The next generation Toyota Prius had originally been expected to launch in 2008, but in recent months it's been reported to have been delayed until sometime in 2009. Toyota has apparently been having problems with battery development. Reports are…
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Chrysler starts harvesting soy grown at proving ground for biodiesel
At Chrysler's 2008 model preview last June, executive vice-president Frank Klegon announced that the company was involved in some biodiesel research that included growing soy for fuel production. They had planted fuel crops at their Chelsea Proving…
Audi R15 TDI spotted testing for the first time in Spain
The much-anticipated Audi R15 TDI has finally be spotted for the first time during a secret test at the Vallelunga track in Spain. Audi has been keeping a tight lid on the R15 since announcing it last November. Aside from that announcement about…
The real reason US carmakers build trucks? Michigan roads
Over the past year and a half that I've been sharing my thoughts here on this site it's become clear that many of the readers are convinced that there is some grand conspiracy between U.S. automakers and oil companies. This massive collusion is put…
Tesla opposes using advanced vehicle fund for Detroit bailout
When the Detroit automakers went to Washington to press their case for financial assistance to get through their current cash crunch, the hope was to get $25 billion from the $700 billion fund that was set up to bail out Wall Street. The Bush…
PHEV test program to start in Quebec City
A new four year plug-in hybrid test program is kicking off this spring in Quebec City, Quebec with involvement from battery supplier EnerSys, financial cooperative Desjardins and Laval University. EnerSys is a supplier of industrial batteries and its…
Volkswagen 2-seat city car possibly on the fast track
When Volkswagen announced its trio of up! concepts in 2007 even the smallest model was considerably larger than the diminutive Smart ForTwo. The first up! concept was (nominally, at least) a four seater, while the Smart is strictly for two. AutoCar…
First Coulomb ChargePoint stations now available in San Jose, CA
Coulomb Technologies has launched its first public EV charging stations on its ChargePoint network this week in downtown San Jose CA. The Smartlets, which were announced last summer at the Plug-In 2008 conference, use a subscription service to allow…
Boston introduces hybrid taxis
During the recent AltWheels Festival in Boston, Mayor Tom Menino announce a new hybrid taxi initiative for the city. A new Toyota Camry hybrid owned by the Boston Cab Association is now roaming the streets of Boston. Taxis are an ideal application…
First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – Cick above for high-res image gallery
The state of California has the toughest vehicle emissions regulations in the world in its LEV II (and the corresponding national Tier 2 Bin 5) standards. Those rules treat all engine…