John Addison

Ford Plans Both Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids

Davewmart, once again you are on the money. To give lithium batteries long-life, the state of charge window will not use the entire battery. After a few years, its ability to fully recharge could deplete 20 percent. It could then be used in stationary applications such as backup power or spinning reserves. Subscription agreements are not a done deal; look at how PPAs accelerated the adoption of solar power. Use of lithium batteries in EVs does not imply that there are not plenty of applications for lead-acid. Mayascribe, we are starting to see hybrid natural gas heavy-duty vehicles from buses to trash trucks. There are different solutions for different needs.

Meet the Top 10 Low Carbon Footprint Vehicles of 2009

Good comments. Yes, Europe is ahead of the United States. This Top 10 article only deals with vehicles available in the United States with 2009 sales likely to exceed 1,000 cars. The availability in the U.S. of diesels like the Ford Fiesta would change this list. Ford will probably bring the Fiesta to the U.S. as a 1.6L gasoline due to the high cost and low current sales of diesels in the U.S. In 2011, this list will also be different as EVs and plug-in hybrids reach commercial volume.
As the article states, GHG are based on GREET 1.7 which includes source-wheels-emissions. Adding the emissions from manufacturing typically adds about 10 percent to total lifecycle emissions. See the GREET 2.7 Model for details at www.transportation.anl.../

Electric Vehicles Gain Traction in the Bay Area

Thanks for adding to the discussion and insights.

Globally EVs are much more prevalent than most think. Most in Asia are less expensive than internal combustion engine driven vehicles. Not Jim Cramer - initially the full featured 4-door sedans will be more expensive capex, but cheaper to fuel. With volume manufacturing, costs are likely to fall as they have with solar power. Most states are requiring growth of renewable energy, but even if its 100% coal power at the other end, the 3X efficiency of electric drive results in lower lifecycle emissions. Yes, battery performance can be a function of temperature. Plug-in Prius tests in Winnipeg at -40C showed little fuel efficiency improvement.

Mad Hedge Fund Trader - point well taken on lithium sources. Mr. Taylor, yes I hope that EESTOR gets commercialized at the right price. I've talked to those who heard the stealth pitch 7 years ago. Stay diversified. Disruptive change is never smooth, but when it succeeds it can make billions for the corporations that can adopt to the change.

Ford Partners to Commercialize Electric Cars

Thank you for the valuable feedback.

Total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are important. Fortunately, the over 100 early adopters of EV and PHEV which I have interviewed, have largely also been early adopters of renewable energy. As we expand into millions of EV and PHEV, coal power plants at the other end should be a concern. Although I would like to see all coal plants eventually replaced with RE, the efficiency of electric drive systems provides immediate benefits. Electric drive systems are often 300% more efficient that internal combustion engine vehicles that are not hybrid. A PHEV lowers lifecycle emissions even when coal power is used.

California's low carbon fuel standard reports and Argonne National Labs GREET reports are recommended for lifecycle details.

Ford specifically estimated 120 mpg based on a blended mode with both engine and electric motor engaged for part of the driving cycle. Customer's actual results will vary with the amount of stopping (regenerative braking), driving conditions, driving style, etc.

Yes, the Prius is made by Toyota. HMC is a mistake that is not in my original article at cleanfleetreport.com. I have asked the Seeking Alpha editor to correct the mistake.

Good discussion of natural gas. Over 7 million vehicles globally run on natural gas. In the U.S. natural gas heavy-vehicles have been successful in public transportation, delivery fleets, and ports. It is encouraging to see Toyota demonstrating the Toyota Camry Hybird CNG, which they may start offering to fleets.