AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Moto Electra Racing will drive electric motorcycle coast-to-coast in record-setting 3 days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Moto Electra Norton-styled electric motorcycle

Looks like 3rd of June will be a red-letter day for electric motorcycles. Not only are we to have our hearts unbroken by Mission Motors, but it is also the exact same day that another of our two-wheeled favorites will ride into the spotlight. Moto Electra Racing has announced it will begin a journey from coast to coast with its Norton-styled retro-electro machine in a bid to make the record books for the quickest continental crossing by an electric vehicle.

The team will set out from Florida and drive to Santa Monica in about 3 days, with an estimated 20 stops for charging and cat-napping.

Inspired by a film about the first gas-powered automobile cross-country trip in 1903 - a time before gas stations and, for the most part, paved roads - the team plans to set out from the beach in Jacksonville, Florida and quietly hum their way to the Santa Monica Pier in California in about 3 days. That's about 2,500 miles along Interstate 10 at, or slightly below, the 70 mile-per-hour speed limit with an estimated 20 stops for charging and cat-napping.

In the saddle will be team stalwart Thad Wolff. The former AMA Superbike racer has lots of experience with the bike, having raced it in the TTXGP and claiming 2nd place overall in the North American 2011 season. He will be supported by team principal Brian Richardson and a group of students from James Madison University who will bring along a portable generator. The general strategy is to ride for two hours, then charge for one, being careful not to tax the batteries.

The bike itself is one sweet piece of work. Built around the famous Norton featherbed design, it is powered by an air-cooled AC motor and holds a battery pack which, while somewhat old, still holds an amazing 19 or 20 kilowatt-hours of energy (most comercially-available electric motorcycles offer about half that capacity, it's more than the 16.5-kWh in the Chevy Volt). While copies are not yet officially offered for sale, the team hinted in an email that it may be a possibility in the future

You can follow the effort on the Moto Electra Facebook page where it will post plenty of photos and keep fans abreast of its progress. You can read the official press release by simply scrolling below. Godspeed.

Continue reading Moto Electra Racing will drive electric motorcycle coast-to-coast in record-setting 3 days

Moto Electra Racing will drive electric motorcycle coast-to-coast in record-setting 3 days originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coast to coast EV recordelectric motorcyclefeatherbedmoto electramoto electra racingnortonWed, 22 May 2013 09:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576700/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576700/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/moto-electra-racing-drive-electric-mototcycle-coast-to-coast/20576700/article-detail.xml 20576700 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/moto-electra-2013-livery-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/moto-electra-2013-livery-628.jpg <![CDATA[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 AutoblogGreen 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[This weekend, someone just might buy the 100,000th electric car in the US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

national plug in day 2011 santa monica

It's tough to know for sure how many plug-in vehicles have been sold throughout the US, but if anyone has been keeping count, it's the fine folks at Plug In America. And, according to them, somewhere in America this weekend, maybe, someone will buy the 100,000th electric car. PIA says it expects the "historic milestone" to happen by Monday, May 20, 2013.

This isn't counting golf carts or GEMs or any of the old-school EVs, things like the EV1 or the first-generation RAV4 EVs. No, PIA is only tracking vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S that have come along in the last two years or so. We know Nissan has sold over 25,000 Leafs in the US and the Volt has sold more than 36,000 as of the end of April. That leaves 40,000 more from the likes of Tesla, Fisker, Ford and all the others we write about all day. PIA is promoting the event with the #PIA100K hashtag and notes that plug-in vehicles are approaching 48 percent annual growth, so the next 100,000 can't be too far away.

Continue reading This weekend, someone just might buy the 100,000th electric car in the US

This weekend, someone just might buy the 100,000th electric car in the US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piapia100kplug in americaFri, 17 May 2013 19:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574223/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20574223/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/buy-100000th-electric-car-in-us/20574223/article-detail.xml 20574223 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/national-plug-in-day-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/national-plug-in-day-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf sales hit 25,000 in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We'll forgive Nissan for gloating a bit, now that the Japanese automaker has surpassed the 25,000- sales threshold for the Leaf EV in the US.

Coming off two of its best months domestically, the all-electric Leaf has complemented its sales on the West Coast with more recent demand increases in markets such as Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago. All told, Nissan, which recently started producing US Leafs at its Tennessee plant, has sold 62,000 Leafs globally.

With production moving stateside, Nissan was able to cut the price of the 2013 Leaf by $6,400 to a base of $28,800, and that's before the $7,500 federal tax credit kicks in. Through April, Nissan more than doubled year-earlier Leaf sales to 5,476 units. And the model recently received an additional boost when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed its new fuel economy rating for the Leaf at 115 miles per gallon equivalent, up from 99 MPGe. Check out Nissan's press release below.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf sales hit 25,000 in US

Nissan Leaf sales hit 25,000 in US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25000electric vehicleEVev salesleaf salesnissannissan leafThu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20570651/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20570651/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/nissan-leaf-sales-hit-25000-in-us/20570651/article-detail.xml 20570651 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-leaf-25000-sales_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-leaf-25000-sales.jpg <![CDATA[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 AutoblogGreen 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[Ride The Future EV advocates plan very quiet, 3,000-mile drive across US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ride-future-ev-advocates-plan-quiet-3000-mile-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ride-future-ev-advocates-plan-quiet-3000-mile-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ride-future-ev-advocates-plan-quiet-3000-mile-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In 1946, Bobby Troup penned the ultimate road-trip tune (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66. Almost 70 years later, a group of ambitious electric-vehicle enthusiasts are putting their own spin on the prototypical east-to-west US voyage with the Ride The Future Tour.

Kicking off July 4 (how American), Ride The Future will feature a gaggle of electric cars, bikes and motorcycles making a very quiet, gasoline-free convoy 3,000 miles west. The group says it will set a number of Guinness World Records, including the longest ride on both an electric motorcycle and scooter, the Christian Science Monitor reports. In all, the tour will hit 43 cities (and many more charging stations) in 43 days as it winds from North Carolina and finishes up at the Google headquarters near San Francisco. Check out the group's website for further details.

Ride The Future EV advocates plan very quiet, 3,000-mile drive across US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevgooglenorth carolinaride the futureFri, 10 May 2013 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562985/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562985/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/ride-future-ev-advocates-plan-quiet-3000-mile-drive/20562985/article-detail.xml 20562985 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ride-the-future-logo_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ride-the-future-logo.png <![CDATA[BYD e6 EV will be sold in the US only to fleet buyers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/byd-e6-ev-will-be-sold-in-the-us-only-to-fleet-buyers/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/byd-e6-ev-will-be-sold-in-the-us-only-to-fleet-buyers/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/byd-e6-ev-will-be-sold-in-the-us-only-to-fleet-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BYD's e6 electric vehicle

It looks like those long curious to ride in a BYD battery-electric car in the US will only be able to do so from the back of a cab. The China-based company, which has for years been trumpeting a potential entry into the US light-vehicle market with the all-electric e6 sedan, will only sell the EV here to fleet buyers, Green Car Reports says. That means no private EV sales to Americans, at least for now.

The company, whose share price has dropped about 75 percent during the past three years because of lower-than-expected sales, said last month that it may eventually stop making gas-powered cars and limit light-duty vehicle production to just hybrids and plug-ins. BYD, which also makes an all-electric bus, moved about 1,700 plug-in vehicles last year. Since December, the company has reached municipal and taxi-cab sales agreements with its hometown of Shenzhen as well as with Bogota, Colombia.

BYD e6 EV will be sold in the US only to fleet buyers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 May 2013 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydbyd e6chinaelectric vehicleevfleetshenzhentaxiFri, 10 May 2013 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562712/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562712/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/byd-e6-ev-will-be-sold-in-the-us-only-to-fleet-buyers/20562712/article-detail.xml 20562712 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/byd-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/byd-2.jpg <![CDATA[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 AutoblogGreen 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[Mission Motors unbreaks our hearts, teases street-legal electric motorcycle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/mission-motors-teases-street-legal-electric-motorcycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/mission-motors-teases-street-legal-electric-motorcycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/mission-motors-teases-street-legal-electric-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



You know the feeling you get when the hottie you have a big crush on starts dating someone else, which breaks your heart, but then that relationship suddenly ends and your petit chou fleur is romantically-available again and your heart becomes unbroken? (Just indulge us and say, "Yes.") Well, that's kind of how we feel about the appearance of the above teaser from Mission Motors promising the most advanced, "highest performing street-legal electric vehicle ever made."

The truth was, the Mission One design was dead, and the company would soon change its business model.

The Mission Motors story is packed with more twists and turns than any Californian canyon road. It burst onto the scene four years ago with the radically-designed, but super-powerful (and super-expensive) Mission One. A year later, it announced a production delay but the truth was, this design was dead, and the company would soon change its business model to one that focused on selling components to OEMs instead of motorcycles to the public. Our hearts were a little bit broken.

The startup then unveiled the fabulously-fabulous Mission R superbike and raced it in exactly one TTXGP event, where it won and set the EV-lap record at Laguna Seca (1:31.376, which stands to this day). Later, Mission fashioned the R into a street legal machine, handing it off to the likes of Jay Leno and the odd motorcycle journalist, and getting high marks for the two-wheeled effort. Still, no production plans were forthcoming.

Despite their successes, the company looked like it was in trouble last Fall as it laid off a significant number of staff - the end, it seemed, was near. Instead of final repose though, the San Francisco concern is jolting back to life. It started looking for new employees again back in February and this latest teaser would indicate that it's reversed its business-model reversal and is going back, at least in part, to its original plan of selling its own electric motorcycles.

When the lights come up on the promised production bike June 3rd, we expect to see a machine based on the Mission R, but featuring further refinement and, perhaps, higher performance. Truly, spring has returned, the dream is once again alive. Our hearts, they are unbroken.

Mission Motors unbreaks our hearts, teases street-legal electric motorcycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric superbikemission motorsmission onemission rWed, 08 May 2013 13:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20560994/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20560994/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/mission-motors-teases-street-legal-electric-motorcycle/20560994/article-detail.xml 20560994 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mission-motors-2013-tease_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mission-motors-2013-tease.jpg <![CDATA[Consumer Federation says Americans ready for stricter fuel economy standards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Americans are moving past the days of screaming eagles and big pick-ups. That's what the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) says, and it has the survey results to prove it.

The CFA's 30-page "progress report" (PDF) indicates that folks are ready to embrace fuel-economy standards that will force automakers to reach a Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) level of 54.5 miles per gallon (that's about 40 mpg in real-world terms). In short, about 60 percent of those surveyed called fuel economy a "very important" factor in their next vehicle purchase and are actually looking for a fuel economy boost of about 30 percent with their next set of wheels. Check out the CFA's press release below.

Vehicle popularity has moved roughly in tandem with fuel economy and gas prices since 2009. As one broad example, four-cylinder vehicles account for about half of new car sales today, up from less than a third in 2005. For another, last year, advanced power train and diesel vehicles jumped 63 percent to about 540,000 vehicles while plug-in vehicle sales almost tripled to almost 50,000 units. In May, 2009, average gas price in the US was $2.44. Today, it is $3.52.

Continue reading Consumer Federation says Americans ready for stricter fuel economy standards

Consumer Federation says Americans ready for stricter fuel economy standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecfaconsumer federation of americacorporate average fuel economyfuel economympgTue, 07 May 2013 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555419/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555419/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/20555419/article-detail.xml 20555419 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cfa-mpg-logo_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cfa-mpg-logo.png <![CDATA[With 38.2 cents per gallon, California is tops for state gas taxes]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/#commentsFiled under: ,

gas pump

This might come as puzzling news for any Angeleno or San Franciscan whose head is ringing from the most recent batch of potholes: California has the highest state gas taxes in the country, charging almost five times as much per gallon as low-tax states such as Alaska and Georgia, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says.

The Golden State charges more than 38 cents a gallon, compared to about eight cents in Alaska and Georgia. Other states on the higher end of gas-tax rates include Washington, Maine, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina and Rhode Island, while Wyoming is one of the more wallet-friendly states. Most state gas taxes are spent on transportation infrastructure and road maintenance.

As of January 1, the US average for state gas taxes was 23.5 cents a gallon. Since 1993, the federal gas tax has remained stagnant at 18.4 cents per gallon. Gas prices are averaging about $3.50 a gallon, down 20 cents from a year ago, according to AAA. You can read the EIA's press release below.

Continue reading With 38.2 cents per gallon, California is tops for state gas taxes

With 38.2 cents per gallon, California is tops for state gas taxes originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 May 2013 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskacaliforniagas taxgeorgiataxwyomingSun, 05 May 2013 08:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555304/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555304/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/20555304/article-detail.xml 20555304 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/colorful-gas-pump_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/colorful-gas-pump.jpg <![CDATA[DOE starts planning H-Prize, a hydrogen refueling station competition]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/doe-h-prize-hydrogen-refueling-station-competition/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/doe-h-prize-hydrogen-refueling-station-competition/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/doe-h-prize-hydrogen-refueling-station-competition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Refueling with hydrogen

For those understandably confused about whether the federal government is advancing or retreating from supporting hydrogen fuel-cell transportation technologies, it looks like the government is now in its advancing stage.

The US Department of Energy is considering sponsoring what it calls an "H-Prize" competition that would find quicker ways to develop viable home-based hydrogen refueling stations. Such stations would then be developed for single-family or multi-family dwellings, with prizes given out for what the DOE categorizes as "production, storage, distribution, utilization, and prototypes and transformational technologies." The DOE, which didn't give many details on when and how much prize money will be doled out, appears to be getting ready for the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles that a number of the world's largest automakers are planning to debut by 2015.

The good news, of course is that there's plenty of room for improvement in the hydrogen-station deployment front. Today, there are 55 hydrogen refueling stations in the US, according to DOE figures, while Fuel Cell Today estimated last month that just 27 stations were installed globally in 2012. Read below for the basics on the H-Prize.

Continue reading DOE starts planning H-Prize, a hydrogen refueling station competition

DOE starts planning H-Prize, a hydrogen refueling station competition originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 May 2013 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doefuel cellh-prizehydrogenhydrogen prizestationsus department of energyFri, 03 May 2013 18:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557604/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557604/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/doe-h-prize-hydrogen-refueling-station-competition/20557604/article-detail.xml 20557604 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fuelcell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fuelcell.jpg <![CDATA[April 2013: Prius sales slow, competition grows edition]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

April's alt-fuel sales rose 6.5% from a year earlier

Year-over-year advanced-powertrain sales numbers in the US continued to slow last month as Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda failed to hit the demand levels seen in 2012.

A surge in Nissan Leaf sales, which helped push plug-in sales up 41 percent from a year earlier, and demand for newer Ford hybrids helped offset the effect of falling Prius sales. Still, advanced-powertrain sales rose just 6.5 percent to 52,671 units in April. Through the first four months of the year, Americans bought just over 200,000 advanced-powertrain vehicles, up 14 percent from a year earlier.

Sales of the Toyota Prius, still the world's best-selling hybrid, continued to plateau.

Sales of the Toyota Prius, still the world's best-selling hybrid, continued to plateau in popularity, as all four of its variants had declining year-over-year sales. Combined, the Prius models moved 19,889 units, down 21 percent from April 2012. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid was hit particularly hard, with sales plunging 64 percent from a year earlier to 599 vehicles. While Lexus hybrid sales climbed 27 percent from a year earlier and the newer Avalon Hybrid moved 1,423 units, Camry Hybrid sales fell 26 percent to 3,257 vehicles. As a whole, Toyota Motor Company sold 28,279 vehicles in April 2013, down 13 percent from the same month in 2012.

On the flipside, Ford's newer C-Max variants and its re-launched Fusion Hybrid helped surge sales for the US automaker. The C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) sold 3,197 and 411 units, respectively, while Fusion Hybrid sales more than quadrupled from a year earlier to 3,625 vehicles. The Fusion Energi PHEV sold 364 units, while the Lincoln MKZ hybrid more than doubled year-earlier sales to 884 units. In all, Ford boosted alt-fuel sales more than sixfold to 8,628 vehicles.

Nissan also did well, with last month's sales of 1,937 Leaf battery-electric vehicles representing the second-best ever (to March's 2,236) and almost quadrupling year-earlier figures.

Still, things were pretty tepid for the rest of the automakers. General Motors' advanced-powertrain sales last month fell 10 percent from a year earlier to 4,051 vehicles. Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in sales declined 11 percent to 1,306 units, while sales of the Buick LaCrosse mild hybrid and GM's hybrid SUVs and pickups were down 43 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

Honda Insight sales plunged 47 percent.

Honda continued to lag year-earlier numbers, with advanced powertrain sales dropping 13 percent from April 2012 to 1,596 vehicles. While the recently introduced Accord PHEV and Acura ILX Hybrid moved 55 and 1,523 units, respectively, sales of the Civic Hybrid and CR-Z each fell more than 20 percent from a year earlier, while Insight sales plunged 47 percent.

As for the Germans, Volkswagen diesel sales dropped 8.7 percent to 7,301 units, while Europe's biggest automaker sold 353 Jetta Hybrids. Audi diesel sales declined 46 percent to just 348 vehicles. Porsche hybrid sales dropped 61 percent from a year earlier to just 51 vehicles.

Finally, Mitsubishi sales of its i EV jumped 61 percent from a year earlier. That sounds high, but it's just 127 vehicles despite aggressive discounts on the all-electric model.

April 2013: Prius sales slow, competition grows edition originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aprilelectric vehicleev saleshybridhybrid salesplug-in hybridpriussalestoyotaFri, 03 May 2013 11:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557010/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557010/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/april-2013-green-car-sales/20557010/article-detail.xml 20557010 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/monthlygraphic_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/monthlygraphic.png <![CDATA[​US public charging station locations grew by almost 200 in April]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/us-added-almost-200-public-charging-stations-in-april/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/us-added-almost-200-public-charging-stations-in-april/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/us-added-almost-200-public-charging-stations-in-april/#commentsFiled under: ,

US added almost 200 public charging stations in April

Almost 200 publicly accessible plug-in vehicle charging stations were added in the US last month by public and private entities, reflecting a slight acceleration in station deployment as more Americans buy electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Drivers could choose from 5,865 charging stations as of April 26, up from 5,678 stations about a month earlier, according to figures published by the US Department of Energy. The 187 stations represent increased growth from the approximately 160 stations added per month during the first quarter. California boosted its plug-in station count by 69 units to a total of 1,276, including 84 in San Diego, 81 in San Francisco and 67 in Los Angeles.

Texas, the second-most plug-in station-heavy US state, added 19 stations to bring its total to 451, while Florida increased its count by four units to a total of 356.

Among retailers, Walgreens continues to be the most active in supplying plug-in stations with 364 units, while Kohl's and Whole Foods had 57 and 39 stations, respectively. McDonald's had 36 stations nationwide. In April, Kroger announced it would add 225 stations up and down the west coast.

First-quarter 2013 plug-in vehicle sales totaled almost 18,000 vehicles, more than twice as many as 2012 numbers. April's plug-in sales numbers are being released this week.

​US public charging station locations grew by almost 200 in April originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 May 2013 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacharging stationsdepartment of energyelectric vehiclestationstexasusWed, 01 May 2013 15:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554094/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554094/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/us-added-almost-200-public-charging-stations-in-april/20554094/article-detail.xml 20554094 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chargingstation-1367380201_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chargingstation-1367380201.jpg <![CDATA[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 AutoblogGreen 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[Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,

vw jetta tdi logo

Hybrid sales have grown rapidly in the US during the past couple of years - well outpacing the overall automotive market - and it looks like diesel sales are beginning to follow that trajectory as well.

US hybrid light-duty vehicle registrations have jumped 34 percent from 2010 through the end of 2012 and diesel sales are up 24 percent to about 797,000 from about 641,000 two years earlier, diesel advocate Diesel Technology Forum says (citing a study conducted by R.L. Polk at the DLF's request). The important thing to note is that, during the same period, total vehicle registrations were up less than three percent, indicating that more consumers are turning to green vehicles in order to address rising gas prices. It will likely not surprise anyone that California, Massachusetts and New York had the fastest growth rates for diesel sales.

Check out the Diesel Technology Forum's press release below and you can more of the gory numerical details in the gallery below. We've been tracking all green vehicle sales in our monthly series as you can see in the March 2013 numbers, the latest available. Last year, Volkswagen boosted its clean-diesel sales by 32 percent to almost 82,000 vehicles, while Audi diesel sales held steady at about 7,200 units.

Continue reading Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate

Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audidieselhybridsalestdivolkswagenMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20551841/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20551841/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/diesel-hybrid-sales-us-market/20551841/article-detail.xml 20551841 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Honda gets "Zero Net Energy" Smart Home in CA, goes for wind power in Brazil]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/honda-zero-net-energy-smart-home-ca-wind-power-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/honda-zero-net-energy-smart-home-ca-wind-power-brazil/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/honda-zero-net-energy-smart-home-ca-wind-power-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Honda Fit EV

Honda is broadening its green credentials on two continents, building a trial "smart home" in Northern California and embracing wind-power for its Brazil factory.

The Japanese automaker this year will build a home at University of California, Davis, that, among other things, will be powered by solar energy (which will charge a Honda Fit Electric in the garage, of course), use energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems and be constructed with sustainable materials.

Honda built a demonstration "smart" home in Japan last year and is now looking to help California meet a state goal of having new homes be energy-neutral (i.e. making as much electricity as it consumes) by the end of the decade. Honda calls it "Zero Net Energy."

Meanwhile, a little further south, Honda's Brazilian division is building a wind farm in the southern part of the country that's slated to be completed by September 2014. With nine turbine windmills, the farm will produce 85,000 MWh of electricity a year and cut CO2 emissions by more than 2,200 tons annually. Honda, which has been building cars in Brazil since 1976, is investing about 100 million Brazilian réais (US $50 million) in the project.

Check out Honda's press release on the Brazilian wind farms and a presser on the UC Davis smart home below.

Continue reading Honda gets "Zero Net Energy" Smart Home in CA, goes for wind power in Brazil

Honda gets "Zero Net Energy" Smart Home in CA, goes for wind power in Brazil originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilfactoryhondasmart homeuc davisuniversity of californiawind powerzero net energyMon, 29 Apr 2013 14:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550092/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550092/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/honda-zero-net-energy-smart-home-ca-wind-power-brazil/20550092/article-detail.xml 20550092 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fitev-1367006631_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fitev-1367006631.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla announces 'World's Best Service and Warranty Program,' hints at future 500-mile battery]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/tesla-worlds-best-service-warranty-program-500-mile-battery/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/tesla-worlds-best-service-warranty-program-500-mile-battery/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/tesla-worlds-best-service-warranty-program-500-mile-battery/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Tesla Motors has just revealed the latest edition of it 5-part announcement trilogy. Whereas the previous first installment had to do with the company's new leasing program, this episode is all about service and warranty, comes gift-wrapped in the glittery descriptor of "World's Best," and is accompanied by hints of a future battery upgrade.

The new plan improves on the California automaker's service program by adding a valet service that brings you a top-spec Model S Performance - or a Tesla Roadster, if you prefer - to temporarily replace your personal vehicle while it's being serviced. CEO Elon Musk states that this fleet of Model S service vehicles, which will initially number about 100, will ideally be less than three months old and also be available for immediate sale. Like your loaner more than your own car? You can keep it, paying "a price that is lower by 1% per month of age and $1 per mile" for your new ride and taking, likely, a similar hit on your trade-in.

Musk hinted that a 500-mile battery would not be an unreasonable thing to expect in four or five years.

Not only should the purchase scheme keep the loaner fleet nice and fresh, it may also create a cache of certified pre-owned inventory for buyers who are looking for a deal on a Tesla that starts at $69,900 from the factory, or who would rather not wait a couple months for a new, made-to-order car.

As well as no-travel hassle, Tesla has also made its $600 annual service optional without effecting the standard 5-year/50,000-mile warranty. The company has also made the battery portion of the warranty unconditional, meaning that, if you manage to somehow turn it into a useless brick (something that should be quite difficult to accomplish with the Model S), you will get a replacement unit of equal capacity free of charge.

Speaking of battery capacity, during the media call, Mr. Musk also offered some hope for those anxious for packs that hold more energy than the current EPA-estimated 265-mile/85 kilowatt-hour packs now available. In response to a question about upcoming technology improvements, he hinted that a 500-mile battery would not be an unreasonable thing to expect in four or five years. He then added that, eventually, Tesla would likely offer owners the opportunity to upgrade their vehicles with longer-range capabilities.

It all sounds pretty good to us, and we can't help but think if this upstart company keeps it up, surpassing sales of the Chevy Volt might seem a minor accomplishment. For more details on this newest warranty arrangement, you can get more details in a blog post on the Tesla website.

Tesla announces 'World's Best Service and Warranty Program,' hints at future 500-mile battery originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500-mile batteryelon muskteslatesla model svalet servicewarrantyFri, 26 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550097/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550097/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/tesla-worlds-best-service-warranty-program-500-mile-battery/20550097/article-detail.xml 20550097 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/19-2012-tesla-model-s-fd-1347336782-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/19-2012-tesla-model-s-fd-1347336782-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford owners sue over MPG claims, 'under-performing' hybrids]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford C-Max Hybrid

A group of Ford hybrid owners in Pennsylvania aren't feeling too fraternal with the Blue Oval, suing the automaker for allegedly overstating fuel-economy figures, Bloomberg News reports.

The claim, which was filed in a Philadelphia court, seeks at least $5 million in damages and calls the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid models "under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners." A Ford spokesman emailed a statement to Bloomberg that states the ratings are in accordance with protocols set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A similar claim was filed in California late last year, and two California law firms involved there have, more recently, combined claims. That followed a Consumer Reports study that found that the Fusion and C-Max Hybrids, both of which are rated at 47 miles per gallon combined, got about 39 mpg and 37 mpg, respectively, in the real world.

Ford isn't the only automaker with a fuel economy issue. Last year, Hyundai and its Kia affiliate ran into a similar issue with drivers alleging overstated fuel-economy figures. Earlier this year, the automakers agreed to set aside about $412 million to refund drivers claiming they've been overpaying for refueling costs.

Ford owners sue over MPG claims, 'under-performing' hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford c-max hybridford fusion hybridhybridlawsuitlegalpennsylvaniaFri, 26 Apr 2013 09:26:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548742/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548742/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/ford-owners-sue-mpg-hybrids/20548742/article-detail.xml 20548742 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fordcmaxhybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fordcmaxhybrid.jpg <![CDATA[New CA bill would tax EV as a "comparable conventional fuel vehicle"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Nissan Leaf - front three-quarter view, charcoal gray

The California legislature may do what the feds have been unable to do - create a permanent tax credit for buyers of super efficient vehicles, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid-electric, and natural gas.

The lunacy of federal tax credits is that the $7,500 credit disappears once a manufacturer has sold 200,000 eligible plug-in electric vehicles. Years ago, for hybrids, it was only 60,000 and that's why there is no more federal money for buying a Toyoa Prius or Ford Fusion or Escape hybrids, but there are credits on the recently-introduced Prius plug-in and Ford C Max Energi.

The California bill (Assembly Bill 1077), by Assemblyman Al Muratuschi of Hermosa Beach, would use existing incentives to lower the cost of all alternative fuel vehicle purchases by reducing state sales taxes. The bill would reduce the sales tax due on an alt-fuel vehicle to what would be required of a "comparable conventional fuel vehicle, as determined by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission." The bill is supported by EV advocates, including California utilities, automakers like (surprise) Nissan and General Motors and environmental groups.

New CA bill would tax EV as a "comparable conventional fuel vehicle" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab 1077assembly bill 1077californiaelectric vehicleplug-in hybridThu, 25 Apr 2013 10:38:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546930/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546930/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/20546930/article-detail.xml 20546930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-nissan-leaf-01-628-1357743465_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-nissan-leaf-01-628-1357743465.jpg -1 2