYOTA, I simply take down the number it gives us.
Regards,
_________________________________

I have a 2004 Prius, which was bought in November of 2003. I believe it to have been the first Prius on the road in our county. It has made mostly area trips, but did take us to the Outer Banks of NC during the summer of 2004, and to Iowa in the spring of 2005. During the trip home from NC we did reach 60mph for a short time. Otherwise, we average about 46-48 mph in the colder weather and when using AC. During the rest of the year - spring and fall- we average about 49-50 mph. I absolutely love this car. It is fun to drive, has plenty of pep, and is very comfortable. We have had no problems with it, except for the original tires, which were probably cheap. I replaced them after about 25,000 miles. We have had folks follow us home to ask about the car! Now, however, there are several others in our area. We live in NE

P.A.
_________________________________

I drive locally, 4-6 50 mile roundtrips a week and 3-5 times a year longer
trips, putting on about 18,000 miles a year. My 2004 Prius averages 44 to
47 mpg.
_________________________________

My husband and I bought a Prius in June, 2005. Most of the driving has been in the city. The car is averaging 45 mpg. I just bought a 2005 Accord Hybrid. I have only driven in the city so far and am averaging 24 mpg.
_________________________________

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

Add your Toyota Prius hybrid testimonial.

More on the Prius.

Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials

THE WIFE HAS A 2005 CIVIC HYBRID,7000 MILES GETS 39 IN THE CITY 41-43 ON THE ROAD. I HAVE A 2005 PRIUS. ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 75 MPH, WITH THE AIR OFF, I GET 54.SOMETHING. IN TOWN I GET 46-47 MPG. THE CAR HAS 17000 MILES ON IT AND USES MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC OIL. CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE IT A PLUG IN HYBRID. PUTTING IN A PHOTOVOLTIC SYSTEM TO POWER THE HOUSE ALSO WANT TO USE IT WHEN I CONVERT THE PRIUS TO A PLUG IN HYBRID.

JERR
_________________________________

I have a 2005 Civic Hybrid. My mileage varies but I average 42-43 per tank if I run the air conditioner and 46-47 otherwise. Of course, in North Carolina summers you run it all the time.

J. C.
Parkton, NC
_________________________________

My car is a Honda Civic Hybrid 2005.
I commute 40 to work each way, 5 days a week in LA. I typically drive
65-80 mph. I only sometimes have to drive in stop and go traffic. I drive around town only moderately. When I first got my car, I was really careful about making sure I optimized my mpg. I have stopped being so careful, but am still moderately efficient. I started out using 87octane gas then switched to 89. Gas octane doesn't seem to make any difference in my mpg.

Over the last ~17000 miles, I have averaged 46.1 mpg. I sometimes get
higher but usually right around 46 mpg for each tank. 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid (HCHII). 42 miles one way to work. Southern California – 40’s in the morning and 60’s in the afternoon. 1st two tanks 46.5mpg. Current tank reading 55.5mpg at ¼ full.Hope this helps,

D. S.
_______________________________

Honda Civic 2004 highway 60%, 40% town driving 42mpg. Purchased Mar. 4, 2004 Already got 35,000 miles on it and I love it. Planning on buying another this next year 2006.

N. K.
_______________________________

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

Add your Honda Civic hybrid testimonial.

More on the Civic hybrid.

Syriana, Kyoto and Hybrid Cars

So, the Montreal climate conference resulted in a 150 Nation agreement for further meetings that won't include the U.S. (more). The Bush administration won't sign onto the Kyoto Protocol because of fears that mandatory emissions cutbacks could have a negative effect on the U.S. economy.

While I support the Kyoto Protocol, I think Bush does have a point about the economy, but I think he has an even greater point when he demands that Kyoto must include India and China. Nonetheless, in the midst of ever more global warming evidence, I think serious action is required, and Kyoto might be a good step because it gets the U.S. to stop talking about global warming and to start doing something about it.

So, what is Bush's answer to global warming, technology.

While I agree with Bush, I don't agree with his process for bringing forth such technology. The Bush future is the hydrogen economy, which I believe in, but I also believe we can't wait for it. We must start taking action NOW.

Ironically, one of the main contributors to global warming is also one of the main contributors to terrorism - oil dependency. Yet, even after 9/11, after Iraq, after Katrina, the U.S. is still taking little action to really change America's dependency on oil.

If Bush believes in technology, then why doesn't he seek oil independence the same way Kennedy sought the moon in the '60s?

The technology just isn't there yet?

Baloney!!!!!

While many criticize hybrid cars for their costs and for their failure to meet EPA fuel efficiency ratings, the truth is, if every American drove a Toyota Prius hybrid today, we would end foreign oil dependency today.

But the best part of hybrid cars isn't what they can do today, but what they can do tomorrow if we invest. Experimental hybrid cars demonstrate that the technology to drastically reduce America's oil consumption exists right now, and it really isn't that expensive. In fact it is incredibly less expensive and incredibly more feasible than hydrogen vehicles.

Is it more expensive than conventional vehicles, yes, and that is why the government needs to get involved. Still how expensive is the war on terror, or the costs of pollution and global warming?

Recently, Bill Ford lobbied the government to provide more tax incentives to help Detroit reduce foreign oil dependency and to regain its sense of automotive innovation.

The government has said it isn't interested.

Isn't this exactly what Bush was talking about when it comes to better alternatives to Kyoto? But it isn't just Kyoto, its the war on terrorism as well.

"I'm involved in this because most of the world's oil reserves are owned by countries that finance people that want to kill us, that finance radical Islam," Anne Korin, co-director of the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for the Analysis of Global Security.

While Mrs. Korin doesn't believe in global warming, she is joining with global warming activists and using the movie Syriana to bring attention to the dangers of America's oil dependence (more).

Yet, GM is set to roll out model after model of gas-guzzling SUVs and neither Ford nor GM seem to know how to be profitable in a fuel efficient world.

What better opportunity for the government to get involved? This isn't about interfering with free markets, it's about protecting the people from the proven dangers of terrorism, while also protecting the environment and the 'possible' dangers of global warming. If global warming isn't a national security issue, terrorism certainly is.

And, speaking of the economy, if America is the fuel efficient, greenhouse reducing technology leader of the world, what could be better for the economy?

Sick of narrow-minded hybrid car critics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shouldn't hybrids just be more fuel efficient?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American hybrids: Make them and they will come

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hybrid technology poised for major evolution?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated

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

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

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

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

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

Now, that's a plan!

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

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

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

Why not invest in technology?

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

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

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

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

Are Toyota hybrid truck plans an opportunity for GM hybrids?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The future of hybrid vehicles

I was recently interviewed for an article regarding hybrid cars and the question posed to me was, "Will the hybrid powertrain be the dominant powertrain by 2012?"

While I said that it would not, I noted that analysts currently predicting total hybrid sales achieving just 5% of the market by 2012, were just as wrong in that prediction as they were when they predicted the complete failure of the Toyota Prius.

Just today the article, Forget hybrids, America; diesels will provide economy, performance argues that America should focus on diesel, not hybrids, especially because Ford is a leading player.

So now diesel is the answer to America's oil problems? Please!

According to Ken Miller, an oil industry analyst with Purvin & Gertz in Houston, "New environmental rules for diesel will go into effect on Jan. 1 that are expected to add a few more cents per gallon to the cost of diesel. The day when diesel was cheaper than gasoline is probably over." (AutoWeek) Yet, diesel is the answer?

Others might say that bio-diesel can make diesel vehicles cheaper to run, but I doubt this to be true if a significant percentage of Americans begin to drive bio-diesel. Where will the fuel come from? What if severe weather causes drought or storm that destroys fuel crops? Bio-diesel can absolutely help end foreign oil dependency, but it cannot do it alone.

I say build flex-fuel hybrids because doing so could save America as much as a trillion dollars (more).

There was a time when technology was the strength of America, yet today, the strength of America seems controlled by whether oil is cheap or not. Additionally, many automotive writers, probably the ones who refused to use a computer for as long as possible, continue to wear blinders.

How many more conflicts in the Middle East, how much more evidence of pollution and global warming, how much more evidence that America is continually losing its technological stronghold, will it take before America embraces the future - a future that will be dominated by technology, not cheap oil?

America has for too long chosen the easy path, a path that has been enforced by military power and executed with a complete disregard for the environment. Suddenly, however, the easy path is neither so easy, nor cost-effective.

While hybrid cars might not dominate the future, hybrid technology is just an emerging technology that can lead to 100 mpg fuel efficiency within 10 years if automakers create bio-diesel hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or even solar-powered plug-in hybrids - while also helping hydrogen, electric, and fuel cell vehicle development.

Can diesel achieve that in a decade?

The future of the world, especially the automotive world, will not be driven by cheap oil, but by technology and that technological advancement needs to begin now. Sure America can wait, but the longer it waits, the more technologically obsolete America will become.

Besides, isn't it time America invests in America, rather than in filthy rich oil companies?

Flex fuel, biodiesel, or hybrids: Which is America's answer to oil dependency?

When the Iranian Revolution in 1979 caused massive gas lines in the United States, many Americans turned to small Japanese vehicles. Eventually, however, oil prices stabilized, gas prices dropped, and many Americans returned to gas-guzzling as SUVs became an expression of American freedom.

But the Iranian Revolution wasn't only felt in the U.S., and the problems of oil dependence, particularly foreign-oil dependence, pushed Brazil to do more than just buy a few small Japanese vehicles. By 1985 almost every vehicle produced in Brazil was designed for alcohol as fuel transportation and gasoline stations were updated to handle this new fuel.

So did Brazil kick the oil habit? Not exactly. According to an interesting article, Ethanol: Is it the answer?, a combination of cheap oil and droughts - which caused poor harvests and less ethanol - led Brazilians back to oil.

Today in Brazil, flex-fuel technology has changed everything. Able to run on both gasoline, ethanol, or a mixture of the two, flex fuel vehicles allow Brazilians to take advantage of which ever fuel they choose. Thus, drivers are hedged against either drought, or skyrocketing oil prices.

So should America just focus on flex-fuel vehicles as the solution to America's oil problems?

Absolutely not.

Flex-fuel vehicles definitely are part of the solution, but even Brazil hasn't been able to kick the oil habit. More important Brazil consumes SIGNIFICANTLY less fuel per year than the U.S.. Additionally, Brazil uses sugar to produce its ethanol fuel, the U.S. uses corn, which is far less efficient than sugar.

Of course new grains, etc., might offer better efficiency, but how long will it take to create enough fuel? Brazil produces only about 5 billion gallons of ethanol per year, U.S. demand is around 140 billion gallons per year. And what about drought, or another natural disaster?

The key to Brazil's struggles and successes boil down to one thing, flexibility. Flex-fuel vehicle technology should be the standard in America, but it shouldn't stop there. Hybrid technology, or even better, plug-in hybrid technology, offers even far more flexibility.

Hybrid cars, or better yet, flex-fuel hybrid cars, could significantly improve fuel efficiency, while opening up new fuel possibilities beyond oil. In reality; however, fuel competition alone won't be enough to handle the oil monster, and that's why hybrid technology is so important.

Plug-in flex-fuel advanced diesel hybrid vehicles could offer fuel efficiency of more than 100 mpg with today's technology - even for SUVs. Sure the technology is somewhat expensive today, but it is FAR less expensive than fuel cell technology. Additionally, a national fleet of 100 mpg vehicles would end the need for foreign oil in about 5 years, which I've argued could save America more than a TRILLION dollars (more).

Even better, plug-in power could lead to another revolution in the automotive world, the utilization of solar power. Already solar power is cost-effective to power a home - if you are going to live in that home for at least 15 years - but what if you could also help power your car with your home energy system, with totally clean energy? Even more interesting, garage mechanics have already created plug-in hybrids with solar panels and Mazda is now showing a solar hybrid concept vehicle that includes embedded solar panels in the roof of the vehicle.

Ultimately, the good old days of the U.S. auto industry are over. Constant innovation and the best technology are an absolute requirement, and the best technology requires fuel flexibility, as well as the best possible fuel economy. It isn't just about saving money at the fuel pump, or protecting the environment, it is about protecting the security and welfare of Americans and the American economy.

Neither ethanol, bio-diesel or hybrids alone are going to take the oil monkey off America's back quickly enough, but combined, these alternative choices could radically change America within a decade.

Instead of subsidizing the cost of a foreign-oil-dependency-ending fleet of vehicles, America is going to build more oil refineries, drill in Alaska, and give billions of tax payer dollars to filthy rich oil companies, as GM increases production on the Hummer.

Is that really an investment in the future? Isn't it time to start investing in real American freedom, instead of investing in companies that can profit as much as $23 billion in just one quarter?

I guess it is pretty clear who Congress represents, and it isn't the majority of Americans.

Hybrid vehicles & Bio-diesel: Can't we all just get along?

Earlier this week I made a post that paired off hybrid cars and bio-diesel vehicles (Read the article). Every time I write something about bio-diesel, I seem to offend some bio-diesel proponents. Still, I'm glad there are so many fans of bio-diesel because I DO believe this fuel offers immense possibilities to reduce foreign oil dependency.

While I ultimately believe that hybrid technology is more important than bio-diesel, I also believe that a bio-diesel hybrid would make the best hybrid vehicle, except for a solar-plug-in-biodiesel hybrid vehicle.

Of course, today, there simply aren't enough hybrids to make much of a difference in fighting foreign oil dependency, which highlights why bio-diesel is so important right now.

Tomorrow; however, today's 30 or 40 mpg bio-diesel cars could be 100, 200, or even 500 mpg plug-in-bio-diesel hybrids, and that is why it is so important that we invest in hybrid technology.

The focus of alternative energy and fuels shouldn't be on hybrids OR bio-diesel, but hybrids AND bio-diesel, especially bio-diesel hybrid vehicles.

(Click here for more on experimental hybrid vehicles)

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

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

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

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

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

Hydrogen powered hybrid vehicles demonstrate importance of hybrid technology

You've heard the criticisms of hybrid cars.

They aren't as fuel efficient as the EPA suggests. They don't save you money. Biodiesel is better.

In reality; however, the EPA is off on all vehicles. When push comes to shove, hybrids are significantly more fuel efficient than conventional vehicles, especially in city driving.

Hybrids can save you money over the long haul, but if you drive in the city, in congestion, or in stop-and-go traffic, hybrids CAN be very economical.

Biodiesel does make a good short term case, but it is the potential of hybrids that makes the technology so important. Sure, a biodiesel vehicle might be able to achieve 30 or 40 mpg without oil, but a plug-in biodiesel hybrid vehicle might achieve 200 or 300 mpg.

Moreover, hybrids can help make fuel cell vehicles a reality. Energy Conversion Devices is working on hydrogen electric hybrids that demonstrate that hybrids can lead the way to the hydrogen highway (more).

What all the criticisms of hybrid vehicles miss, is that hybrids are only an emerging technology. Just like computers 20 years ago, the power behind hybrid technology will get lighter, more powerful, more efficient and cheaper.

Hybrid cars versus diesel and biodiesel

I just responded to a post of my criticism of CNN's hybrid hype article, where someone commented that hybrid cars were hype and that biodiesel was the answer. (more)

This train of thought seems to come up often.

While I commend biodiesel users, I do not see it as viable answer to oil dependency, though I can see it as a part of the solution. In particular, I would love to see a biodiesel hybrid vehicle.

Still, it does take a extra energy to produce biodiesel. Is that energy clean and cheap? Additionally, it would take a lot of land to create enough biodiesel to end foreign oil dependency. Inevitably, I believe, it would be agribusiness that would dominate biodiesel, and the land would become even more polluted with pesticides and fertilizers.

Is that really the best solution?

Granted, compared with today's hybrid technology, biodiesel makes a strong case. However, plug-in hybrids and experimental hybrids have been demonstrated to achieve as much as 250 mpg, and some believe a biodiesel hybrid could achieve as much as 500 mpg.

The potential of hybrid technology offers too much upside not to invest, and if combined with diesel and biodiesel, offers a real solution to ending foreign oil dependency in the short term, while ending oil dependency in the long term.

Hybrid cars could save America a Trillion dollars

The costs of hybrid cars. Critics love to talk about how the costs of hybrids don't add up, but what about the costs of gas-guzzling?

The Toyota Prius, minimally, achieves 45 mpg, even in the worst driving conditions, where the average conventional vehicle achieves less than 20 mpg. So what you ask?

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), if the U.S. required 40 mpg fleet mileage by 2015, the U.S. could save well over a trillion dollars by 2015. (more)

The Prius achieves better than that today. In 10 years, there is no reason crossover SUVs and light trucks couldn't also achieve the same levels of fuel efficiency. Currently, hybrids are only an emerging technology. Plug in hybrids, new Lithium batteries, and diesel hybrids offer the technology to make 40 mpg a reality.

Are there costs? Of course, but wouldn't it be worth it to invest $100 billion to save more than a trillion dollars - while ending foreign oil dependency, cleaning the environment, and helping American automakers become the technological leaders of the automotive world?

What are we waiting for?

Re: Hybrids: Don't buy the hype

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

"Idiots."

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

Really, Peter?

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

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

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

How about some investigative journalism, Peter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil refineries versus hybrid cars

I saw a Congressman from Arizona this morning on CNBC that is sponsoring a bill to make it easier to create oil refineries in the United States to help reduce energy costs. While I am open to the idea, isn't politics about giving to get?

Just adding more refineries is going to do nothing to help reduce America's dependency upon oil, especially foreign, terrorist-supporting oil. In fact, more refineries will simply increase our dependency on foreign oil.

Shouldn't the focus be reduced oil dependency?

As the cost of gasoline continues to rise, GM is fast-tracking its most gas-guzzling, foreign oil-hogging vehicles to market, at the expense of more fuel efficient sedans. GM can keep talking about its hydrogen cars that won't be available for decades, but actions speak louder than words, and the actions of GM are pathetic, even unAmerican.

I'd be more than willing to support reduced requirements for fast-tracking some oil refineries, if Congress got serious about fuel economy, and force the likes of GM to start acting like it cares about gasoline prices, the environment, and foreign oil dependency.

Hybrid cars PROVE that a significant increase in fuel economy is achievable with TODAY'S technology - even for gas-guzzling SUVs. Yes, it might be expensive, however, since the government wastes tens of billions on pork spending, why not fund the best, most fuel efficient automotive technology, instead of giving more money to the oil industry?

Investing in diesel hybrids, biodiesel hybrids, plug-in hybrids and experimental hybrids will not only end foreign oil dependency and clean the environment, but make America's auto industry the best in the world (more).

More gas-guzzling Tahoes and Yukons will never do that.

In the wake of Katrina, Iraq and terrorism, in the face of Rita and the possibility of many more such hurricanes this year alone, isn't it time for real action?

Is Frankfurt hybrid car talk just hype?

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

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

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

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

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

But what about the future?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Pennsylvania Legislation would promote plug-in hybrid vehicles

Pennsylvania State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., announced today that he is seeking co-sponsors for three bills he will introduce to promote and increase the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in Pennsylvania.

In one of the first legislative proposals in any state legislature to specifically promote plug-in hybrids, Cohen’s bills would exempt sales taxes on the conversion of existing hybrids to plug-in hybrids, or on the battery portion of a mass produced plug-in hybrid for three years; establish a state task force with representatives from the state Environmental Protection, Transportation and Revenue departments, along with the Public Utility Commission, to examine how this technology can be promoted within the Commonwealth; and a resolution asking car makers with plants in the United States to make, market and sell plug-in hybrids here.

Plug-in Prius Hybrid Vehicle Power

Why not a solar-powered Toyota Prius hybrid?

The picture to the right shows a prototype of a partially solar-powered hybrid vehicle created by an engineer in Canada that was featured by the Green Car Congress. Experimental hybrid cars, such as this Prius, demonstrate what thinking outside of the box can accomplish.

While critics counter that solar power is highly inefficient, those inefficiencies will, ultimately, be overcome. Those companies and countries that develop these new technologies will benefit greatly in the long run.

America, as the world's oil hog, must be at the forefront of these technologies. Unfortunately, so far, America is much more concerned with looking cool, rather than acting intelligently.

Fortunately, some private companies are trying to change this. For example, Razor Technologies put out a press release today that it will form an Advanced Hybrid Vehicle Development Consortium "to work together with participating automobile manufacturers to coordinate the development of key components and demonstrate these advanced technologies in a "next generation", electric motor dominant, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle."

Fight the robber barons of the energy industry, demand nothing less than hybrid vehicle efficiency.

Katrina demands hybrid vehicles

Oil has become America's Achilles Heal

Fortunately, the worst of Katrina slipped by New Orleans, but it will take days to estimate the catastrophic damage the hurricane has caused and will yet cause.

Aside from damage to property, Katrina could have widespread effects upon the energy industry. It is possible that oil rigs have been destroyed, that oil refineries have been significantly damaged, and that major ports could be closed for weeks. Thus, oil and gas prices will go up and they will stay up for some time.

While this will probably be only a temporary spike, the keyword is 'probably', and we are still early in the hurricane season.

American demand for oil has pushed refinement capacity to its limits, not to mention requiring the need for ever more foreign oil.

Oil has become America's Achilles heal. If hurricanes can wreak so much havoc on America's Energy sector, what could terrorists do? While the U.S. can recover from a hurricane, what if Hugo Chavez stopped shipping oil to the U.S. for just a week in some sort of protest? What if terrorists took a out a few oil refineries?

Decades ago, America became the world's major super power via technology. Today, in terms of fuel efficiency, Japan leads the way for automotive technology, as American automakers focus on marketing budgets and profit margins.

Perhaps this was acceptable in the past, but shouldn't 9/11 have changed this? Instead, America is increasing its foreign oil dependency from places like Saudi Arabia, the same country where almost all of the 9/11 terrorists came from.

Who financed those terrorists? Where did the money come from?

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, are a revolution. If every American drove a Prius, the need for foreign oil would be over.

While critics might argue that if every American drove a Honda Civic, a cheaper alternative to the Prius, foreign oil dependency could also end, every American isn't going to drive a Civic, nor a Prius. Moreover, neither GM nor Ford would survive if every American drove compact vehicles. The loss of those jobs would be devasting, but only advanced technology, such as hybrid technology, will save those jobs.

Thus, hybrid vehicles are TODAY's solution. Hybrid technology can move far beyond the Prius, into SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, plus it can move into larger sedans, such as the Toyota Camry hybrid.

More important, plug-in hybrids and other experimental hybrids demonstrate that the potential of hybrid technology is only just being tapped. These experimental hybrids are technologically feasible today, at a cost that is significantly less than fuel cell vehicles, which are not technologically feasible today. Oh yeah, and they could achieve 250 mpg.

Without technological leadership, the American economy will be severely damaged. Hybrid vehicles are not just about protecting America's national security from terrorists, but about protecting America's national security from economic recession or even collapse.

The American economy is led by consumers. While energy costs for the average American have dropped since the '80's, much consumer spending has been sustained by the housing boom. If oil prices push the economy into a recession, with slowed spending, and the real estate bubble begins to deflate, the U.S. could get caught in a vicious downward cycle.

If that happens, most Americans won't have any choice but to drive a cheap compact, if they can even afford to drive, and neither GM nor Ford would survive.

Is that risk really worth flossing and bling, blinging in a gas-guzzler? Are Americans really that selfish and ignorant? Let's hope not.

Plug-ins and experimental hybrids: Let's make Congress end foreign oil dependency

Enough pork-barrel legislation

So experimental hybrid vehicles can achieve 250 mpg, and a plug-in Prius offers significant gains in fuel efficiency compared to a standard Toyota Prius hybrid. All of these developments in hybrid cars prove that foreign oil dependency can be ended with today's technology.

So why do we give billions to an oil industry that profits billions per month to end foreign oil dependency? Nice job Congress!

We don't need to make million dollar fuel cell vehicles more cost effective and we don't need a brand new energy infrastructure. Instead of making a few oil barons, CEOs, and shareholders trillionaires, why not just make America stronger by giving automakers billions to utilize TODAY's technology to begin ending foreign oil dependency TODAY?

Since Congress only represents lobbyists, the 'People' must be the difference. Thus, Soultek.com and HybridCarBlog.com are launching HybridCarRevolution.com to focus on the politics of foreign oil dependency and the role of Congress in ending that dependency.

Terrorism is largely rooted in oil, and if the War on Terror doesn't include ending foreign oil dependency, then the War on Terror is simply an Iron Triangle money making scam.

Let's start a revolution! Aside from voter mobilization to pressure Congress, what can we do?

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.

500 mpg Flex-fuel plug-in hybrids?

When the oil embargo hit the world in the 70's, it didn't just affect the U.S.. At the time, Brazil imported 80% of its oil from foreign sources.

Today, Brazil has almost wiped out foreign oil dependency using flex-fuel vehicles (more on this).

The U.S., on the other hand, is more foreign-oil dependent than ever.

While hybrid cars provide excellent fuel economy, the technology could do even more. Hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, have the potential to use electricity to charge their batteries when not in use, which advocates have demonstrated could provide an extra 20 miles of driving per day - without using gasoline.

Thus, instead of 50 - 60 mpg, a plug-in Prius could achieve 70 - 80 mpg, but the potential of hybrids doesn't end there.

According to groups such as the Set America Free coalition, a plug-in hybrid system that utilizes a flex-fuel gasoline engine in its powertrain, rather than a conventional gasoline engine, could achieve 500 mpg if it burned a fuel mixture of 80 percent alcohol and 20 percent gasoline.

That's today's technology.

It is time for American politicians to give up the pork and to start representing average Americans. An energy bill that gives billions to the oil industry is a miscarriage of justice and a slap in the face to the majority of Americans.

Where's the leadership?

Fuel your Prius and other hybrid vehicles from home

"EDrive Systems LLC, a consortium of vehicle technology companies, has developed technology that enables hybrid vehicles to be plugged in and charged by a conventional three-prong, 110 V home electrical outlet." According to an article by MotorTrend, the technology has been demonstrated with the Toyota Prius and, after installation the EDrive "uses one-half to one-third the gasoline used by a conventional hybrid." (MotorTrend)

More on plug-in hybrid cars.

Plug-in hybrid? Where are the batteries going to come from?

I love plug-in hybrids. Not only could they end foreign oil dependence and significantly clean the environment, but they could also spark a revolution in energy, helping create a distributed energy platform across America via home solar and wind systems, etc.

Still, there is a hybrid car battery shortage. Does this make plug-in hybrids obsolete? (More)

Plug-in hybrids and electricity emissions

I think plug-in hybrids are one of the best concepts floating around in the automotive world. Add some extra battery power to your Toyota Prius or Ford Escape hybrid, and a plug. Charge your batteries over night and most people will be able to go to work and back without using hardly any gasoline. Many have liked this idea, but questioned the gain in emissions since electricity is made with coal. Recent studies; however, by both the Electric Power Research Institute and the California Air Resources Board demonstrate that plug-in hybrids would drop total energy use per car by 45%, while reducing pollution and carbon dioxide emissions by 50% - after accounting for the additional electricity required to power the hybrid vehicles.

Electric car speed test and hybrids

A British team will try to top 245 mph in an electric car today, the current record for an electric car weighing more than 2,200 pounds. Early tests indicate the car might top 300 mph. (AP)

There are a lot of things to like about electric cars, and the possibility of cheap electric cars isn't far off. Hybrid cars, just as electric cars, will benefit greatly from battery development. For now hybrid cars are an easier sell to more consumers, and hybrid car success will lead to electric car success as well. Moreover, it might just turn out that hybrid car innovations lead to much better electric vehicles.

Sadly, the very real potential of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles calls into question America's 'Fuel-cell or Bust' attitude regarding the automotive future.