AutoblogGreen reader Michael V. is worried. With all of the work being done on plug-in vehicles by automakers large and small, he thinks a slew of propriety batteries, chargers and plugs will effectively kill (well, at least hurt) the widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles. Instead of just worrying, though, Michael wrote an open letter to the auto industry, which he sent to us and we've pasted after the jump, about this issue.

While Michael is certainly onto something with the thought that incompatible plugs could pose a problem for, say, GM-Ford families (for example), he's missing one detail. The beauty of a plug-in system is that we don't need to come up with a new standardized plug agreement; there already is a standard plug. Whatever device you're reading this post on uses it. The issue, though, is the high-speed chargers (like the one from Tesla Motors, pictured), which are not standardized. Considering the complexity of these systems - and the simple fact that there is so much potential variety in battery types and chemistry and sizes that PHEVs and BEVs can use - calling for a standard at this point seems quixotic, to say the least. A good idea, and certainly customer friendly, but perhaps something to keep on the back burner for now. Let's get these vehicles on the road first. They will have a "standard" plug from day one, and we can all live with that.

China will ban about half of its 3.3 million cars from the streets during the Beijing Olympics (August 8-24) in an attempt to cut air pollution. Necessary cars like emergency vehicles, buses and taxis will be allowed but only if they have an even or odd number license plate number that matches the even or oddness of the date. China may also change the emissions standards of cars and gasoline sold in Beijing to comply with international standards. Will all of this lower the air pollution at the Beijing Olympics? Not likely. Recently, China tested the car ban and discovered it actually increased air pollution.

[Source: Guardian, Xinhua News Agency]

As talk progresses regarding possible national fuel standards in Canada to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, auto industry execs quoted in a Globe and Mail piece on the topic are basically unified in their beliefs that Canada needs to improve the quality and variety of fuels it sells. Whether it be gasoline with better detergent qualities, a push for E85, or the adoption of cleaner low-sulfur diesel, everyone seems to be on the same page. In a throwaway line towards the beginning of the article, it's acknowledged that BMW, which will add diesel vehicles to its roster of Canadian offerings next year, is considering sending the ultra-stingy (60 mpg) MINI Cooper D to our neighbors to the north.

Note to BMW: don't forget about that great big neighbor Canada has to the south, where ultra low sulfur diesel is already mandated. We want that thing, too.

[Source: Globe and Mail]