The Detroit News Autos Insider column today is reporting on Congressional efforts to promote plug-in hybrids and the backlash from the automakers. Toyota made the car, the Prius, that made plug-in conversions possible, and now they are trying to rein in the desires unleashed.
Neither CARB incentives nor the efforts of Plug-in Partners have moved the auto makers to produce plug-in hybrids, so conversion efforts are moving along. A123 bought Hymotion and they are producing cars for Google's RechargeIT.org effort. HybridsPlus and EDrive have converted cars. Calcars continues to work with the Electric Auto Association members to bring a do-it-yourself kit to hybrid owners with moxie.
Legislation proposed in the Senate by Senators Obama, Hatch and Cantwell to offer tax credits to convert hybrids to plug-ins now has its counterpart in Congressman Ed Markey's House bill. The Senate bill is known as the FREEDOM Act ("Fuel Reduction using Electrons to End Dependence On the Mideast Act of 2007"); the House bill the more prosaic "Plug-in Hybrid Opportunity Act of 2007."
Whatever it's called, it's got Toyota in a tizzy.
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2 comments:
A tizzy indeed! I'm waiting to buy a car with a plug. Both of my cars are paid for so I will wait. Whoever puts one out first, that will give me my EV1 life style back, will win my business. Plugs will happen sooner or later. Let's make it SOONER. Governor Arnold, are you listening? Let's beef up the ZEV mandate and make it so!
I'm waiting to purchase a new car that has a plug/socket. Not a bit interested in a car that burns only gas. I want a mainly electric with the "range extender" internal combustion engine. Like the Volt or a converted Prius if GM chickens out. It's a sad thing we drive these gas burners that require our sons, daughters, husbands and wives to give their lives and health to try and maintain stability in Arab lands. We can move away from Arab oil now. Make it a National cause. Get the electrics on the road, then pass energy tax incentives to put solar cells on roofs. Germany is doing it, why aren't we?
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