Archive for the ‘Hybrid Car’ Category

Mildly speaking, a Buick LaCrosse hybrid

August 21st, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
The Buick LaCrosse hybrid should make its debut in the US as a 2012 hybrid model.

A hybrid version in 2012 Will it run on pure electricity? Probably in late 2011, as a 2012 model, GM will launch the Buick LaCrosse hybrid. Not many details are yet available, but based on actions in China regarding Buick hybrids, a mild hybrid powertrain is probably the most probable powertrain for the LaCrosse hybrid. Will that be electric ...

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Getting caught in the Spyder’s hybrid web

August 20th, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
The Porsche Spyder hybrid demonstrates the importance of hybrid technology.

Here the Spyder roar! Bless the Spyder hybrid. I know. I know. Computers, cell phones, flat screen TVs. Even cars themselves were once too expensive for the masses. So, we the people owe early adopters a deep debt of gratitude for creating today’s world. I get it.  If not for early adopters – basically the rich buying the ...

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Kill central air, drink canned beer and buy a hybrid

August 19th, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
Americans either foolish or just plain ignorant when it comes to energy savings.

At least pick cans over bottles Americans ignorant or lazy on energy? Favorite American ways to save energy according to a new study: turning off lights, driving slower on the highway, unplugging cellphone chargers when not in use, and choosing glass over aluminum. Thanks for just less than nothing. On the other hand, in just less than a decade ...

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Graveling: New gas taxes or a Perisan Gulf takeover?

August 18th, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
America needs more revenue to save our roads and reduce auto maintenance. And as we become more fuel efficient, we might need even higher taxes.

The future of American transportation The road to America’s future America’s roadway infrastructure is falling apart, and the hottest new solution to this problem and the insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund is — drum roll please — gravel. All over America communities are tearing up dilapidated old roads and repaving them with gravel. Anything to save money, ...

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Alternative fuels versus batteries

August 17th, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
Energy independence? Could alternative fuels, such as natural gas, provide an interim solution to foreign oil independence as more long term alternative fuels and powertrains, such as hybrids and plug-in vehicles, are developed.

Could it end foreign oil dependence in 10 years? Filling ‘er up with natural gas, really? Over the years I’ve attacked alternative fuels as a distraction from reality. Biofuels, natural gas and hydrogen, I’ve argued, were just excuses and delay tactics against the inevitability of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery-powered vehicles. In recent years, however, I’ve softened ...

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2020 perceptions: Chachacha changing, or not?

August 16th, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
Hybrid cars are very popular in California, but they still make up a tiny percent of vehicles. How is that rate of adoption doubled or tripled in the next decade?

Californacation? Ohh soooo LA So far this summer, I’ve driven through about 10 states, happily noticing many hybrid cars along the way, even in so-called ‘red states’. Whether it’s a green statement, or a statement against foreign oil, hybrid fans are everywhere. Of course, in LA there are moments when, judging by all the hybrids, one might believe ...

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36 mpg in a two-seat Honda CR-Z hybrid

August 15th, 2010 by mactun | Comments Off | Filed in Hybrid Car
Honda

Just two seats? A unique little hybrid, but… Like most automakers, Honda could use a little hybrid buzz. Despite a decade in the market, Honda still hasn’t really found its hybrid mojo. Can a hot little sporty hybrid shake things up a bit? When I tested the CR-Z hybrid, it was on a small, limited course. Sure it was ...

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