New Hybrid Reviews, News & Hybrid Mileage (MPG) Info

Fisker Tries To Create Distance from Tesla

July 2, 2009 It’s not surprising that Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors—two California-based makers of high-end electric-drive sports cars—are viewed as similar companies. Fisker makes an $87,000 plug-in hybrid and Tesla produces a $109,000 all-electric roadster. But Henrik Fisker, founder of the Southern California-based company that bears his name, was in Northern California where Tesla is based, to explain how and why the two companies are different.

The Honda Insight Hybrid has many critics

Reviewers Hurl Criticism at 2010 Honda Insight

June 30, 2009 When the Honda Insight was introduced in early 2009, reviewers gushed with praise. Reviewers claimed that the Insight is more compelling and fun to drive than the quintessential gas-electric car, the Toyota Prius, which is bigger, faster, and uses a more sophisticated third-generation of hybrid technology. But in the past few weeks, a number of critics found it quite easy to find faults with the Insight—harshly criticizing the car for the very traits that have allowed Honda to keep down the price.

2015 is New Magic Date for Fuel Cell Vehicles

June 30, 2009 Wishing upon a star or throwing a coin in a well might make dreams come true, but when it comes to fuel cell vehicles, auto industry executives are hoping that chanting in unison will turn hopes into reality. The mantra from execs: “Fuel cell cars for sale by 2015.”

US Accountability Office: Plug-in Car Economics Are Uncertain

June 29, 2009 When former President Bush signed Executive Order 13423 in January 2007, he required federal fleet managers to buy plug-in vehicles as soon as possible. The exact language of the directive was as soon as plug-in cars “become commercially available and can be purchased at a cost reasonably comparable to conventional vehicles based on life-cycle costs.” But getting clarity on that cost comparison has proven to be tricky business.

First Drive/Mileage Loop: 2009 Nissan Cube

June 26, 2009 The Nissan Cube, the original little mass-market boxy car, has been running around Japan for 10 years. While it has stubbornly stayed put on its home soil, competitors with a similar “hip to be square” design philosophy—like the Scion xB, Honda Element, and Kia Soul—have carved out a sizeable US market. The Cube, now in its third generation, has finally reached American shores.