Battery-powered car revolution: Far more hype than reality

Volts of hype

The battery is the future, at least the mid-term future, according to almost every major automaker. Eventually, after a couple of minor miracles, fuel cell vehicles might replace pure battery powered EVs. Still, even fuel cell vehicles will include hybrid-style batteries.

One way or another, the future of the auto industry is centered around battery technology.

Finish: Battery-powered car revolution: Far more hype than reality

Automakers still lost in the past?

It looks too much like a science experiment

In the last few days I've been hearing about how dumb hybrid cars are and how nothing more than diesel is needed in America. I guess these knuckle-heads believe that diesel isn't dependent upon foreign oil. Maybe one of them can explain that one to me some day.

Anyway, I was reviewing a few articles this morning on the best American cars. Of course, none of them were hybrids. Consequently, all of them offered city mileage at 25 mpg or less, far less for some.

No problem, right? Just fill 'em up with batteries.

Finish: Automakers still lost in the past?

EV success dependent upon battery swapping

Bad news for the auto industry?

A new study by the University of California at Berkeley finds that the key to electric vehicle success could be dependent upon the ability of electric car owners to swap their batteries. Under such a plan consumers might own their car, but not the battery, much like the idea behind Project Better Place.

I haven't been able to read the whole study yet, but I've been a big fan of Better Place's out of the box thinking. Nonetheless, it makes me wonder, is the entire established auto industry capable of surviving such a business model?

Daimler: Clean diesel cannot replace hybrids and EVs

A Mercedes hybrid vehicle

While the future of the electrification of the automobile is still murky, Daimler is now fully committed to being a leader. Despite cutbacks in every department, R & D spending on lithium technology has been increasing and will not be cut.

From hybridization to full electric cars, Daimler is now certain clean, high performance diesel will not be enough to carry the company into the future. The battery is now critical to Daimler, and its marquee Mercedes brand.

Finish: Daimler: Clean diesel cannot replace hybrids and EVs

Is Telsa for real?

Great looking car

I don't know what to make of Tesla. While I've always respected Elon Musk's endeavor into electric vehicles, I've never fully bought into Tesla's business model, at least as far as EVs for the masses.

Yesterday's press conference, however, was weird.

Finish: Is Tesla for real?

Can ZENN be the "Intel Inside" of EVs?

A ZENN electric vehicle

I've been following the ZENN story for the last few years, but I've always felt that ZENN was forever destined to niche player, such as EVs for university campus workers. However, CNET has a pretty interesting piece about how ZENN wants to become the "Intel Inside" of electric vehicles.

Could ZENN become an expert on electric drives, batteries and ultra-caps. That remains to be seen, especially since many of the major automakers are taking on this task internally.

As a green investor, I'm not sure I yet buy this story.

Can EVs save the US auto industry?

More expensive EVs, or cheaper, smaller vehicles?

Since the bailout was announced this morning, I've watched quite a bit of CNBC coverage on the subject. And, both GM's CEO and the Michigan Governor, have now claimed that EVs and battery-powered vehicles are the key to turning the US auto industry around.

Is that believable? Finish: Can EVs save the US auto industry?

$1 billion to kick start US auto battery industry?

Is it already too late for a US battery industry?

3M and Johnson Controls have joined a consortium of 14 US technology companies, called the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture, which is seeking $1 billion in aid from the US government to help develop advanced batteries for hybrid and electric cars.

Finish: $1 billion to kick start the US battery industry?

Neil Young starts EV conversion company

Southern man continues to electrify

Neil Young has partnered with Jonathon Goodwin, an alt-fuel guru according to Cars.com, to form Lincvolt, a company that will specialize in converting conventional vehicles into electric vehicles. The company was inspired by Young's conversion of his Lincoln convertible into an electric vehicle.

Lincvolt also plans to put its hat into the X-Prize ring.

Plug-in success dependent upon gas prices

How fast will lithium for autos develop?

What kind of penetration will plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric cars make into world auto sales by 2020?

That depends on the price of oil according to a study funded by Credit Suisse. According to the study, plug-ins will achieve 10 percent world market penetration by 2020 if the price of oil is $100 per barrel. If the price of oil hits $200, then plug-inz could achieve 25 percent penetration.

Just can't get excited about the Mini E

Only a two-seater?

I'm glad to hear that the Mini E electric vehicle is going to be available for a one year lease for up to 500 lessees, but I'm still not that excited. Honda is going to lease hundreds of fuel cell vehicles, but that doesn't mean they are going to be mass-produced any time soon.

Even the MiniUSA site claims that this is a " pilot test" to help BMW with its "medium term" plans to develop electric cars.

What is medium term?

If BMW had more concrete plans for the next stage after this pilot program, I would be more hopeful, but, as it stands, its a step, but only a small step.

Is Tesla done?

Another CEO bites the dust?

Elon Musk will take the helm at Tesla Motors and a number of workers will be laid off, as many as half according to some rumors. Ex-CEO Ze'ev Drori will retain a position on the board according to the Tesla blog.

For such big changes, the blog makes it almost sound as if its not really the big of a deal. Yet, considering that Tesla has had a hard time meeting multiple deadlines, this can't be a good sign.

Colossal effort to electrify cars?

Nissan / Renault ZE electric vehicle

As French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged $549 million at the Paris Motor Show to help French automakers develop electric and hybrid cars, Renault and Electrite de France agreed to partner on developing the infrastructure needed to for recharging electric vehicles.

Finish: Colossal effort to electrify cars

Nissan / Renault ZE too futuristic looking?

What's up with the green windows

I kind of like the ZE electric vehicle from Nissan, which also doubles as a Renault. In fact, with some some gray tinted windows, I think this electric car could be pretty cool.

Paris - Venturi Ultimate GT All electric

EVs for the rich

There are a number or electric vehicles on display at the Paris Auto Show. This Venturi Voltage is a little more realistic than the Venturi Astrolab, but it looks too conceptual. Still, I think I live the Astrolab better.

15 percent by 2035: The reality of plug-in hybrids

How long before all of us drive something like the Volt?

All day long I've been working on a story that I titled 'Fool's Gold: The electrification of the automobile', that I just haven't been able to finish. Now before EV fans go crazy, I'm not arguing against electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles. I'm arguing the reason for these vehicles is to get off oil, especially foreign oil, and to reduce our carbon footprint.

Finish: 15 percent by 2035 - The reality of plug-in hybrids

Is Congress acting smart on plug-in hybrid tax credits?

Only about battery capacity, not actual EV range, nor real world fuel economy?

The Senate has passed a new tax bill that will provide tax credits for plug-in hybrid vehicles ranging from $2,500 - $7,500, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity. To be eligible for the credit, such plug-in vehicles must store at least 6 kWh's of electricity.

So, battery capacity, not actual EV range nor real world fuel economy, is how Congress judges plug-in quality? Does that really make sense?

Finish: $7,500 plug-in hybrid tax credit passes Senate - Too favorable to Volt?

A few Tesla owners finally take delivery

4 Already delivered

Tesla has delivered 4 Roadsters to buyers after many long delays and another 5 are ready for delivery according to the Tesla website. It's a baby step, but you can't move forward without taking a few steps.

Electric vehicles and nuclear power

Fueled by nuclear power?

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

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

Chris Paine tells Hollywood greens who killed the electric car

Is the electric car really dead?

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

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

Would a Mustang fan like an electric Mustang?

Ronaele Mustang 300E

For $80,000 you can turn your Mustang into an electric Mustang. Utilizing a 300 kWh electric motor, the Ronaele Mustang provides about 100 miles per charge of under 4 second 0 -60 power. Of course, you'll only achieve 100 mpg range at normal speeds. At 0-60, the battery will quickly run dry.

While I think this is a great way, much like the Tesla Roadster, to build momentum for electric-drive vehicles, would Mustang aficionados appreciate such a vehicle? While I love the feel of an electric-drive vehicle more than a conventional vehicle, electric drive vehicles do feel very different than a conventional vehicle, especially something like the Mustang. And, when I've been with a group of journalists test driving such vehicles, there have been complaints about electric drives.

Can muscle car fans be converted to the electric drive?

Phoenix to make electric cars in Mexico

Made in Mexico for Mexico

Phoenix Motorcars, a California-based electric vehicle company, announced today that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enter into a joint venture with Pristine International SAdeSV to build all-electric vehicles for shipment within Mexico, other regions in Latin America and to the Indian sub-continent.

Green car dealerships: A worthy investment?

Would you buy a car from a green dealership?

Green car dealerships are popping up across America, and at one time I was interested in such a venture. Yet, what cars do you sell? Electric cars, bio-diesels, used hybrids, electric bicycles? All of the above?

What about financing?

Still, some are finding success meeting the needs of green consumers. Can the trend last? Opinions vary.

For an interesting article on green car dealerships, check out this MSNBC article.

Will Google help produce the Astrolab?

My dream car: A solar powered plug-in hybrid vehicle

O.K. The Venturi Astrolab solar powered plug-in hybrid is not exactly ready for primetime, but the fact that it is almost production-ready is extremely exciting.

Hybrid technology, plug-in technology, solar technology! Damn, had they just added biofuels and a small wind generator, it would be alternative energy perfection.

I was able to check out the Astrolab at Wired's NextFest, and if you live in California, you just might have seen the Astrolab on a freeway near your, as did the President of Google, according to Edmunds.

Google is now heavily invested in solar power and electric cars, and it has been pushing plug-in hybrid technology. Would't helping Venturi set up a factory in California to build Astrolabs be the perfect fit? The perfect convergence of technologies?

I hope so. Those guys at Google are money, baby.

Tesla Roadster delayed

Rumors are finally confirmed

I have nothing but praise and envy for what Tesla Motors is trying to accomplish, and now that Martin Eberhard is out as CEO, I can go back to fully defending the electric car company.

Not that I stopped defending Tesla during Eberhard's reign, I just thought that his arrogance was unacceptable. But, back to Tesla Delay.

Is China the key to electric cars? Good riddance Marty?

Can Tesla survive in America?

So, if you follow electric cars, then you know that Martin Eberhard is out as the CEO of Tesla Motors, and that has some, such as Edmund's Inside Line, speculating that the launch of the Tesla Roadster is not going to go smooth, maybe ever.

How ironic!?

After the debut of the Chevy Volt, Eberhard was very quick to mock GM's electric efforts, and their technology. Yet, some are claiming that the $100,000 electric Roadster produced by Tesla might never hit the road, let alone a more economical electric sedan that could possibly compete with the Volt. While that would be a shame, and I hope it doesn't happen, it is becoming quite obvious that the road to electric vehicle success isn't as simple as Eberhard seemed to have believed.

Back in January, when I criticized Eberhard's comments, I was ridiculed by some for believing in GM's efforts and questioning Tesla's long term capabilities. Finish: Is China the key to electric cars? Good riddance Marty?

Electric drag racers

Supporters love electric power

"Electric vehicles are making their presence felt at amateur drag races across the country, challenging gas-powered cars and motorcycles. The "amp heads," computer geeks and tree-hugging environmentalists driving the electron-powered vehicles are starting to kick some major rear end." (more)

Time for Americans to Th!nk?

Now that's a mobile computer

Electric vehicles don't make sense in America. They are typically too small, too expensive and their range is too limited. In reality, electric vehicles don't meet the plethora of needs most Americans demand from their vehicles. Inevitably, electric vehicles require people to think differently, and Americans aren't always keen to change.

Nonetheless, Th!nk could be a force for such change. It's not that a Th!nk vehicle is so awesome, but it serves a purpose - commuting in the city, a task many do by themselves and within the range an electric vehicle can achieve, but that isn't really where Th!nk is thinking different.

When Dell started selling computers online, computer costs dropped. No stores, no rent and an efficient delivery system equaled cheaper computers, and Th!nk believes cars could be sold the same way - reducing the costs of EV technology.

So, it's ugly? Yup, but its not just an electric vehicle, it's an electronic gadet - an Ipod, a computer, and an IM and texting machine. In fact the Th!nk model is almost MySpace on wheels, and such an idea could be a big hit with teens and twenty-somethings, which could create future generations of Th!nkers.

Th!nk electric vehicles aren't going to kill the gasoline vehicle. Yet, they could help transform American transportation. For urbanites, an all electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle could meet almost every family's needs, while helping to completely change America's energy paradigm. Now that's Th!nking!

Besides, isn't it time for America to start thinking big about energy and transportation?

Would an electric car future require nuclear power?

The key to the electric vehicle future?

There is no doubt that electric vehicles, or at least plug-in hybrid vehicles, will be mass-produced within the next decade. Yet, if everyone in America switched from gasoline to electricity, where would all the extra electricity come from?

Anyone whom lives in many areas of California knows darn well how just a warmer-than-average summer can affect the power grid. If every Californian started using electricity to power their vehicles, rolling blackouts would be an every-day phenomenon.

So, from where will the electricity come? Coal?

While, I'm neither advocating for, nor against, nuclear power, it seems obvious that the case for nuclear power would be much easier to make if electric vehicles became the automotive standard, which makes me wonder, are there many joining the electric vehicle movement whom have a nuclear agenda?

Tesla working on California charging stations

Fill 'er up at the mall?

Where can I fill up my electric car?

"Tesla won $561,000 in late May from the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission. The grant will be used for the development of what is described as a UL-approved 16-kilowatt public charging station."

(InsideLine)

Norway to ban new gasoline cars?

Are you loco?

There are rumors that the government of Norway would like to ban the sale of gasoline cars by 2015, essentially focusing automakers to offer a different solution.

Obviously, such a drastic approach is easier to achieve in a country like Norway, compared to a country like the U.S.. Still, it could make Norway a leader in electric vehicles, for example.

Shouldn't the U.S. try acting so drastic? Forget global warming. Forget foreign oil dependency. A new generation of automotive technology is emerging and it won't be driven by large gas-guzzling SUVs.

Shouldn't the U.S. try to lead this automotive revolution, simply for the economics driven by technological innovation?

Tesla aquires $45 million in funding and some new partners

New funding, new partners

Electric vehicle maker, Tesla Motors, announced today that the company completed a $45 million investment today and added some new technology partners.

"Ira Ehrenpreis and Technology Partners bring valuable expertise to Tesla and a shared passion for our mission of developing game-changing, zero-emissions cars," said Martin Eberhard, CEO of Tesla Motors. "We are also glad to have the continued support and leadership of Elon Musk, who has been firmly behind this company since its early days, and our other investors who actively support our goals."

Phoenix significantly increases battery supplies

Phoenix has now ordered more than $4,000,000 worth of batteries

Is Phoenix Motorcars serious about producing a fleet of electric vehicles? It seems so, at least judging by its supply orders.

"Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., a leading provider of advanced nanomaterials technology used in energy, life sciences and industrial product applications, today announced it received a new order in the amount of $2,210,000 for its rapid-charge, high-power NanoSafe(TM) 35 KWh battery packs for use in sport utility trucks (SUTs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) manufactured by California-based Phoenix Motorcars, Inc."

Dominos trys electric cars

Soon Dominos might be delivering a pizza to you in an electric vehicle. "Today it is not uncommon to have your Domino's pizza delivered by bicycle, scooter or car around the world," said Jim Stansik, Domino's executive vice president of Franchise Development. "Looking toward tomorrow, Domino's is committed to also being a responsible consumer of our planet's natural resources by testing the feasibility of using electric vehicles in our stores."

(Source: ZAP!)

Do the majority of Americans support a gas tax?

A fuel tax to fund alternative fuel research?

According to a survey released by the Civil Society Institute "more than half of Americans would support higher gasoline taxes if the money went to research into alternative fuels." (CNN)

I say, what a silly study.

While I favor a gasoline tax, I think the revenues derived from the tax should go only to consumers whom purchase hybrid cars, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, clean diesel vehicles, etc. Instead of using a gasoline tax to fund research, simply leave alternative fuels exempt from the tax. Thus, alternative fuels become more price competitive.

Giving tax revenue to fund research sounds too much like pork to me. Give it to 'the people', not to the people whom are owed political favors.

A123 Systems and Hymotion Merge

Lithium battery maker buys Hymotion

A123 Systems, a leading developer of lithium-ion batteries, has acquired Hymotion, a hybrid-to-plugin hybrid conversion company according to A123.

"BREM (Battery Range Extender Modules) technology is the near-term answer for plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and, thanks to recent joint contracts with NYSERDA and the South Coast AQMD, no company had nearly as much real-world data on engineering aftermarket modules with A123Systems' batteries as Hymotion," said Akos Toth, Co-Founder and Director of Engineering of Hymotion. "Joining forces with A123Systems enables us to more efficiently address demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles today."

Some day soon, perhaps, BREM technology will make old hybrid cars much more valuable - as platforms to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles!

Congress lobbied to lift hybrid tax credit cap

A123 Systems and Tesla both lobby Congress for help

A horde of auto-orientated lobbyists asked Congress for help yesterday with a number of clean vehicle and clean fuel technologies. Included in that lobbying was a request to remove the cap on hybrid tax credits, which was set at 60,000 hybrid vehicles per manufacturer. Consequently, the leading selling of hybrid cars, Toyota, is already down to a reduced credit that will soon expire completely. Most automakers, on the other hand, have yet to sell one full hybrid.

A123 Systems also lobbied Congress for help in its quest to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles, as did Tesla Motors regarding fully electric vehicles. (more)

American hybrids: SUVs only?

I'm glad it's NOT powered by a Hemi

Toyota has received an incredible amount of green buzz because of the Toyota Prius. While some argue that Toyota isn't deserving of all this praise because they still make far more gas guzzlers than hybrid cars, Toyota definitely made a statement about the future with the Prius.

On the other hand, if Toyota had made its first hybrid a more power-focused hybrid, such as the Lexus RX 400h, then Toyota's hybrid efforts would have been largely ignored.

Yet, power hybrids are all that seem to be coming out of Detroit, except for the Ford Escape hybrid. Chrysler's first hybrids will include huge Hemi engines. GM's first dual mode hybrids will be large, powerful gas guzzlers, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. Yes, these hybrids will offer significant improvements in fuel economy, but they will still use a lot of fuel.

While I realize that the big truck segment is very important to Detroit, are these hybrids going to change Detroit's image? I doubt it. Without a Prius contender I just don't see Detroit's hybrid efforts offering much help to U.S. automakers until at least the Chevy Volt - and that's just too far into the future.

Phoenix plug-in hybrid

Your choice: All-electric or plug-in hybrid

I'm not a big fan of electric vehicles. It's not that I don't believe in the technology. I do. I just think that hybrid cars, especially plug-in hybrid vehicles, offer a better solution for more consumers than pure electric vehicles - at least until consumers become a bit more open-minded. Besides, plug-in hybrids will only help the development of electric vehicles.

Thus, I was excited to hear that Phoenix Motorcars is going to partner with UQM Technologies to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles based upon the current Phoenix Electric Truck. Now that's electrifying.

GM's CO2 Campaign?

GM just makes me wanna holler

Back in January I was invited to attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as a guest of GM - whom sponsored my trip. I had a fantastic time, and I met a great number of wonderful GM employees. Moreover, GM finally gave me something in which to believe: the Chevy Volt.

Unfortunately, as time has gone on, I have tired a bit of the never-ending hype around the Volt. Since the Volt is still 3 years away, I'm far more concerned about GM's current line of full hybrid vehicles - or lack thereof. While I saw, for example, a Yukon hybrid at both the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Detroit Show, I still have yet to see a hybrid Yukon at a GM dealership.

Seriously, can GM drag their feet any longer on hybrid cars?

I guess America should be happy that Detroit is at least developing hybrids, unlike a few years ago when Bob Lutz ridiculed hybrids or when he said that GM could have developed a Prius-like vehicle before Toyota using just a fraction of ONE year's advertising budget. But that was the past, right?

Now GM is on a new advertising campaign - one to convince Americans not to worry about CO2 emissions from autos because - according to GM - buildings cause more CO2. (Read the Press Release)

Hard to care about a hydrogen-powered Chevy Volt

How long, how loooonnnnggggg?

Larry Burns has posted an article regarding the Chevy Volt that is being displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show, for those interested. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed to find out that the new iteration of the Volt - a rumor that hyped its way through the blogosphere for the last couple of weeks - is a fuel cell vehicle.

Yes, I believe fuel cells have great potential, but if an electric-gasoline version of the Volt is 3 years away, a fuel cell Volt is even further off in the distance. Quite honestly, I care much more about what GM and all automakers are doing today, and I would have been much happier with a dumbed down version of the Volt - a vehicle that could be sold, say, next year.

Imagine GM taking on the Toyota Prius head-to-head now, instead of 3 years from now. That's what America has been waiting for - an American-made freedom fighter. An American worker-supporting, foreign oil dependency-fighting, global warming-stopping, American-made vehicle. Is that so much to ask for?

Perhaps such a vehicle wouldn't resonate particularly well with a majority of the GM faithful, but such a Volt would, however, resonate with millions of Americans that don't particularly care for GM's environmental and fuel economy efforts.

Coming to America: Chinese hybrid cars?

China is the future of the auto market and Chinese automakers are quickly developing hybrids

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, China is largely attempting to demonstrate that China is the future of the world's automotive sector. However, China isn't just going to be a consumer - a spectator. Instead, China wants to be a major automobile manufacturer. Even more alarming, Chinese automakers aren't just pursuing cheap automobiles, they are pursuing next generation technologies, such as hybrid vehicles.

For example, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)will display the latest prototype of the Roewe 750 gas-electric hybrid vehicle that the company plans to begin selling in 2008. In addition, Chery will display a hybrid version of the Chery A5 sedan at the Shanghai show as well. Finally, Chang'an will show a hybrid version of its multipurpose Jiexun, which the company plans to begin selling next year for $12,000 - $19,000.

As the Insideline noted, "It won't be long before Chinese hybrids are running on American highways."

Isn't it kind of embarrassing that more American-made hybrids are not on the roads of the U.S.?

Tesla admits Roadster won't be as efficient as advertised

Only 200 miles per charge?

Tesla has begun sending notices to the 400 or so customers that purchased the $100,000 Roadster, notifying them that their amazing electric sports car will only achieve 200 miles per charge, rather than 250 miles per charge advertised, according to the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Nonetheless, I would STILL buy one if I could afford one.

Still, this points out the complexities of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It also highlights the importance of today's hybrid vehicles. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will happen, but kinks still need to be resolved. More than anything, these lithium-driven automobiles need more investment, and the best way to achieve that investment is hybrid cars.

Already, Toyota has stated that not only will the 2009 Third Generation Prius utilize lithium-ion batteries, but that all Toyota hybrids will utilize Li-ion batteries. That's hundreds of thousands of battery packs per year - not 400. That kind of investment will be great for Tesla and anyone else interested in all types of hybrids and electric vehicles.

Roland's polls about hybrid vehicle sales

The Commodore 64 didn't tempt many consumers - personal computers were still too much of an emerging technology

Yesterday I came across a poll a by Cargurus.com of 500 visitors to their automotive site which suggested that most consumers were still not interested in hybrid cars. As I read through the press release I noticed quotes from Tesla board members - also Cargurus.com board members - explaining that hybrids make little sense. Rather, a Tesla board member claimed, electric cars were a far better option. No conflict of interest there!

Please. I would love an electric vehicle. If I could afford Tesla's $100,000 Roadster, I would buy it today. Yet, the Roadster still has yet to hit the road for any consumers. And it costs $100,000!

Nonetheless, Roland Jones of MSNBC took this highly objective poll to claim that maybe hybrid vehicle sales have no future, a common thread in much of Roland's hybrid writing.

Yet, if Toyota offers the third generation Prius at the same costs as today's Prius, but with a significant increase in fuel efficiency, then nothing will stop the hybrid revolution - and that is less than 2 years away. Until then, hybrids still are an emerging technology, and anybody whom studies the sales patterns of emerging technologies wouldn't find any surprise in a poll that shows a majority of consumers are still "iffy" about buying a hybrid vehicle.

GM's fuel cell Volt and the Volt "will" be built

A new iteration of the Volt will debut in China

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, GM will be showing off its hypester, the Chevy Volt plug-in vehicle. However, the Volt debuting in China will be a little different than the Volt that debuted in Detroit back in January. Instead of a electric-gasoline plug-in hybrid, the Chinese Volt will replace the gasoline engine with a fuel cell according to AutoWeek.

In other news, according to Car&Driver, GM's engineering chief Jim Queen told an automotive engineering conference regarding the Volt, "We will get this into production. We are very, very serious about this."

Still, when and what version? Will the gasoline plug-in be mothballed in favor of a fuel cell version? I hope not.

V2G Technology Update

Pacific Gas and Electric, one of California's electric utilities, recently held a demo of V2G Technology, or vehicle to grid technology, where battery charging stations not only charge up electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but enable these vehicles to also sell power back to the grid.

"In addition to reducing energy costs, V2G technology could provide the ability for customers to sell energy back to the utility during hot afternoons when demand is highest and most costly to avoid blackouts," Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said in a statement. "Vehicle owners will select a price threshold at which they are willing to sell energy, and when the price reaches this point the utility will be able to automatically draw energy out of the vehicle, leaving enough for the drive home if necessary. The utility's customers would then earn credit in the amount of energy used by the utility toward their monthly energy bill."

(Source: InsideLine)

Bush almost electrocuted by a plug-in hybrid

Just before almost electrifying himself, Bush plugs in a Ford hydrogen electric hybrid.

Many say they are not yet buying hybrid cars because they are waiting for plug-in hybrids. Yet, are plug-in hybrids even safe?

Let's say you have a plug-in gasoline electric hybrid vehicle. You know, one where you can use both gasoline and electric power.

Anyway.

One day you loan the hybrid to your aging father, but miles away you remember that the car is low on fuel. So, you call up the old-man and tell him just to plug it in for a few hours, then he'll have all the gas he needs for the day.

Days later, as you are planning your father's funeral, the fire inspector notifies you that your 'lost in the 70's' dad accidentally plugged the electric cord into the gasoline hole, rather than the hybrid's electric outlet. Apparently, your dad didn't know much about plug-in hybrids.

Sounds silly, but that is exactly what almost happened to President GWB. Read more....

Is the Volt running out of juice?

A new iteration just months after its debut?

When rumors hit the Internet earlier this week that GM was going to debut the latest iteration of the Chevy Volt hybrid concept at the Shanghai Auto Show, I couldn't help but be unimpressed. Yes, I am extremely excited about the potential of the Volt but a real Volt, according to GM, is still 3 years away.

Besides, what can a new iteration of the Volt really accomplish? A vehicle with less plastic composites and a tighter wheel-base? Those aren't critical issues, the batteries are a critical issue.

Sometime next year, Toyota will probably start selling its third generation Prius which will utilize lithium-ion batteries according to Toyota. Unless GM is planning a less electric Volt for Shanghai, as an earlier-than-expected first generation vehicle, to compete with this new Prius while further developing the plug-in technology for the second generation Volt, I won't be very impressed.

Let's hope GM has something shocking planned, but don't count on it.

Supreme Court rules on CO2

According to the AP the Supreme Court decided 5-4 that the Federal Government should take a fresh look at regulating the CO2 emissions from automobiles, a development which could have a huge impact on hybrid vehicles.

Such a move has been tenaciously fought against by most major automakers, especially those in Detroit. Ultimately, the best way to reduce CO2 emissions is to increase fuel economy and to use hybrid technology. Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, not only cause a significant increase in fuel economy, they also cause a significant decrease in CO2 emissions by being able to use pure electric power instead of gasoline in stop-and-go driving conditions for example - the conditions that cause the greatest CO2 emissions and contribute to global warming.

Chrysler plug-in update

A plug-in diesel hybrid to be included

DaimlerChrysler will include the 2007 Dodge Sprinter in its recently announced plug-in hybrid test program in the U.S. In addition to the new platform, the concept program will also include diesel plug-in hybrids. Currently, the Sprinter plug-in can achieve around 20 miles on electric power only using next generation lithium-ion batteries.

While its nice to see this plug-in program evolving, how about some hybrid vehicles today?

Doubts about the Chevy Volt?

GM's Bob Lutz getting out of the Volt concept at NAIAS debut

On Friday I wrote about GM's Chevy Volt doubts, based on a DetroitNews article. Late Friday, Mr. Lutz also responded to that article, saying that GM was 100 percent committed to the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Good. Yet, while Lutz is a bit testy about GM doubters, can he really blame them? GM's history regarding hybrid cars and electric cars isn't great. While GM has claimed to be committed to this path, GM still has yet to sell one dual mode hybrid. The Volt, on the other hand, is at least 3 years away.

GM can continue to lobby the faithful with words, but until naysayers actually feel and touch real GM hybrid vehicles and next-gen vehicles, such as the Volt, words just won't be enough.