Autoblog Green Podcast #14

Posted Nov 14th 2007 3:29PM by Dan Roth
Filed under: Hybrid, LA Auto Show, Santa Monica Alt Car Expo, Podcasts

We're back for AutoblogGreen Podcast #14. In this installment, we recap the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo and many of the interesting things we saw at that show. Everything from converted Russian hatchbacks as NEVs to excessively fast electric drag racers. Sam is currently covering the LA Auto Show for us, and in this show we discuss details on the GM hybrid trucks and cars, as well as everything else with a green tint at the show. Finishing up this episode, Sam's also got an interview with Larry Nitz, executive director of hybrid powertrains at GM, part of the team that developed Allison's two-mode hybrid system. Thanks for listening to all 45 minutes, we'll see you again soon!

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Tags: autoblog green podcast, AutoblogGreen-podcast, AutoblogGreenPodcast, general motors, GeneralMotors, hybrid, la, los angeles, LosAngeles, podcast, santa monica, SantaMonica

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Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. I" SICK of lousy oriental cars on American roads!

I'd like to see some simple, cheap, very economical AMERICAN made cars on our highways. It seems that ANY piece of new junk from the orient sells here so why not some Brand NEW American made cars?

I would like to see some performance steam powered cars on our highways.

Why doesn't someone new like Tesla build such an innovative new car instead of a 2 ton electric?

Posted at 5:08PM on Nov 14th 2007 by BIll Kohler

2. The green tint isn't quite green enough.

Plug-ins could reduce the average American driver's gas consumption by 85 percent, yet I still can’t walk into a show-room and buy a plug-in hybrid.

Rainforest Action Network is going to covert a Prius to a plug-in in less than a day. What's holding back the auto industry?

The big automakers, despite their claims to be green, are lobbying heavily against increased fuel efficiency standards. And that means some members of Congress aren't willing to back policies that would increase the new standard.

Stop the greenwashing (or greentinting, if that's what you want to call it).

Readers and bloggers should learn more about what real environmental leadership looks like at RAN's blog: http://understory.ran.org/2007/11/14/ran-at-the-la-auto-show/.

Posted at 6:14PM on Nov 14th 2007 by Alyssa

3. Well - the PHEV Prius efforts I've seen cost >$10K on top of the Prius, and the result can have decent range - but can't go over 35mph (other conversions may have other limitations).

That $10K+ conversion doesn't include the cost of a warranty - something an OEM would have to factor in. Plus international safety and regulatory issues that the conversion conveniently ignores.

This would likely push an OEM PHEV Prius into $40K territory.

So... No surprise: It's a nice idea, but Toyota has obviously already done their research - and decided there isn't enough market for a vehicle in this price range with these limitations. They'll put their research money into other technology that will make sense in the marketplace.

Posted at 6:36PM on Nov 14th 2007 by Phil L.

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