The wrong kind of range extended plug-in through 2025? Leaf, Plug-in Prius, and Volt all bad by design? Not surprisingly the California Air Resources Board unanimously passed its Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) program for the technological requirements to meet emission requirements from 2015 – 2025. Under the plan, for instance, 1 …

A good long term hedge against higher gasoline prices? But I sure wish it was easier to sell the Civic hybrid “Get with the program.” That’s what an advertising agency friend told me once regarding Hybridcarblog. I’m too critical, he rightly pointed out. Instead, he suggested that I sell every hybrid and plug-in that I cover. That, he assured me, would drive ad revenues…

No doubt, Fisker can design beautiful cars, but is that enough? The Aston Martin of plug-in vehicles didn’t deserve fed backed loans I still remember the first time I saw the Fisker Karma. Even though I’m not much of a car guy, I was moved. However, as I tried to interact with the arrogant stuff, some of …

Using OnStar to plug into renewables Charge your Volt with renewable energy now says OnStar I’ve had the opportunity to visit GM’s OnStar facilities a few times over the years and have always been impressed with OnStar’s capabilities and its future potential. And in terms of plug-ins such as the Chevy Volt…

Is it about perception or sales? Prius V extends Toyota’s battery dominance The other day I read some commentary regarding all the different cathode technologies being utilized in lithium ion batteries. This variety, it was suggested, demonstrates all the innovation now underway in the battery space, and the commentary concluded …

The 2012 hybrid sales story is all about Toyota Or was it all just about the Japanese supply disruption? If you followed the hybrid headlines in 2011, you might believe the end must be near for hybrid cars, despite recent headlines — even from a major oil company — regarding the alleged massive…

Tata's eMO – The future of emerging markets? And that’s before tax credits So, I’m crazy. Pod cars. Autodrive. Why not just add flying capabilities to my vision of the near automotive future? Unfortunately, I believe that the world is headed towards auto-drive and pod cars whether consumers want them or …

Not enough room and functionality for most Americans? Please Time for the automotive revolution to evolve It’s hard to argue that electric cars don’t make sense. Well, aside from costs and range of course. But over time those issues will become less and less relevant. Still, it could be…

The Leaf is a great car, but can it really change the world? Can the world wait for electrification? I was never much of a car guy growing up. It wasn’t until the first hybrid cars hit the street that autos started catching my attention, especially since code was such a big part of their powertrain, and coming from the software industry…

What do you mean it doesn't average 40 mpg? Time for more truth in advertising? Have you seen the 4 x 40 Hyundai rap video? It’s actually kind of amusing, except for the fact the ad is a complete lie. But who cares about the truth these days? Not politicians, nor government agencies such as the FTC. Obviously not automakers. And apparently not consumers either. Maybe America just prefers fantasy …

Learn About The Good reputation for Biofuel Cars . Biofuel has been around for … Now the auto industry is coming around full circle as public interest in more eco-friendly cars that use renewable energy sources. Jeep Grand …

The Prius is driving Toyota's future, despite the skeptics Trying to take hybrids — and not just the Prius — into the mainstream When it comes to hybrid sale’s forecasts, Toyota has thus far defied the doubters — which has pretty much been the rest of the entire auto industry. But, now that fuel economy is becoming more important, automakers are taking notice. However, as other automakers move to …