US House Committee hoping to advance electric drivetrains

US House Committee on Science and Technology advances two important energy bills

The two bills offer research funding for V2G technology, batteries, ultracapacitors and much more that could help advance hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel cell hybrid vehicles. (more)

Cayenne Hybrid: A step in the right direction for Porsche

Hybrids+ might be Porsche's only way forward, such as this Porsche Cayenne hybrid

So, Greenpeace doesn't like Porsche, even if they do convert some of their vehicles into hybrid vehicles, such as the Cayenne hybrid. Who cares? Greenpeace doesn't believe that hybrids are a solution to global warming either. Apparently, the world's transportation economy is just supposed to stop.

I prefer to deal with realism. Finish: Cayenne Hybrid: A step in the right direction for Porsche

Toyota's odd plug-in tests are official

Toyota will test plug-ins

Toyota has confirmed that it will test plug-in hybrids. Oddly, however, the Toyota Plug-in HV will be tested using NiMH batteries, rather than lithium-ion batteries. According to Toyota, the Toyota Plug-in HV, based upon the Prius, will only achieve about 8 miles of pure electric power.

So, what's going on? Does a NiMH-powered plug-in hybrid demonstrate that there are problems with Toyota's lithium batteries? Obviously, a lithium-powered plug-in hybrid would offer better performance than a NiMH-powered plug-in. Of course, lithium also would cost more, and there are still safety issues.

Is this just more proof that Toyota's third generation Prius will not be lithium powered? Might the third generation Prius include a plug-in option - still using NiMH batteries - as a way of advancing the Hybrid Synergy Drive without utilizing lithium?

Google offers $10 million to plug-in hybrid developers

In addition to $1,000,000 in grants already

Google will develop an RFPs "to fund development, adoption and commercialization of plug-ins, fully electric cars and related vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology."

Google also set up a partnership with A123Systems to convert a number of hybrid cars into plug-in hybrid vehicles as a test fleet.

Read the full press release in comments

First Look: Ford's hydrogen electric plug-in hybrid vehicle

Ford used the Airstream Concept to display the HySeries Drive, a hydrogen electric plug-in hybrid vehicle fuel cell drivetrain. Instead of being powered by hydrogen fuel, hydrogen would instead by converted to electricity and electricity would power the Airstream and other future HySeries vehicles at all times. Consequently, the Airstream hydrogen hybrid could run solely on electric power obtained from a standard electric plug for short trips - up to 20 to 40 miles. Nonetheless, the vehicle would still require occasional fill-ups of hydrogen, so such a vehicle might not be very consumer friendly until the hydrogen highway is developed.

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