It’s a special kind of stupid

CNN/Money reports,

A first: Lincoln hybrid costs the same as a gas-only car

Really? The cost is the same? Or do they mean retail price? And I’m not just nitpicking here. Ostensibly, CNN/Money is a financial news service and one might reasonably make the presumption that a financial news organization would be in tune with costs versus retail price.

But let’s dig further.

The sticker price will be $35,180 — exactly the same as the non-hybrid version of the car.

So it is retail price, not necessarily “cost”. Ok, cleared that one. It’s just the headline which is stupid. Or is it?

Hybrid cars generally cost considerably more than non-hybrid versions of the same car. In many cases the extra cost of the car can cancel out what the owner saves on gas.

Over the years here we’ve been down this road so many times that I would think most news organs would just avoid this. Yet, here it is again. The old trope that hybrids cost so much more than “regular” cars. Not true and not true.

The rest of the article isn’t much better. It’s basically press release and some mindless rumblings from, oh god save me, an analyst.

Here’s my take on it. Ford probably makes a decent amount on the MKZ. If not, they’d be GM. So the idea that they’re giving a few points in profit to price these cars equivalently isn’t a big deal. In fact, said analyst says,

It’s not unheard of for a hybrid and non-hybrid versions of a car to be priced close to one another, Toprak said, but not exactly the same and not in the luxury market.

So aside from refuting the earlier part of their story, this analyst says something I don’t get at all. While it may not be standard practice in the luxury market, that sector is the one that can most easily absorb this kind of strategy because of the higher retail prices and the larger profit margins. That’s kind of obvious, no?

I guess not.

2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid, time for someone else to be harsh

Normally, I’m the guy whose words tend towards the, shall we say, harsher end. So it’s especially nice to see someone else critical of something. Danny Cooper’s take on the new Honda 2011 CR-Z hybrid is refreshingly subtitled “-Another Honda Fail?” Go read his first glimpse review of the CR-Z.

After reading through the Priuschat news post on the new Honda I have to agree with what he wrote. If those are indeed the performance specs of the car this is another potentially huge fail for Honda. And I have to add here, I don’t get it. Honda is a great company and they make excellent products. They were first to market with a ground breaking hybrid but apparently they’re stuck with IMA and can’t seem to get better performance from it outside of the original Insight (which was a great hybrid).

I don’t know. The CR-Z certainly has the buzz. The legendary CR-X descendent has been eagerly anticipated by a lot of people but it appears that their waiting may have been in vain. That’s a shame.

Instrumentation

Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide Coaches Drivers to Maximize Fuel Efficiency on New Fusion Hybrid

Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury
Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximum fuel efficiency.

“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”

Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster’s science and technology.

“The main question hybrid drivers had was, ‘How do I know I’m getting the most out of my hybrid?’” said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. “We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That’s what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does.”

The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge displays, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.

EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives:
– Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
– Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
– Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
– Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and
accessory power consumption

Four Hybrids

The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the already successful Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids – the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will double its annual hybrid volume and be the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America.

I think the bit where the better your efficiency is in the vehicle the more leaves are displayed is a bit too whimsical even for me. It’s a marvelous idea in concept. Anything that helps drivers increase their efficiency is good but the leaves thing might be over the top.

Lexus going hybrid only?

Report: Lexus will likely become a hybrid-only brand
BY JEREMY WEBER

Already known as the luxury segment’s “greenest” brand, Lexus is reportedly looking to build upon this reputation by moving to a completely hybrid lineup in the medium to long term. The statements were made by Toyota managing officer Toshio Furutani to Japan’s Nikkei business daily and indicate the company will fast-track development of future hybrid models.

The information backs up statements previously made by Lexus executives in Europe and Australia about the future of the brand as it expands out of the North American market.

Lexus already sells three hybrid models, the LS 600h, the GS 450h and the RX 400h crossover. We’ve already had confirmation that Lexus will show a dedicated hybrid vehicle based on the Prius at next year’s Detroit Auto Show and the new-generation RX crossover with a hybrid variant is expected to debut sometime within the next year as well.

That still leaves a number of models in the carmaker’s portfolio with no hybrid powertrains such as the IS, GX, LX, and the ES, all of which are likely to go hybrid only when updated models are released. With the SC nearing the end of production, it’s expected a possible brand new model could be a luxury hybrid convertible, although Lexus hasn’t decided whether it till revive the SC badge.

Another option on the table is a small hatchback to compete with the BMW 1-series and Audi A3. Such a vehicle would best be served with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for regular city use. Toyota is already testing plug-in versions of the Prius and expects to release it in 2010.

The GS 450h has already shown what a “performance” hybrid is capable of doing, so Lexus may also decide to expand the technology to future ‘F’ branded models. With 100% of torque instantaneously available from the electric motor, hybrid performance could put an end to the old saying “there’s no replacement for displacement.” One of the first F hybrids could be the upcoming LF-A supercar, which is expected to be available with a petrol-electric option.

You don’t say?

Actually, looks will have little to do with the sales performance of this car, at least as compared to the original Insight claims J.D. Power’s Mike Omotoso….

“The new Insight should do a lot better than the original because it will look more like a normal car and less like a toy, and it will be bigger, more comfortable and more powerful,” Omotoso said.

The main reason this iteration of the Insight will do better than the original, timing, size and distribution. The original Insight was a small, very lightweight two seater. Not everyone can deal with a two seater. The timing on this new model is obviously better than the original Insight which was, laudably, way ahead its time. And finally, I still think Honda needs to own for dropping the ball on the original Insight. It was the red-headed step child of Honda’s line and Honda and their dealers treated it as such. Many Honda dealers didn’t even bother stocking the car. Hard to sell something radically different when people can’t even see or touch it.

Styling of the vehicle, despite what the “expert” from JDP says, comes in fourth place. That’s just my opinion.

Debut: the new Insight

Imges from the U.S. Honda site…

Honda unveils ‘affordable’ new hybrid Insight at Paris Motor Show

PARIS — Honda unveiled a new “affordable” hybrid family car at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday to challenge the success of rival Toyota Motor Corp.

The five-door Insight petrol-electric hatchback will go on sale in Japan, Europe and North America next spring, Honda said. President and CEO Takeo Fukui said the Japanese automaker aims to sell 200,000 of the cars worldwide each year.

Honda said its response to Toyota’s hybrid Prius “will be priced significantly lower than any other hybrid car on the market, making the low-emission technology accessible to more people.”
Honda described the car it showed off in Paris as a concept version of the production model that will be unveiled in January.

“To reduce CO2 emissions in the near term, Honda believes the best solution is to advance a hybrid technology to mainstream consumers,” Fukui said.

Honda said the Insight is the first of three hybrid models it will introduce within the next four years. The Insight will be produced at Honda’s Suzuka factory in Japan.

And a review from Cnet.com…

Although it may be a five-door hatchback, like Toyota’s Prius, the Honda Insight concept, unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, probably won’t significantly displace the Prius. This concept, set to unveil as a production vehicle at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show and go on sale in the first half of 2009, uses Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system and, as such, is considered a mild hybrid, because it doesn’t drive the car under electric power only. IMA integrates a small electric motor with the transmission, which provides extra boost when the car is accelerating, and includes an idle-stop program.

The Insight should get fuel economy similar to the current Honda Civic Hybrid, according to Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, who emphasized that the new Insight will be one of the most affordable hybrids on the market. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets an EPA-rated 40 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, although in road-trip testing we achieved 46.6 mpg. The primary drive unit of the Insight is a four-cylinder 1.3-liter engine. The IMA system has been refined by Honda from earlier versions–its batteries and control unit are placed under the cargo area in the Insight.

The Insight takes its name from Honda’s first hybrid, a two-seat three-door hatchback produced from 1999 to 2006. The new Insight has interior instrumentation similar to that found in the Honda Civic, with a dual-layer instrument cluster that puts a digital speedometer on top, with an analog tachometer below. An LCD for navigation sits in the middle of the dashboard. The interior shows some nice back-lighting on the switchgear, although we don’t know if this touch will find its way into the production vehicle.

Somebody has an axe to grind

From a Motor Trend piece on the Paris Auto Show and cars writer Angus MacKenzie “wants to see”…

Honda Insight. Can Honda really deliver a cheaper Prius fighter? Despite its Paris reveal, the Insight is really all about America — and Prius. Having seen how successfully Toyota’s hybrid has distracted the mainstream media and public opinion away from the reality of the gas-guzzling Tundras and Sequoias and Lexus LS sedans, and wreathed Toyota in a gentle green haze, Honda is going all out to regain the high ground, both in terms of its engineering reputation, and its green credentials (remember the CVCC?).

The styling is clearly Prius-influenced, logical, perhaps, as the Prius’s lozenge-on-wheels profile screams earth-saving, eco-responsible citizen in a way the Civic Hybrid never could. Under the hood is said to be a more cost effective version of Honda Integrated Motor Assist hybrid powertrain. Like everyone else, I’ll be fascinated to see what mileage numbers Honda claims. But I’ll also be interested to see whether Honda can give the hybrid a little more soul.

Actually Mr. MacKenzie, logical yes hence the reason the Prius has the one of if not the lowest drag coefficients of any car currently on the market.

And despite your protestations to the contrary Toyota to continues to be a world leader in fuel efficient vehicles regardless of whether or not you perceive a soul.

Doesn’t this mean they’ll win the automotive X-Prize?

The headline says it all…

GM Claims 100 Miles-a-Gallon Volt `Bragging Rights’

From the story…

General Motors Corp. said it reached a preliminary agreement that clears the way for U.S. regulators to certify the Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle that can be recharged at home or with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine, as the first 100 mile-per-gallon car.

But…

While the Volt is classified as an electric car, GM will still be able to claim it’s the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road because the gasoline-powered generator will start after the sedan exceeds the battery’s 40-mile range.

So is it electric or gas powered or, or, or, is it a hybrid?

And this is confidence inspiring…

The EPA won’t confirm how it gauges fuel economy of plug-in models until testing methodology is complete, spokeswoman Catherine C. Milbourn said in a statement. The agency “hopes to have a final policy soon,” she said.

Sort of like not confirming that whole bak regulation thing.

And just to be clear, here’s a recent clarification from Chevy on the Volt (Via Engadget)…

Chevy’s taking a moment to clear up some misconceptions about its eagerly anticipated plug-in hybrid, the Volt, which had long been assumed (by most) to use its gasoline-powered engine like a WWII submarine — kicking on and charging the batts to full before switching off again. Alas, that’s close but not completely accurate. The engine does serve only to feed the batteries (it’s not connected to the wheels in any way) and will fire up when they are getting low. However, it will not fully recharge them, serving only to maintain a 30-percent charge as you keep on motoring. In other words, you’ll need to plug that puppy in overnight if you want to to get back to silent running and successfully avoid detection by destroyer battlegroups on your morning commute — or spy cameras.

Do I detect a problem here?

What will they think of next

Apparently Land Rover is working on a diesel-hybrid.

Almost there

Senate OKs $18B in Tax Credits
The bill, which still needs approval from the House, will provide multiyear tax credits for solar developments and rebates for consumers to buy plug-in hybrid electric cars.
by: Ucilia Wang

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday approved about $18 billion of renewable-energy tax credits after repeated failed attempts to do so this year.

The 93-2 vote cleared a major hurdle for extending a set of tax credits for businesses and residents investing in renewable energy, from building and operating power plants to installing small wind turbines on residential properties.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have tried and failed numerous times this year to extend the tax incentives, which are set to expire at the end of 2008. The two houses have mainly disagreed about how to pay for the incentives.

Solar, wind and other renewable-energy investors and executives have been anxiously waiting on Congress to extend a set of investment-tax credits that would offset 30 percent of the cost of a solar or wind-farm project.

Some solar companies have said they wouldn’t be able to build more U.S. power plants without the investment-tax credits (see No Tax Credit, No Solar Power and PG&E to Buy 800MW from Optisolar, SunPower).

The bill will amend a House bill passed and sent to the Senate in May. In June, the Senate voted to stop the House bill, HR 6049, from advancing to the floor for a vote (see Senate Blocks Renewable Incentives Bill).

Because the Senate bill will change the House’s version of the bill, it will have to be approved by the House – and soon. Both the House and the Senate will adjourn this Friday. The White House said earlier Tuesday that it would support the bill.

“We know with certainty that the extension of these credits sends out a green ripple effect: solar projects on hold can now move forward, America creates new green-collar jobs with over 214,000 in California alone, and businesses and homeowners can count on lower energy bills in a time of economic hardship,” said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Akeena Solar, in a statement.

The Senate bill would extend the investment tax credits for solar developments for eight years. Unlike the current tax-credit regulation, the bill would allow utilities to take advantage of the incentives.

The Senate proposal also includes production-tax credits for renewable-energy power plants that are already producing electricity. The legislation extends the production-tax break by one year for wind and by two years for solar, biomass and hydropower.

The bill would allow for $800 million worth of bonds to pay for power plants using wind, biomass, geothermal, garbage and other sources. It also would set aside $1.5 billion in tax credits for carbon capture-and-storage projects.

Consumers would receive a $2,500 to $7,500 rebate for buying plug-in electric cars and trucks.

Consumers who want to install solar panels on their properties would benefit from the bill, which extends investment-tax credits for eight years and eliminates today’s $2,000 cap on the credits. It would also allow homeowners installing small-wind equipment and geothermal heat pumps to take advantage of the credits, but the amounts would be capped at $4,000 for wind and $2,000 for the heat pumps.

The tax credits would be paid for by several means, including delaying tax deductions for domestic oil and gas productions by American companies and boosting reporting requirements for stock sales by brokers.

The $7,500 tax credit for plug-in hybrids gave cheer to Felix Kramer, co-founder of CalCars.org, which promotes plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

“This will have an enormous impact,” he said. Given his estimates that automakers could make current hybrids into plug-in hybrids for an additional $3,000 to $5,000, the tax credits “could conceivably entirely remove the cost increment that carmakers say is the cause of their reluctance” to build plug-in hybrids.

Volt-itis?

Chysler’s Jim Press (who until recently was “Toyota’s Jim Press”) says Chrysler has a whole bunch of electrically driven vehicles and they could be ready as soon as 2010.

Something about this reminds me of the early Volt marketing. Hmmmmm….

But that’s not all, not by a long shot. Chrysler is also pumping a new electric Town & Country van and…

And…

And…

And..

So the question becomes, when will these cars be production ready, how much will they cost and what are their range and performance details? The images are intriguing and the possibilities tantalizing but we’ve been intrigued and tantalized about the Volt for more than a year and now that there is a production vehicle it’s not quite what Chevy said it would be.

2010 could be a very, very interesting year.

Images from hybridcars.com

The ABAT cometh…maybe

Autoweek reports that Toyota is seeking bids from parts suppliers to produce their ABAT truck concept.

That doesn’t mean the ABAT is a done deal, only that Toyota is taking the next step towards making the hybrid truck a reality.