Latest Hybrid News
March 2007
New Saturn Aura pricing released
Pricing for the new Saturn Aura was released and it will be the lowest-cost hybrid on the market.
Saturn Aura Green Line becomes lowest priced hybrid
February 2007
Porsche will off a hybrid Cayenne
Starting in 2009 Porsche will sell the Cayenne in hybrid form. "[The Cayenne hybrid] will deliver environmental benefits while retaining the performance [that Porsche is renowned for."
Porsche hybrid will charge into Oz
April 2006
Next Prius may exceed 100mpg
Toyota has set the fuel economy target for the next generation Prius at 40km/litre, roughly 113mpg. This version may be available in 2008.
Prius hits 113mpg
Gas prices having an impact
A large portion of Americans are now trying to economize on gas to compensate for higher prices.
Half of Americans Driving Less to Save Gas
March 2006
Interest in Hybrids still strong
75% of Americans still want more information about hybrid vehicles, showing that interest is still high.
Drivers hungry for information on hybrids
Hybrids really do save money
A lot of press was generated months ago when Consumer Reports released a report saying that hybrids don't save money for the buyer in the long run. It looks like they've corrected their mistake and now realize they do.
Consumer Reports Revises Financial Analysis in Report on Ownership Costs for Hybrid Cars
February 2006
The making of the Prius, and Toyota
Interesting stories about the making of the Prius, starting back in 1995. It definitely shows Toyota in a different light than is generally accepted.
The Birth of the Prius
Mazda working on Hybrid version of Tribute SUV, donates 10 to fire department
Mazda donated 10 hybrids to a California fire authority and plans to give 20 more. The Tribute Hybrid will apparently get 74% better fuel mileage than it's convential counter-part.
Mazda Donates Tribute Hybrids to Orange County Fire Authority in California
January 2006
A Big SUV Goes Hybrid
The Chevy Tahoe will soon come equipped with a hybrid system that also deactivates some of it's 8 cylinders when appropriate.
Chevy unveils two-mode hybrid Tahoe
News bits from the autoshow
Interesting news bits: the Camry will have a hybrid option for 2007, hybrids from Subaru, Saturn and the Chevy Tahoe.
Hybrid-technology vehicles take centre stage
Insurance company offers discount for hybrid drivers
This insurance company has begun a 10% discount program for hybrid owners. They are also automatically classifying hybrid owners in the preferred category due to assumed lower risk.
Travelers to Offer Hybrid Owners Across U.S. 10 Percent Discount on Auto Insurance
Question & Answer with GM hybrid director
Interesting Q&A. Covers some supplier sharing issues and engineer shortages.
GM draws on past to speed hybrid progress
December 2005
Expensive gas is here to stay
The US government has recently released new oil price forecasts for 2006. It's the "first significant increase in EIA's forecast of oil prices in years."
The end of cheap gas
Steam Hybrids
Very interesting concept - using the heat escaping through the exhaust to heat water and use steam power to boost the regular engine. Different concept than gas-electric hybrids but possibly a good idea.BMW unveils the turb
BMW unveils the turbosteamer concept
Detroit and Hybrids
Discussion about the current set of hybrids and how Detroit is reacting. Interesting data point is that Hybrid sales have grown almost 1000% since 2000.
The Hot Hybrids
November 2005
Using hybrid technology for non-green purposes
A growing trend among automakers is to use hybrid technology to boost power, primarily by giving extra acceleration. Is this a good use of the technology?
Hybrids get meaner, less green
Hybrid taxis debut in New York
New York has given incentives and passed a law allowing hybrid taxicabs. Reports from drivers indicate some are saving up to $20 per shift in the new vehicles.
Hybrid taxicabs make their debut in New York
Is buying a hybrid a economical, environmental or lifestyle decision?
The answer is "all of the above." This is an article about the thought process involved in buying a car. Why do some people say "You know, you won't save a lot of money on your new hybrid" but they wouldn't say "You're going to waste a lot of money on that optional 8 cylinder upgrade"?
Buying pleasure: Will it be a Hemi or a hybrid?
Your company may have a hybrid incentive program
Some companies like Google, Hyperion and Timberland are offering incentives for their employees to buy hybrids. Check with yours. It's a great idea.
Companies help employees buy fuel-efficient cars
October 2005
Hybrid quota to be proposed to US Senate
A new law may be soon proposed to the US government requiring a minimum percentage of new cars to be hybrids. Quote: "If the leadership of the United States does not come to grips with the fact that we need a new energy policy then we are not only putting this nation.s security, economy and public health at risk, but the world.s as well."
Senator Proposes Hybrid Quota
Large SUV sales are dropping fast
Due to soaring gas prices the sales of the large GMC Envoy and and Chevy Tahoe are down over 50%. Sales of the Prius are up by 90% and the Civic Hybrid is also flying off the lots.
US drivers steering around high gas costs
Heavy Duty Truck Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid technology can also apply to heavy trucking applications. Of special benefit would be the power assist from the electric motor for initial acceleration. Even for long-range driving this could allow the main engine to become smaller and give huge efficiency gains.
Mack displays heavy-duty hybrid electric vehicle
People are trading in $40,000 Suburbans for $15,000 Corollas
The US Auto industry has long been based on anything large. That attitude seems to finally be changing in the face of $3 gallons of gas.
Smaller Cars Enjoy New Chic
September 2005
Hybrids at the root of an unlikely partnership
Most ends of the political spectrum in the US seem to agree on hybrids. The reasons may differ but it's producing a productive partnership.
The Holy & the Hawks
Porsche to build hybrid SUV
Porsche has just announces that it will releasing a hybrid version of their new SUV by the end of the decade. Plans are to reduce fuel consumption by about 15%.
Porsche to Build Hybrid Version of Cayenne SUV
Toyota will cut price gap between hybrids and conventional cars
Due to recent hikes in oil prices Toyota would like to see more people able to afford hybrids. The gap is currently around $4500 US.
Toyota's Watanabe Seeks To Cut Premium On Hybrid Cars
US consumers becoming more fuel conscious: Toyota President
Toyota is seeing and expecting even more interest in fuel-efficient vehicles. President says that US consumers are feeling more pressure from gas prices.
Toyota: U.S. drivers feeling gas pains
Volkswagen is making initial steps into building hybrids
Volkswagen is planning to team up with a Chinese manufacturer to build hybrids for that market. The article also mentions that Volkswagen would still work alone to build hybrids for the North American and European markets.
Volkswagen to make hybrid cars with China
August 2005
Honda delivers 100,000th hybrid vehicle in US
After six years and three distinct hybrid vehicles Honda has broken the 100,000 barrier. It may not sound like a lot compared to conventional vehicle sales but the numbers keep increasing each year.
Minneapolis Honda Dealer Delivers 100,000th Hybrid Vehicle in US
New US Hybrid tax credits for 2006
Starting January 1, 2006 there are adjusted credits from the new energy bill. Take a look at them as they may affect your when you purchase a hybrid.
Hybrid Car Tax Credit - Energy Bill Goes Into Effect January 2006
Modified Hybrids get 250mpg
An engineer in California has modified his Toyota Prius to get over 80mpg. Apparently there are some enthusiasts who have gotten 250mpg.
Engineers modify hybrid cars to get up to 250 mpg
Why GM chose hydrogen
GM is betting the bank on hydrogen. This interview with GM's vice president of R&D explains why.
Why GM Is High on Hydrogen
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