Is fracking inherently so much more dangerous than foreign oil dependence? The new world order of energy? If you attended the recent Deloitte & Touche oil and gas conference in Houston, you were left with one realization, according to Bob Lutz of BMW, Chrysler, Ford, and GM fame: US energy independence is now a potential reality. Thanks to an …

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Lutz: Peak oil, global warming myths; electrification real

Volt 2.0: How would you re-Volt GM's key plug-in? Built for change, but how much change? Early in Chevy Volt production, many things were possible. For instance, GM suggested a non-plug-in Volt, a Volt that utilized super-capacitors rather than batteries, as well as a Volt that replaced its electric range extending engine with a range extending fuel cell. Likewise…

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Chevy Volt 2.0: How would you change GM’s plug-in?

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 …

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CARB’s BEVx to automakers: You don’t understand plug-in cars

A good concept for a future Scion hybrid? Study suggests that Generation Y could be the tipping point for hybrid mainstreaming I’m not a big fan of consumer studies and surveys. It’s always easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk, and a decade of hybrid surveys and hybrid sales proves the relative …

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Survey says: The kids want hybrid cars

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 …

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Toyota Prius V: Why NiMH still matters and plug-ins don’t rule

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 …

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Lutz on plug-in trucks: “Why wouldn’t you start there?”

2013 Ford Fusion hybrid Or is it still about PR and halo products? Great new looks? Check. Luxurious interior? Check. The latest and greatest technology? Check. Outstanding fuel economy? Check. Check. Cost-effective price? To be determined. Without question, the new 2013 Ford Fusion is ready to take on the likes of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, and adding a plug-in hybrid …

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Ford’s new hybrids – A perfect Fusion of fuel economy and price?

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…

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EVs are awesome, but they can’t save the world. What now?

A Mitsubishi pickup truck concept. Can it keep on trucking to America? The importance of the light duty truck segment in America simply cannot be underestimated. It accounts for 50+ percent of all vehicle sales, and a significantly higher percentage of Big 3 profits. Unfortunately, most attempts at more fuel efficient pickup trucks and…

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Mitsubishi ready to plug-in to light duty trucks

The Spyder plug-in hybrid The future is inevitable For years now Audi has been a vocal hater of hybrid and electric vehicles, claiming that diesel vehicles offer similar benefits at a cheaper price. But, heading into the future, even hybrid hater Audi seems to realize that hybrid and plug-in powertrains are inevitable. Consequently, Audi plans to spend billions …

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Hybrid hater Audi buying into electrification

Another gas spike or two will change everything about hybrid sales. Hybrids still aren’t ready to mainstream, but they’re closer than you think Recently AutoNation’s Mike Jackson served up some stern remarks regarding hybrid and plug-in market penetration, pointing out that while 70 percent of consumers claim to be interested in hybrids and plug-ins — according to polls and surveys — less than 3 …

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Conditioning: Why a big jump in hybrid sales is coming

Is the Volt's battery really safe? Shouldn’t there have always been a de-powering protocol? I would have no problem buying a Chevy Volt today — if it were cheaper — despite the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s formal investigation into Volt fire risk after an accident ( more ). I honestly don’…

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De-powered: GM’s Chevy Volt fire begs serious questions