When Volvo’s announced that it would electrify every vehicle in its lineup by 2019, many media misinterpreted the German automaker’s plans. John Voelcker, a senior editor at Green Car Congress, wants to set the record straight. Two days after the Volvo announcement, Coelcker wrote an aptly-titled column: Hey, media, get it straight: “electrified” is NOT “electric,” and the difference matters. He…
A recent article in Green Car Congress compares hybrids that use one- and two-motor systems, concluding that two-motor systems deliver a more pleasant experience for drivers. “The challenge with a single-motor system is that one motor-generator can either provide torque to the drivetrain or act as a generator to recapture energy on engine overrun or regenerative braking. But it can’t do both…
A new report indicates that the market for plug-in hybrid vehicles is poised for major growth, predicting that 100 new plug-in hybrid models would be launched by 2021. “Plug-in hybrids have a better market than battery-electric vehicles, due to uncertainty in charging infrastructure,” said a Frost & Sullivan analyst. “The plug-in hybrid market is set for high demand and growth.” Seven new…
U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its “Best Hybrid Cars for the Money” awards, with the Toyota Prius ($24,685) taking top honors. Other highly rated hybrids included the Toyota Camry Hybrid ($26,790), Ford Fusion Hybrid ($25,785) and Chevy Malibu Hybrid ($27,875). Read more.
Gas2.org has compiled a useful guide to hybrid vehicles that helps potential car buyers under hybrids and how they work. The guide begins with the basics, explaining how a hybrid works and the different types of hybrid vehicles. It then dives into more detail, explaining the benefits of regenerative braking and describing how hybrid sales differ from traditional auto sales.…
GreenCarReports.com shares six things you should know about how hybrid cars have changed over the years. (1) Dedicated hybrids no longer have to look weird. (2) Hybrid cars are way better to drive than they used to be. (3) In particular, they’re a lot quieter inside. (4) Real-world gas mileage still varies with driving style, speed, and temperature. (5) Plug-in…
Just ahead of Earth Day this year, Kelley Blue Book has named its top picks of eco-friendly cars costing less than $40,000. Here is the list of the top 10 hybrid vehicles: 2017 Toyota Prius: $25,570 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: $23,035 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: $30,480 2017 Kia Niro: $23,785 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid: $26,890 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: $26,835…
Bloomberg says that Ford Motor Co. has found a way for cops to chase down bad guys in a speeding police cruiser while helping the environment at the same time. Ford’s new Police Responder hybrid sedan, a modified Fusion, is the first gasoline-electric cop car to be “pursuit-rated,” meaning it can race through city streets while navigating crowded intersections or…
HybridCars.com reports that the Ford Fusion Hybrid has outsold the Toyota Prius twice in the past three months. It is the only two times the Prius has been outsold by another hybrid in the U.S. In March 2017, the Ford Fusion Hybrid narrowly edged out the Toyota with 5,865 sales for the Fusion to 5,798 for the Prius. A year…
HybridCars.com offers four important factors to consider when buying a plug-in hybrid: (1) Go with the highest all-electric range; (2) Study your likely driving and charging patterns; (3) Consider the efficiency after the battery pack is depleted; and (4) Choose a plug-in hybrid just like any other car you might buy. The article notes that if you plan to plug…