Richard K

Debunking PHEV Mythology

I think GM still is being over-optimistic about Volt profitability, even if they can sell them in quantity at $40K (which is questionable). To sell any at all they will have to offer a 10-year full (not pro-rated) warranty on the battery, and the warranty must be transferable or resale value will be nil. So how much of each sale should GM put into their warranty liability account, against profits? I wonder if they have seriously thought about this.

Personally I like the Volt in concept, but unless it can be sold at an honest profit under real-world conditions, it is just a corporate PR symbol.

Energy Department to Halt Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research

This article is essentially correct.

My own take, when Bush announced his hydrogen car initiative to great fanfare, was of a way to look progressive and "green" while posing no credible threat to Big Oil because this technology will always be 10 to 20 years off.

However I do think more basic battery research is a good idea. All of the current designs have serious practical and economic problems that will limit widespread adoption and profitable production. The real solution has yet to be invented.