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 hybrid revolution and unprecedented greatness Time for the President to listen to his Job’s Council One can only laugh, or perhaps cry, at the irony of today’s political world. This morning I learned that the President was rejecting the Keystone Pipeline, an outcome most closely following this story expected because of the political prowess …

Prius provides real bang for the buck according to some studies. At least for some hybrid cars Americans are holding onto their cars longer, an average of 10.8 years, according to the latest data. That means old gas-guzzlers are becoming even bigger gas-guzzlers, not to mention more costly to fuel. And maybe that means hybrid cars are a better deal than many might…

Fuel efficient camping for 4. Making the Prius even more versatile OK. Toyota Prius haters are only going to shake their heads in total disbelief when I call the Camp Inn Relax Cabin the coolest Toyota Prius accessory ever. Then again, I’m a functionality person when it comes to transportation, and a 50 mpg camper that sleeps 4 is about as practical as it comes. That and maybe …

Fuel efficient camping for 4. Making the Prius even more versatile OK. Toyota Prius haters are only going to shake their heads in total disbelief when I call the Camp Inn Relax Cabin the coolest Toyota Prius accessory ever. Then again, I’m a functionality person when it comes to transportation, and a 50 mpg camper that sleeps 4 is about as…

Camry hybrid more cost-effective than a conventional Camry? But just because of limited hybrid and EV supplies? As the Nissan Leaf begins to hit new dealerships, spreading to all 50 states by March, it has become one of the fastest moving vehicles in the industry, averaging just 6 days on the dealer room floor. Similarly, the recently revamped Toyota Camry hybrid is lasting just 7 …

Who needs a Volt when you can just Cruze? Are plug-ins to follow the path of fuel cells? I’ve made it clear that I don’t believe the hybrid and plug-in hype is fading into irrelevance because of advancements in gasoline engines, which undoubtedly have the capability to achieve much higher levels of efficiencies. Of course, those gasoline engines will …

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…

Should been a Volt instead? So, why didn’t you start there, Bob? There are a number of people on this blog that have made fun of me over the years for my admiration of ex-GM Vice Chairman et al, Bob Lutz, an admiration I willfully admit. I’ve relished every opportunity to be around …

The clever hybrid, or the deceptive one? New Buick LaCrosse eAssist commercial explains it all Last night I was watching Kitchen Nightmares — what a fantastic show — and was able to catch a commercial for the new Buick LaCrosse eAssist during a break. You know the one. The hybrid that isn’t a hybrid, at least in terms of GM…

The Tru 140s eAssist hybrid Is GM taking the cost-effective hybrid approach, or refusing to admit failure? In a weird way, I believe that mild hybrid technologies, such as GM’s eAssist could make a lot of sense. As battery costs decline, eAssist — at least it seems to me — could …

Jetta hybrid to use Prius-crunching horsepower Gasoline powered fuel efficient fun? Will there ever be a hybrid that outsells the Toyota Prius, or at least sells as well? If you believe long term automotive forecasts, then you have to believe that someday an automaker will challenge Prius sales. Volkswagen’s new Jetta hybrid will be VW’s response to the Prius, and while the new VW hybrid probably won’t challenge the hybrid…