AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Official: Another study shows young people not so keen on driving]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/another-study-shows-young-people-not-so-keen-on-driving/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/another-study-shows-young-people-not-so-keen-on-driving/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/another-study-shows-young-people-not-so-keen-on-driving/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The automotive industry is getting more evidence that it's time to expand product offerings or switch over to another business. A new study by the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) says the "driving boom" is over. While Baby Boomers loved their cars, their kids - aka Gen Y or Millennials - have different idea.

From 2004 until 2012, the total miles traveled remained about the same, but the amount, per capita, decreased by one percent each year.

The numbers tell the story, and the total miles driven, per capita, in the US has been declining. While gasoline price spikes and the Great Recession play a role, the numbers have been dropping gradually since 2004. That marks the end of a 40-year driving boom that started up in 1964, according to the PIRG report. The number of miles driven by Americans increased each year an average of 2.5 percent per capita and 3.8 percent total during that time. From 2004 until 2012, the total miles traveled remained about the same, but the amount, per capita, decreased by one percent each year.

Urbanization appears to be causing some of the trend, and use of mass transit and carsharing has been increasing. On top of that, boomers are aging and will be driving less and Millenials don't like to drive as much. Automaker executives have been voicing concern that young people are much less interested in driving and owning cars then their predecessors. The PIRG report's authors are concerned that highway system authorities have been too focused on expanding the nation's roads rather than accurately gauging the landscape.

Another study shows young people not so keen on driving originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 18 May 2013 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby boomerscar shoppersgenymillennialsyoung consumersSat, 18 May 2013 08:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20573135/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20573135/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/another-study-shows-young-people-not-so-keen-on-driving/20573135/article-detail.xml 20573135 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/young-motorists_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/young-motorists.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Ford hit with another lawsuit over C-Max, Fusion Hybrid mpg claims]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ford c-max

Ford is waiting to see if it will be facing several class action lawsuits over its mileage ratings - three of which were filed in late April. Suits filed in federal courthouses in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California claim Ford is overstating the average mileage ratings for its 2013 Ford C-Max and Fusion Hybrids.

Marianne Cibeu, a Massachusetts resident, filed for a federal class action lawsuit claiming she's only getting 32 miles per gallon in her Ford C-Max hybrid despite the EPA/Ford rating of 47 mpg. As you can see in the complaint filed in a US District Court, the suit is asking for $5 million in damages for Cibeu and all Massachusetts buyers of 2013 C-Max and Fusion hybrids.

"Plaintiffs purchased a Fusion Hybrid or C-Max Hybrid, only to be stuck with under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners."

In California, two law firms combined their cases against Ford for making "false and misleading" claims. When we first reported on the case, back in December, there were reportedly hundreds of C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners who'd joining the lawsuit. Not much later, Consumer Reports conducted extensive tests for both hybrids and found their performance to be significantly worse than the US Environmental Protection Agency mileage ratings. A similar case has been filed in US District Court in Philadelphia. "Plaintiffs are some of the tens of thousands of consumers who purchased a Fusion Hybrid or C-Max Hybrid, only to be stuck with under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners," according to the complaint.

So far, the wave of lawsuits hasn't hurt sales of the C-Max or Fusion Hybrid, though it's still early in the legal battle. The EPA, which determines (sort of) the mileage numbers Ford and other automakers put on window stickers, says that it's confident the ratings of both Ford vehicles are sound but will review them. Both Ford and the EPA have emphasized real-world mileage results are completely dependent on how the driver operates the vehicle. That hasn't gone over well with people filing class action lawsuits.

Ford hit with another lawsuit over C-Max, Fusion Hybrid mpg claims originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>47 mpgc-maxclass actionfordfusion hybridlawsuitmileagempgFri, 17 May 2013 17:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574111/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574111/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/ford-hit-with-another-mpg-lawsuit-claim/20574111/article-detail.xml 20574111 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: A family's 10-year history with a 2003 first-gen Toyota Prius]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Toyota Prius has put in its time as the benchmark for hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles on American roads. For Scott Burns, it's put in time as a family car as well, and one he's been incredibly happy with.

Burns, writing in the Houston Chronicle, says owning a 2003 first-generation Toyota Prius for the past 10 years has been smooth. (The larger, iconic second-edition Prius was launched as a 2004 model a few months after he purchased his). He calls it "a practical companion," and notes that even after 115,000 miles on the odometer, the metallic green Prius will live on with his 16 year-old granddaughter.

The Prius has only needed one expensive repair. It's been trouble-free over the years and has handled whatever road conditions it's been subjected to. While naysayers have voiced worries about the life of the Prius battery, the pack is still going strong. He's met several other Prius owners who've never replaced the battery and put a lot more miles on it.

While the second- and third-generation Priuses are known for getting 45-to-50 miles per gallon, his car averaged about 43 mpg. He estimates saving about 1,000 gallons of gasoline in the Prius compared to a comparable size non-hybrid, saving about $3,300 in the past decade.

Ten years later, Burns notes there are a lot of appealing hybrids on the market today, such as the Ford C-Max, which is larger and more fun to drive than a Prius. There's also a lot of high-mileage, cheaper small cars out there - which have become the Prius' strongest competitor. The Burns family is buying a new Honda Fit Sport model. It may not get 40-plus mpg, but at $20,000 it costs about $10,000 less than most hybrids - and he figures that will buy a lot of gasoline. Read his whole article here.

A family's 10-year history with a 2003 first-gen Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-gen priushybridmpgsmall cartoyota priusFri, 17 May 2013 13:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572714/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572714/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/familys-10-year-history-with-2003-first-gen-toyota-prius/20572714/article-detail.xml 20572714 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/first-generation-prius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/first-generation-prius.jpg <![CDATA[XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hybrid electric vehicles are gaining appeal for fleets of all types as more models make it to showrooms bearing a variety of price tags. Even commercial fleets are finding more available products, from pickups and vans to medium-duty trucks. Now, there's a new option.

XL Hybrids, Inc., and the Knapheide Manufacturing Company announced an agreement for installation and distribution of XL Hybrids' low-cost hybrid electric powertrains, which are designed for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet vehicles. Knapheide is a longstanding commercial vehicle equipment provider in North America, and provides fleets with other alternative fuel vehicle choices.

The announcement was made at the 2014 GM Fleet and Commerical Product Preview, where the companies displayed a hybrid Chevrolet Express cargo van upfitted with XL Hyrids' powertrain system at Knapheide's booth. XL Hybrids' technology will be installed by Knapheide through its existing ship-through process, offering fleets a one-stop purchase, upfit, delivery and invoice experience. Nationwide delivery of converted hybrid 2014 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans will start Aug. 1. 2013. XL Hybrids and Knapheide are also available for installation on what the press release refers to as "bailment pool vehicles," or as a retrofit for 2010 to 2013 GM cargo vans. Read it below for more details.

Continue reading XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets

XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanchevy expresscommercial fleetsgm fleethybridsxl hybridsThu, 16 May 2013 16:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/20568755/article-detail.xml 20568755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-express_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-express.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Volvo's new four-cylinder engines offer more performace, better fuel efficiency]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volvo has started production of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for its new Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) lineup. They're variants of Volvo's current models and are optimized to deliver higher performance than the current lineup of Volvo six-cylinder models, with less fuel consumption.

The VEA variants have been under preparation for about two years at Volvo's engine plant in Skövde, Sweden. The company has invested heavily in the plant's overhaul - about two billion kronor, or close to $300 million US. All of the engines are being built on the same line, which makes overall production more efficient. The Volvo press release (available below) says that the in-house operation is a vital part of the automaker's strategy for independence.

The VEA is replacing eight engine architectures on three different platforms, with the first new engines being introduced this year and continuing through 2015. Nearly 20,000 engines are scheduled to be produced in 2013, with a target rate of 2,000 units per week by the end of the year. By the fall of 2013, Volvo expects to have fitted the new engines to the Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models.

Like the electrification of a few Volvo models, the objective of the new four-cylinder variants is to offer good energy economy, low environmental impact and immense driving pleasure at an attractive price, Derek Crabb, Volvo's vice president powertrain engineering said.

Continue reading Volvo's new four-cylinder engines offer more performace, better fuel efficiency

Volvo's new four-cylinder engines offer more performace, better fuel efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>four cylinder enginesfuel efficiencyvariantsvolvoWed, 15 May 2013 17:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567588/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567588/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/20567588/article-detail.xml 20567588 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volvo-v70_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volvo-v70.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

renault fluence

Renault is ready to party at its Z.E. (zero emission) Center in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, near Paris. While it's being called a birthday celebration, the Z.E. Center actually opened up almost a year and a half ago, in January 2012. Renault says that it's the first electric vehicle test center in Europe.

So far, the Center has organized over 21,000 electric vehicle test drives for professional, institutional and individual customers and guests. These visitors have driven the family of Renault EVs - Zoe, Twizy, Kangoo Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. - more than 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles). Visitor who go for a drive are accompanied by EV experts around a two-kilometer (about one and a quarter mile) track. Along the way, they learn more about the services, benefits and charging infrastructure details that come with EV ownership. Through April 2013, Renault has only sold 24,688 EVs throughout Europe, or roughly the same number as it's had test drives at the Z.E. Center.

Visitors have included race car drivers Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, photographer/journalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand and a few French government officials. It's got to help Renault to gain such exposure, but the trick will be expanding the sales figures way beyond the number of visitors.

Continue reading Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives

Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boulogne-billancourtelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesevsfluencefrancekangoorenaultrenault z.e. centertest drivestwizyzoeWed, 15 May 2013 09:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569329/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569329/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/20569329/article-detail.xml 20569329 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-fluence-z.e._thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-fluence-z.e..jpg <![CDATA[Official: H2USA is DOE's new partnership to support hydrogen fueling stations]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The US Department of Energy (DOE) has kicked off H2USA, a public-private partnership focused on advancing hydrogen infrastructure to bring more transportation energy options to US consumers, including fueling up their fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). This is important for FCEVs because, right now, there are only 55 of these fueling stations in the US.

Massive shale gas fields in the US are providing a plentiful source of hydrogen, and H2USA stakeholders say they will work together to leverage these low cost natural gas resources. A number of automakers, including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota, have joined H2USA.

While former DOE secretary Steven Chu was deeply resented by the hydrogen industry for backing electric vehicles over hydrogen, that relationship had been improving before he left office. Last year, Chu admitted he'd changed his mind about hydrogen fuel cells.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership (which is also working with H2USA, see the complete list in the press release below) has committed to bringing 70 hydrogen stations to the state by 2016. The DOE's support of H2USA should further salve the wound from the Obama administration's split with the hydrogen industry.

Continue reading H2USA is DOE's new partnership to support hydrogen fueling stations

H2USA is DOE's new partnership to support hydrogen fueling stations originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean energydoefuel cell electric vehiclesh2h2usahydrogensteven chuTue, 14 May 2013 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567277/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567277/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/20567277/article-detail.xml 20567277 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hydrogen-fuel-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hydrogen-fuel-station.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: BIg Oil's favorite anti-clean energy study knocked down by review panel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Oil companies and other supporters of the fossil fuel status quo have been using a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to attack California's landmark clean energy bill AB32, particularly the bill's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Oil companies have been particularly irate that the LCFS requires them to reduce carbon pollution from gasoline and diesel 10 percent by 2020. But when the BCG report was roundly criticized, the Big Oil tried to come to the rescue. Now, an independent panel of scientists and academics has determined that the BCG study, the ammo being used to attack California's clean energy efforts, is packed with erroneous findings.

Oil companies have been particularly irate that the Low Carbon Fuel Standard requires them to reduce carbon pollution from gasoline and diesel 10 percent by 2020.

The BCG study had been under enough criticism and scrutiny that industry groups contracted with the UC Davis Policy Institute to assemble an expert independent review panel. The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA, which originally funded the BCG report), the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers requested the BCG report evaluation. Instead of supporting Big Oil, the reviewers found the study flawed on a number of fronts. For example, the BCG report missed "positive effects on the health and welfare of the citizens of California that could result from the implementation of AB32." The review panel also said the BCG study understated the benefits of AB32 on the economy; overstated the cost of industry compliance; and overstated harmful impact on California's oil refining industry. You can read a more detailed break-down on the situation over at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The California Air Resources Board created the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to comply with AB32. CARB wants to reduce the amount of carbon in transportation fuels as a way to reduce the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The BCG study and the resulting fallout isn't the first time oil companies have attempted to block LCFS and AB32. They also attempted to pass the Proposition 23 ballot initiative, which failed win voter approval in November 2010.

BIg Oil's favorite anti-clean energy study knocked down by review panel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 May 2013 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab32big oilcaliforniagreenhouse gaslow carbon fuel standardoil companiesvehicle emissionsMon, 13 May 2013 10:19:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20565683/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20565683/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/20565683/article-detail.xml 20565683 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/transportation-emissions_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/transportation-emissions.jpg <![CDATA[Official: Bosch Power Max becomes cheapest Level 2 home EV charger at just $450]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/bosch-power-max-becomes-cheapest-level2-home-ev-charger-at-450/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/bosch-power-max-becomes-cheapest-level2-home-ev-charger-at-450/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/bosch-power-max-becomes-cheapest-level2-home-ev-charger-at-450/#commentsFiled under:



Consumers now have some real choices for deals on electric vehicle chargers, whether exploring options through Home Depot, setting up an all-in-one package when buying their EV or going with Bosch for the cheapest Level 2 home charging station on the market.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions is now offering Power Max, the automotive industry's first EV charging station that costs less than $450, about half the cost of other 240-volt units currently on the market.

Bosch used its expertise and experience in home appliances and automotive solutions when designing the Bosh Power Max, which is UL-certified in both the US and Canada. Formerly called SPX Service Solutions, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions has supplied more than 16,000 EV charging stations and had made more than 6,000 installations including the SPX Power Xpress.

Power Max has been designed to work with all the EVs on the market, and comes in 16 amp and 30 amp configurations. Features include no-touch operation to simply the process from plugging in to walking away; NEMA 3R enclosure for both indoor and outdoor applications; visible LED indicator for gauging charging status; and a hardwired on/off switch to completely shut off power to the unit when needed. Bosch is taking orders now and will begin shipping in early June.

Bosch Power Max becomes cheapest Level 2 home EV charger at just $450 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 10 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boschelectric vehiclesev chargerevshome chargerslevel 2 chargerpower maxFri, 10 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20564780/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20564780/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/bosch-power-max-becomes-cheapest-level2-home-ev-charger-at-450/20564780/article-detail.xml 20564780 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bosch-power-max_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bosch-power-max.jpg <![CDATA[Report: More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



China seems to be hedging its bets on meeting stiffening emissions and fuel economy regulations, and addressing consumer demand for cleaner air. Electric vehicles remain part of the strategy, but their high cost, limited range and lack of infrastructure have kept sales at a slow pace. Hmm, that kind of sounds familiar, doesn't it?

As automakers are doing in the US, China-based manufacturers are exploring fuel-saving technologies that don't rely on plugging in, things like turbocharging and direct injection for gasoline and diesel engine powertrains. Chinese consumers are reticent about spending more on EVs, but they are paying extra for technology upgrades that improve fuel economy and driving experience.

Automotive supplier BorgWarner has seen its turbocharger sale double in China over the past three years. The company expects it to double again in the next three years, thanks to tougher fuel economy and emissions standards, and the fact that turbocharged vehicles are more fun to drive, according to BorgWarner China president Tom Tan. About 80 percent of turbochargers will be installed on engines between 1.4- and 2.0-liters, he added. Chinese government policy plays a role in turbocharger growth in small engines, since taxes are much higher on engines above 2.0L.

Direct injection technology is following the turbocharger trend. UK-based engineering consultancy, Ricardo, is seeing automakers clients requesting more direct injection, and expects that all gasoline-powered engines in China will include turbocharging and direct injection within 10 years.

Chinese automakers would like to be seen as technologically innovative, a central theme at last month's Shanghai Motor Show. Geely, for example, showed off its "self developed" turbocharged direct injection engine integrated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Government subsidies have failed to incentivize consumers to buy battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in China in huge numbers. Larger subsidies are expected for hybrids, including plug-in hybrids, in the next few months. The Chinese government wants 500,000 hybrids and EVs on the road by 2015 and five million by 2020, but Chinese consumers only purchased 11,375 EVs and plug-in hybrids last year.

More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese auto marketdirect injectionelectric vehiclesgovernment incentiveshybridsturbochargedThu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/20562090/article-detail.xml 20562090 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[Official: 100-year-old electric vehicle 'Sociability Run' revived]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/100-year-old-electric-vehicle-sociability-run-revived/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/100-year-old-electric-vehicle-sociability-run-revived/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/100-year-old-electric-vehicle-sociability-run-revived/#commentsFiled under: , ,



These days, electric vehicle activists want to see more public events like EV ride-and-drives and plenty of time for education and socializing. The annual National Plug In Day brings out a lot of fans, but it's certainly not the first time such an event has taken place. On Memorial Day - May 27, 2013 - drivers and fans will show up in Washington, DC, to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the Electric Sociability Run of 1914.

On May 27, 1914, a group known as the Electric Vehicle Association of America gathered 54 electric vehicle owners to rally in a caravan down a 14-mile stretch. It took the group more than an hour and 15 minutes to travel that distance and reach Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC.

The current group of EV drivers will arrive at the same destination as the original gathering. Just like the first group, they'll have a picnic, participate in contests and try for prizes for their achievements. They're hoping this year's event will be biggest gathering of EV owners in the nation's capital since 1914.

EV activists want to see more gatherings where EV owners meet and talk shop about their experiences. They'd like the public to understand that electric vehicles were mass market EVs 100 years ago, before affordable and prolific gasoline and internal combustion engines bumped them out of the mainstream.

The Electric Vehicle Association of America was led by a group of auto dealers who wanted to educate people and spark enthusiasm to purchase EVs. They were able to do that in 1914, but it's taken a century for EVs fans to witness a real comeback. As the Electric Sociability Run states on its Meetup page: "We are witnessing the rebirth of mass market electric cars with thousands of people getting new EVs each month. The automobile is finally being brought back to its electric roots."

100-year-old electric vehicle 'Sociability Run' revived originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antique carselectric sociability runelectric vehicle association of americaelectric vehiclesevvintage carsThu, 09 May 2013 08:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20561591/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20561591/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/100-year-old-electric-vehicle-sociability-run-revived/20561591/article-detail.xml 20561591 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/electric-sociabilty-run_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/electric-sociabilty-run.jpg <![CDATA[Featured: BMW EV hackathon works on anonymous driver communication to make charging easier]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



BMW brought 80 software developers and computer programmers together to tackle the themes of sustainability and electro-mobility in a hackathon last month. BMW hosted the Sustainability Hackathon to deal with a widespread problem - electric vehicles that get parked at charging stations - for example, during the workday - for extended periods of time beyond the few hours needed for charging.

One typical problem the coders were trying to solve was this: a driver shows up at a charge station needing just a few minutes of charging to reach his destination, but there's another car hooked up. The solution could be to anonymously contact the driver of the parked car to request permission to charge for a few minutes, and reconnect the original car upon completion. The winning apps in the contest would enable this sort of communication to more efficiently use charging stations. Fifteen apps for smartphones and mobile phones competed for first place in seven award categories. A total of $3,000 in prize money was awarded to the most practical, creative apps. The Hacker League page has a list of categories and winners.

The event, held April 27-29 at BMW's Technology Office in Mountain View, CA, was sponsored by BMW's car sharing subsidiary DriveNow and charging station network developer ChargePoint.

BMW EV hackathon works on anonymous driver communication to make charging easier originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Demand for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is strong enough that Ford will change the production mix from 20 percent to 30 percent hybrids for the 2014 model year.

It's part of an overall MKZs comeback, which saw sales increase in April sales now that the car is no longer quite as slow to roll of the line. MKZ sales more than doubled last month, hitting the 4,000 units sold mark for the first time and setting an all-time monthly sales record for the Lincoln brand.

Ford is targeting younger customers for the MKZ. The MKZ is doing especially well in the coastal areas. Los Angeles is the fastest growth market where retail sales more than tripled, lead by the MKZ hybrid, said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of US marketing, sales and service. In LA, the hybrid made up about 60 percent of MKZ retail sales.

With the exception of the Lincoln Navigator, the other members of the Lincoln family had a very poor sales month. The MKS plummeted 44 percent, the MKX dipped eight percent and the MKT dropped 31 percent.

The Ford brand did much better in April, with the F-Series pickup, Fusion sedan and Escape crossover each seeing impressive gains - and the Ford models sell much higher unit volumes than Lincolns do. The Taurus sedan, Flex crossover and Transit Connect were the only Ford models that dropped in sales during the month.

Back in October of last year, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid was given a combined 45 miles per gallon rating. At that time, it was behind the Ford Fusion Hybrid's 47 mpg estimate. These days, that 45 mpg rating for the MKZ Hybrid is looking pretty darn good.

Ford increasing Lincoln MKX Hybrid production mix to 30% originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford hybridhybridhybrid saleslincoln mkz hybridTue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557066/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557066/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/ford-increasing-lincoln-mkx-hybrid-production-mix-to-30/20557066/article-detail.xml 20557066 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lincoln-mkz-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lincoln-mkz-hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[After outage, Fisker Automotive website hints at positive future]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/after-outage-fisker-automotive-website-hints-at-positive-future/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/after-outage-fisker-automotive-website-hints-at-positive-future/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/after-outage-fisker-automotive-website-hints-at-positive-future/#commentsFiled under: ,



The official, revamped website for Fisker Automotive appears to be more of an homage to the company's focus on style rather than an accurate snapshot of the struggling automaker's actual troubles.

When you click on the homepage, you'll see red, white and blue images of its elegantly designed Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sports car, which Bob Lutz said is "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever." Click on the "Tomorrow" tab to see images of the Atlantic, Sunset and Surf models - which we all know may never make it to dealer showrooms. Fisker offers up a hopeful message, though: when you scroll over "Tomorrow," a pop-up reads, "Tomorrow never dies."

The redesigned website has taken awhile to be launched. On April 24, the site was down all day, right at the same time as Fisker and the US Department of Energy were being raked over the coals during a Congressional hearing. There were also court papers discovered taking Fisker to task for unpaid bills, including the designer of the website and mobile apps claiming the company owed $535,000.

Whatever the backstory is, there are still some glitches on the site. Click on the "Press" tab and the "Contact" page comes up. The inquiries[at]fiskerautomotive.com is the only contact point mentioned (three times), but when you try emailing that address, it gets bounced back as undeliverable. In the FAQ, the "Are there other Fisker models?" question does not mention the Atlantic at all. Also, the "About Fisker - Story" link also goes nowhere, which is poetic and telling.

After outage, Fisker Automotive website hints at positive future originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 May 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The city of Lansing, MI, will reduce emissions and save money on its electric bill by going solar. Lansing celebrated Earth Day with the installation of a five-kilowatt solar carport, called "Energy Parking," supplied by Italian company Giulio Barbieri S.p.A. and its Canadian partner renewz sustainable solutions inc.

The installation of the solar charging station at the riverside City Market will generate enough renewable energy to recharge the plug-in vehicle fleet of the Lansing Board of Water & Light, the municipal utility that provides electricity and water to the residents of Lansing. It's projected to reducing Lansing's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 115 tons and power about 300,000 miles of clean driving over the next 25 years.

The EV charging station was developed by renewz with chargers by Eaton and solar panels by SILFAB Americas; LED lighting and highly visible side and top banners were also installed. The modular aluminum structure was designed with Michigan weather in mind. The structure is 100 percent waterproof and fully wind, snow and seismic code compliant.

Giulio Barbieri, founder of his company based in Ferrara, Italy, thinks the Lansing installation places his company in a strong position to serve the growing renewable energy market in the US. Sass Peress, CEO of renewz, says the solar canopy was built in the city that will soon assemble the Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid and demonstrates how municipalities can power fleets sustainably.

Lansing's solar chargers might offer a solution to the city of Watertown, NY. City Attorney Robert Slye recently determined that installing charging stations in a municipal parking lot would be unconstitutional. New York state's comptroller issued the same opinion to the city of Ogdensburg, NY. It looks like New York and its municipalities may not allow public charging projects unless users can be charged for the electricity. Perhaps creating free electricity from solar power could be a win-win situation for New York?

Continue reading Lansing, MI installs solar EV charging station good for 300,000 emission-free miles

Lansing, MI installs solar EV charging station good for 300,000 emission-free miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 May 2013 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleelectric vehicleslansingplug-in hybridpublic charingrenewable energysolarsolar chargingMon, 06 May 2013 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20556415/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20556415/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/lansing-mi-installs-solar-ev-charger-300000-miles/20556415/article-detail.xml 20556415 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/solar-charger-in-lansing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/solar-charger-in-lansing.jpg <![CDATA[Breaking: New Jersey considering electric vehicle tax]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/new-jersey-considering-electric-vehicle-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/new-jersey-considering-electric-vehicle-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/new-jersey-considering-electric-vehicle-tax/#commentsFiled under: ,



States and municipalities are getting creative as they look for ways to raise tax revenues from electric cars. More and more plug-in vehicles are on the roads each year, and as gasoline-engine vehicles become more fuel efficient, there's simply less fuel tax revenue coming in. New Jersey is considering a tax scheme that will seem more reasonable to some and unfair to others.

The average EV driver would pay over $100 in extra taxes each year.

New Jersey state Sen. James Whelan (D-Atlantic) has sponsored S2531, which, if enacted would charge EVs a fee of 0.00839 cents per mile. For the average EV being driven about 12,000 miles per year, that comes out to $100.68 in tax. That's higher than what gasoline-powered vehicle drivers are paying. New Jersey's current state tax is 14.5 cents per gallon. If that car drives 12,000 miles per year and gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, that would come out to $69.60 in taxes per year. Of course, federal taxes increase the overall amount for gasoline-engines, making the gasoline tax fairly close to what electric vehicles would be taxed if the bill becomes law.

Electric vehicles are not specifically named in the S2531 bill, but internal combustion engines are exempted. For now, the bill, "Establishes mileage-based fee on passenger vehicles; exempts passenger vehicles from motor fuels tax."

New Jersey's proposal might be more affordable than other states. Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, Arizona and Texas have proposed or enacted electric vehicle taxes and they vary by how much the EV owner would end up paying. They're based on fixed fees, mileage charges and other means as governments try to recoup some of the fuel tax revenue lost to EVs.

Oregon government officials are considering a bill that would enact a per-mile tax for plug-in and highly fuel efficient vehicles. Fees would be charged for vehicles that get at least 55 mpg. The fee would be about a cent and a half per mile, coming out to about $230 annually for cars being driven about 15,000 miles per year. Ouch.

Officials in the San Francisco bay area are taking a more "technology neutral" approach to raising transportation taxes. They're studying a plan to tax drivers by the number of miles driven instead of number of gallons burned - drivers could be charged less than a penny or up to a dime per mile. To determine mileage, cars registered in the area would be fitted with a GPS device to track the number of miles traveled. Double ouch.

EVs are feeling the brunt of these new taxes nationwide. For EV owners who already pay more overall for the electric car and a home charging station than they would for a small ICE car, that has got to be annoying.

New Jersey considering electric vehicle tax originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 May 2013 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicle taxev taxfuel taxmileage taxnew jerseyoregonstate taxesSat, 04 May 2013 08:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554978/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554978/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/new-jersey-considering-electric-vehicle-tax/20554978/article-detail.xml 20554978 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/public-charging-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/public-charging-station.jpg <![CDATA[Official: GM signs Ceres declaration, says 'responding to climate change is good business']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/#commentsFiled under: , ,

climate declaration

General Motors has signed on to the Ceres "Climate Declaration," which is dedicated to stopping - and therefore acknowledges - climate change. While other major corporations like Starbucks, Ikea, Intel and eBay also signed on, GM is the only automaker so far to do so.

The signing took place at the Ceres Conference in San Francisco, and was organized by sustainability advocacy group Ceres and its Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP) coalition. Signers of the declaration are calling on policymakers to deal with climate change by promoting clean energy, energy efficiency and limiting carbon emissions.

Climate change tends to go through periods of public support, followed soon by waning interest. The petition does not in any way say that humans are responsible for climate change. Last year, GM got into trouble for funding the climate-change-denying Heartland Institute. Owner revolt ended that.

GM has worked with Ceres for more than two decades to refine its sustainability strategies. Ceres has been pushing for its mission of reducing climate change while building economic opportunities and job creation. In 2011, the group supported the strong 54.5 mpg by 2025 federal mandate, and actually wanted the limit to be set even higher.

Continue reading GM signs Ceres declaration, says 'responding to climate change is good business'

GM signs Ceres declaration, says 'responding to climate change is good business' originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 May 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK-based transmission engineering and control specialist Vocis wants to take electric vehicles in another direction, one with dual clutch transmissions. Vocis says its dual clutch transmissions provide seamless shifting and up to 15 percent improvement in EV efficiency. Vocis' DCT is currently on display in a Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus demonstration vehicle.

Many EV powertrans use a single e-machine (motor/generator). Vocis uses two smaller e-machines, each driving a separate input shaft. It's described as an eDCT (electric dual clutch transmission) and resembles a DCT configuration - but with two motors instead of twin clutches.

A multi-speed transmission offers faster acceleration and a higher top speed than a single e-machine. This improves hill climbing and pull-away performance, and its higher ratios in the transmission can provide more efficient high-speed cruising.

The multi-speed transmission can also help reduce the cost, because a smaller battery battery pack combined with the multi-speed transmission can deliver the same traveling range as a larger battery on a single-speed EV. Smaller battery, lower cost.

The eDCT was designed with modular architecture to make it pliable for a wide range of vehicle types, said Richard Taylor, technical director of Vocis Driveline Controls. The motors can be installed parallel to each other or on opposite sides of the unit, providing layout flexibility. Vocis' second-generation unit has received partial funding from the Niche Vehicle Network, a specialist car and chassis manufacturer association. It also was nominated for an SMMT Automotive Innovation Award last year.

Vocis first showed off its EV two-speed transmission during the Low Carbon Vehicle Event 2011 at Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK. It was fitted for yet another minibus - this one a prototype electric minibus developed with powertrain supplier Zytek.

Continue reading Vocis' second-gen multi-speed transmission promises lower-cost EVs

Vocis' second-gen multi-speed transmission promises lower-cost EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery packdctdual clutch transmissionelectric vehiclemulti-speed transmissionukvocisWed, 01 May 2013 18:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553601/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553601/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/vocis-launches-second-gen-multi-speed-ev-transmission/20553601/article-detail.xml 20553601 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vocis-mercedes-benz-vito-minibus_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vocis-mercedes-benz-vito-minibus.png <![CDATA[Report: Wyoming lithium deposits much bigger than originally expected]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/wyoming-lithium-deposits-much-bigger-than-originally-expected/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/wyoming-lithium-deposits-much-bigger-than-originally-expected/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/wyoming-lithium-deposits-much-bigger-than-originally-expected/#commentsFiled under: ,

wyoming landscape

If the US would like to stop importing 80 percent of its lithium, mainly from China, and if Bolivian sources don't come through, it looks like there is a big domestic opportunity: Wyoming. Having an ample domestic supply would bring down the price of lithium, which could mean electric vehicles would become more cost competitive.

Researchers at the University of Wyoming have found quite a lot of lithium in Rock Springs Uplift, a geological section of southwest Wyoming. Data collection is early, but so far it suggests that brines within a 25-square mile area could offer 228,000 tons of lithium. It's nearly twice as large as the nation's current largest lithium producer, which is located in Silver Peak, NV.

The university's discovery highlights several advantages of tapping Wyoming's lithium reserves. For one, Rock Springs Uplift's storage site is located within 30 miles of the world's largest industrial soda ash supplies. Production of lithium from brines requires soda ash, and being that close to such a large supply reduce delivery costs. Another factor is that a process that adds to lithium cost is removing its magnesium, which needs to be done before lithium can power batteries. The brines from Rock Springs Uplift contain much less magnesium than brines at other existing mining operations. The third positive aspect deals with extraction through heat and pressure. Rock Springs Uplift brines are so far underground that they're already at a higher pressure and temperature than brines at existing lithium operations. These natural conditions eliminate a step in the process, bringing costs down even more.

All this makes us think that lithium could become a factor in an emerging domestic energy system, in some ways like the current boom in natural gas. If that happens, here's hoping that no bad news comes of it, because we've had enough of side effects like methane leaks.

Wyoming lithium deposits much bigger than originally expected originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaelectric vehiclesli-ionlithiumlithium ionmobile phoneswyomingTue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20552595/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20552595/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/wyoming-lithium-deposits-much-bigger-than-originally-expected/20552595/article-detail.xml 20552595 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wyoming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wyoming.jpg <![CDATA[Read This: Bob Lutz: GM deserved federal money, but Fisker, well, who knows?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Two days after a Congressional hearing about a US Department of Energy loan to Fisker Automotive, Bob Lutz wrote a column pondering what should be done to stop the financial hemorrhaging at the company that builds - well, used to build - the Karma extended-range sports car. When Lutz was vice chairman at General Motors, a federal bailout kept that company's factories open and helped bring the Chevrolet Volt to market. So, should the same sort of logic be applied here and Fisker given access to more money? Lutz wrote, "After all, the feds bailed out GM! What's the difference? Ah, there is one! GM was a product powerhouse, preparing the best line of cars and trucks in the last 50 years."

Lutz had good things to say about the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid itself, calling it "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever" and that the powertrain technology was ground-breaking (while acknowledging that it is similar to what the Volt uses). But there were a host of problems: battery pack issues, the A123 bankruptcy, losing 800 Karmas in New Jersey following the hurricane and producing a very small volume of cars for sale all worked together to place Fisker in world of trouble, Lutz wrote.

The Fisker Karma is "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever" - Bob Lutz.

GM, on the other hand, was dragged down by "overwhelming legacy costs." Lutz didn't elaborate, but these are usually considered to come from GM's labor union contracts and the massive costs of manufacturing too many cars through too many brands. In short, Lutz is basically saying GM was too big to fail but an ambitious start-up like Fisker is not a good investment. But he did forgot to mention Tesla Motors, another DOE automotive loan recipient that seems to be working out pretty well.

Lutz wants to see Fisker survive, if for no other reason than to support his investment in VL Destino which he designed with industrialist Gilbert Villereal. This performance sedan is built using a Karma body with with a Corvette drivetrain and Lutz says demand is strong for the VL Destino while electric Karmas are just languishing on dealer lots. He also wrote, "The green craze is, frankly, ebbing, and interest in conventional cars remains strong."

In the end, Lutz waffles on the question he poses, saying that whether or not Fisker should be given more federal money is, "A tough call. Glad I don't have to make it!" Click through to read the full Forbes article.

Bob Lutz: GM deserved federal money, but Fisker, well, who knows? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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