The concern evolving about hybrid cars has constantly been the existence and durability of their battery packs, which stemmed from the reality that batteries inevitably die out at some point. And regardless of Toyota’s Prius and Ford’s Escape proof that hybrid batteries can stand the test of lengthy-term use and time, Hyundai even now insists on delivering prospective purchasers some piece of thoughts by offering a lifetime warranty for 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid batteries.

“We can afford the program simply because the failure rate is so very low,” stated Hyundai’s CEO, John Krafcik. And in the identical sentence, Krafcik also claimed that Hyundai has tested the Sonata Hybrid’s drivetrain for a lot more than 300,000 miles with no obvious signs of degradation.

Krafcik didn’t clarify the specifics of the warranty, but in the very same interview, his crew apparently confirmed that Hyundai is functioning to up the ante with transmissions by introducing, not a nine-speed cog swapper, but ten…TEN gears.

“We confirmed that it (the 10-speed) is a ‘go project’ for growth,” stated an undisclosed Hyundai representative.

Other than the confirmation, no other details had been offered.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

egmCarTech

Toyota has taken the covers off its most fuel-efficient car of all time, the Prius C, ahead of global unveiling at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show and later at the Detroit Motor Show, scheduled for 9 to 22 January 2012. The car gets a reserved name “Aqua” only for the local Japanese market. The newest lightweight Prius C hatch is known for a promised fuel consumption up to 40 km/Liter on the official Japanese test cycle. The Prius C is the fourth model in the series including Prius, Prius Plug-In and Prius V.

The Prius C is a bit more longer than the Yaris model but shares the same width, It measures 3995 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1445 high, while the wheelbase is 2550 mm. Toyota says the engine and hybrid components of the compact car are actually positioned for a low centre of gravity. Nevertheless this is an hybrid hatchback it features an adequate luggage space, in fact the boot offers 305 liters with all seats in standard position.

Prius C powertrain.

The Toyota Prius C relies on a conventional petrol power-unit of 1.5-liter, 74 horsepower and 111 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm combined to a 61hp/45Kw electric motor and 169 Nm of torque. Said that the overall output of the lightweight hybrid system is of 100 horsepower.

Toyota Prius C Pictures

Tagged as: 2012 toyota prius c, hybrid cars, Prius, prius c, prius c pictures, toyota, toyota aqua, toyota prius c

EuropeCarNews.com – latest car news, Hybrid, Electric, MPV, Concept

Mercedes-Benz S-Class might not be regarded sporty enough to match rivals in the segment, namely the Audi A8, the BMW 7-Series or even the Porsche Panamera; however the S-Class is widely revered as a flagship sedan which standardized the aspect of luxury among its contemporaries. A drive on the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid will definitely make you fall in love with the luxuriously designed interiors, however there is a strong suspicion to the aspect of the car’s commitment to the environment, a key factor for attracting consumers towards hybrid cars.

The S400 Hybrid might be the least priced S-Class one gets to purchase; however competitors operating on gas, namely the Panamera or the Audi A8, which have been rated similarly by the Environmental Protection Agency, are available at considerably lower base prices. So, one often wonders why consumers go for the S-400, is it only for it being the cheapest in S-Class segment or they think that a ‘hybrid’ tag is sufficient to ensure that the vehicle conforms to environmental needs.

The skepticism has increased more with the news that of introduction of the Mercedes S350 Bluetec, which is going to be powered by diesel. The S350 Bluetec’s base pricing has been set at $ 92,550; thus making it just $ 700 dearer than the S-400. However the S350 Bluetec is expected to give you a much better fuel economy, and it also comes to the consumers in a standard all-wheel drive.

Estimates on the aspects of fuel economy for the Mercedes S350 Bluetec is that it would travel 21 mpg in city roads and 31 mpg on highways, which greatly surpasases the Hybrid’s performance of 19/25 mpg on city/highway. As per estimates of the EPA, a person is likely to make savings of $ 358 a year with the S350 Bluetec; however cash saving would not be a prime factor for any person capable of affording an S-Class. The factor of convenience would play an important role in shaping purchase decisions, as the S350 Bluetec is expected to travel an additional 86 miles per fuel tank, in comparison to the Hybrid model.

Also, the factor of all-wheel drive being standardized in the Mercedes S350 Bluetec; would increase its appeal to consumers living in high snowfall areas. All-wheel drive is an optional availability on the S400; which makes it pricier by $ 550; one needs to actually shell out an additional extra $ 3,000 to get the same.

So, there seems to be no reason whatsoever for not recommending the new S350 Bluetec to the shoppers against the S400 Hybrid model. The S350 Bluetec is one of the best fuel-efficient cars in the super luxury segment; together with the Porsche Panamera. It indeed looks now that the stables of Mercedes has created a winner with the S350 Bluetec; time will only tell how the competition is going to react to this beauty in the super luxury segment.

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Nissan has been doing well with the electric powertrain market and the Nissan Leaf. But to make sure that they remain the leader, Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn has set some pretty ambitious sales goals for “zero-emissions” cars.

In a small press conference, the head-honcho of the Japanese brand said that he wants Nissan to sell 1.5 million zero-emissions cars by 2016.

“We want to take leadership in these technologies. I understand we were not the first in developing hybrid cars,” Ghosn said. “That’s completely fine, as long as we are the leading company in developing all-electric cars.”

Click here for more news on the Nissan LEAF.

Ghosn didn’t exactly specify whether these cars would come in the form of EVs like the Leaf, or plug-ins or hybrids. Either way, the brand plans on adding three all-electric models to their lineup next to the Leaf by 2016, with a plug-in hybrid available by 2015.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

egmCarTech

While Mercedes-Benz and other luxury brands are thinking that compact vehicles, hybrid and electric-cars will help them increase volume sales in the United States, Volkswagen and Audi are pushing a different product strategy in the region with larger vehicles.

Both brands of Volkswagen Group are focused on getting volume and higher profits that come with larger vehicles.

Volkswagen just recently launched the new 2012 Passat in the United States. The U.S.-spec Passat is bigger than the version sold in Europe. Volkswagen is also considering bringing the large Phaeton sedan back to the stateside.

Audi of America has continuously rejected bringing compact models over from Europe including the A1, Q3 and said that if the A2 ever comes to the U.S. it will only come in an electric-version. Even the A3 hatchback will disappear from the U.S. and will be replaced by a roomier sedan that goes on sale in 2014.

Source: Automotive News

egmCarTech

Having a hybrid car nowadays has been a trend. Earning credentials is another thing plus reducing carbon footprint what with those massive boots that modern day vehicles come out with. At the fore front is each and every manufacturer. But then there are some which outdo the others genuinely and in the process earn green bonus and stuff. The recent manufacturer which has managed to do it is Hyundai and their flagship model, as far as the sales are concerned, happens to be blessed with this green bookings. We have the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for a review with us and we have narrated it here.

Looks

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid would be the most expressive designs on a sedan in the Hyundai lineup. The front of this car has got the typical Fluidic Design language with some sprinklings of the Kinetic theory thrown in. Design mis-match is something which this Hyundai is adept at. The wing mirrors are one of those most sculpted units that we have seen. Speak of aerodynamics here and it shows. There are some bodyside moldings which appear to be a tight fit. The rear shows coupe like styling with a lowered glass. The 17 inch wheels also cut in a distinct figure and it seems like most of the Hyundai alloy wheel designs are cut out from their concept metal stages. There is a raised letter decal in the rear which says Hybrid plus some more of the Blue Drive badges. Typical of hybrid cars, this one doesn’t display its tail pipes.

Interiors

Interiors of the hybrid Sonata are similar to those of the Hybrid Sonata. In this case, we wouldn’t complain since both the vehicles are well equipped for their class. Some of the stuff included are automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, headlights with LED accents and a 4.2-inch LCD trip computer/hybrid technology display, including a six-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs. Just like the exteriors, the interiors are also curvaceous to a great extent. The seating arrangement is also at par for this class and infact, it is said that the Sonata is the roomiest car in its class. We couldn’t agree more. The boot space is also similar to the others in its class marred by the extra battery weight.

Handling and ride quality

Not much has changed in this department except for the fact that the ride feels a bit more planted than it usually is. The added weight of the batteries means that the Sonata Hybrid wouldn’t have to crash into potholes. The ride quality is what one would call as pliant; however, the handling hasn’t improved a bit. It still remains a bit vague whatsoever with the steering wheel which is electric in nature and sort of immature. It doesn’t give the confidence at higher speeds and this wouldn’t be the sort of vehicle that the enthusiastic driver would prefer. Anyways, the handling is something which most of the buyers in this class wouldn’t be too keen on considering that there are sportier options in the guise of the Honda Civic and also the Volkswagen Jetta.

Engine, performance and fuel efficiency

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is blessed with a 2.4 liter I4 engine which is mated to a 1.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack. While other in its class use a CVT transmission for their hybrid poweplants, Hyundai has preferred to go the traditional 6 speed auto way and this is a nice touch for this engine which produces an equivalent of 206 hp. The battery of this one weighs in only at 96 pounds. The transmission is typically Hyundai smooth and ensures lag free travel. The fuel efficiency figure is something which should do all the talking here but then its being conspicuously hidden from the brochures and stuff. The fact is that inspite of it being a hybrid, it doesn’t have very good hybrid like figures. The EPA figures for this car rank in 41 mpg for the highway and 36 mpg in the city. This is far lower than what the diesel engined Jetta or even the Civic hybrid manages to achieve. The brakes of this car are fantastic and stop the car well in time. Needless to say, after Volvo, Hyundai are the other harbingers in ensuring safety of the occupants and the regular Sonata with its high flying safety standards is the bench mark here.

Verdict

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can be said as a significant step by Hyundai, what with the battery placement and all as also the technology used. However, it doesn’t do the main thing which it is supposed to do and that is being the fuel efficiency champion. That honor is left to the others in its class. What it promises is comfort mixed with a good looking machine and this is a package which is extremely rare to find or even buy now. There are three variants and out of this, the base on starts at $ 25,750. Considering this, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid price is something which many wouldn’t want to over look especially given that the state of economy is now in US.

Indian Drives – USA

The Lexus GS 450h is a sedan from the Toyota’s luxury division that features rear-wheel drive equipped with a V6 DOHC 5-liter Atkinsons cycle, known as with a very high compression ratio (13:1), coupled with a permanent magnet electric motor and water-cooled nickel metal-hydride battery powered. The Japanese car maker decided it’s time to revealed its latest creation, the Lexus GS 450h, just official unveiled at this month Frankfurt Motor Show.

As stated one of the company’s head, the 2013 Lexus GS 450h will provide their buyers a new hybrid package with exciting blend of performance and precision. With its dynamic exterior design, spacious interior and advanced technology options, the Lexus GS 450h further proves the brand’s competence of luxury hybrid.

The total power of the Lexus GS 450h is 338 horsepower, almost the same as the old generationenough, according to the car maker, to allow acceleration 0 to 60 mph or 96 km/h in 5.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 131 mph or 210 km/h. This numbers figures also look pretty much the same as the GS 350 unveiled recently at California’s Pebble Beach event. The GS 450h is entrusted to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. One element expected to be enhanced is the fuel consumption which Lexus says it’s lower by 30 percent.

What features the hybrid Lexus GS 450h exterior.

The hybrid version of the GS is recognized for LED headlights, rear bumpers for the shield that covers the tailpipes and logo surrounded by blue Lexus. The Lexus GS 450h is fitted with tires 225/50 R 17 or 235/45 R 18 as option.

Tagged as: 2013 gs 450h, frankfurt motor show, gs 450h, gs 450h hybrid, hybrid cars, lexus 450h sedan, lexus gs 450h, lexus hybrid 450h

EuropeCarNews.com – latest car news, Hybrid, Electric, MPV, Concept

By Larry E. Hall

In a move to chip away at Toyota’s market dominance of hybrid cars, Ford will roll out two new hybrid models in 2012. The no-plug C-Max Hybrid and plug-in C-Max Energi are based on the five-passenger C-Max sold in Europe. In an announcement in June to expand production of the two C-Max hybrids, Ford said it had changed its mind about the seven-passenger gasoline-only version of the Grand C-Max in the U.S and the C-Max will be a dedicated hybrid vehicle. The C-Max Hybrid will arrive in the first half of 2012 followed by the C-Max Energi.

“This is our Prius fighter,” said Ford’s head of global marketing, Jim Farley, during a recent press announcement. “We did a lot of research that suggested having a distinctive shape that is easily recognizable not only helps Toyota sell more Prius hybrids but gives an image benefit to the rest of its lineup.”

Of note, the C-Max Hybrid and plug-in C-Max Energi will both be built on the same assembly lines as the 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at a Ford plant in Wayne, Mich. Also, Ford recently announced that the electric drive transaxles would be produced at another Michigan facility instead of using the current supplier in Japan. Additionally, the lithium-ion batteries for both hybrids will be assembled in a third Michigan plant rather than the existing supplier in Mexico.

About The C-Max

The 2012 Ford C-Max is an American version of the European five-passenger C-Max that shares its underlying global C platform and many key components with the 2012 Ford Focus. “C” refers to an international size class, which in the U.S. falls into the compact class. In Europe, the C-Max is called a multipurpose vehicle (MPV), while most Americans will dub it a hatchback.

Like virtually every car in the category, the 2012 C-Max has front-wheel drive. Front drive positions the weight of the engine and transmission over the wheels that propel the car. That benefits traction on slippery road surfaces and, by placing the powertrain components in the front of the car, provides maximum space for passengers and cargo.

A critical dimension is wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles and a key factor in cabin space, particularly rear-seat legroom. At 104.2 inches, the 2012 C-Max’s wheelbase is just one-tenth of an inch less than the 2012 Focus, indicating adult rear-seat passengers will have adequate leg room.

This is a look at the interior of the European model C-MAX Hybrid.

In other dimension comparisons, the C-Max is two-inches longer than the Focus hatchback, a fraction wider and, at 63.7-inches in height, is six-inches taller. Space behind the rear seats is 25 cubic feet, and cargo space expands to a generous 60.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Hopefully the U.S. C-Max will have the clever rear seat arrangement as its European counterpart. The three individual 40/20/40 seats can slide, fold or be removed completely. An optional Comfort feature allows the two outer seats to slide backwards and towards each other to give huge leg and shoulder room while the narrow center seat is folded out of the way.

Styling of the C-Max was created by Ford’s European design group and follows the company’s new “kinetic” styling themes. Ford calls this edgy look “energy in motion.”

Up front, a large, lower, inverted trapezoid grille and small upper grille are becoming signature design elements of Ford cars. Long flowing headlights establish an athletic look and the sculpted hood kicks up at the rear edges adding a touch of sportiness. The outer corners of the bumper boast eye-catching fog lights that direct the eye to prominent front wheel arches. The business end features an upright tailgate and taillight shapes that mimic the headlights.

The profile of the steeply raked windshield continues with a sweeping, coupe-like roofline that ends with a strong-rising C-pillar, similar to the smaller Fiesta. The shape is not only striking, but plays a major role in the C-Max’s aerodynamic drag coefficient of just .30.

Although not confirmed, a look inside the Euro C-Max is an indicator of what to expect when the U.S. C-Max arrives. Like the Fiesta, the same Ford kinetic design language shapes the distinctive features and surfaces of the dashboard, reflecting the dynamic and modern character of the exterior. Center console controls are inspired by modern mobile phones. It’s clear the design is targeted at a generation that’s grown up with all manner of mobile infotainment devices.

C-Max Hybrid

The less-electrified C-Max Hybrid will be the first Ford model to employ the third-generation version of Ford’s hybrid system. It also marks Ford’s first integration of lithium-ion battery technology in a hybrid. According to Ford, lithium-ion designs are 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter, which makes them easier to package in a vehicle, and can be tuned to either increase power to boost acceleration, or to increase energy to extend driving distance.

Ford is light on details, but technically speaking, the C-Max Hybrid is similar to the Fusion Hybrid. Both drivetrains have a high-voltage electric traction motor generator that drives the front wheels and recharges the battery. And both feature an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine. (C-Max engine size has not been released.) Without delving into details, an Atkinson-cycle engine gives up a little power output in exchange for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Ford’s hybrid system is a powersplit architecture design. In a powersplit hybrid, the gasoline engine and electric motor can work together in blended mode or individually to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, providing power to the wheels or charging the batteries as needed. The motor alone can deliver enough power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions, and can work with the engine at higher speeds. A planetary gear set transmits the blended output to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that directs the power to the front wheels.

With updates to the hybrid system, including the new lithium-ion battery pack, Ford says the C-Max Hybrid will deliver better fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrid, which has an EPA-estimated 41 mpg city/36 highway/39 combined. The company is also hinting that the top electric-only speed will be higher than the Fusion’s 47 mph.

C-Max’s direct competitor will be the new 2012 Prius V. While both are four-door, five passenger hatchbacks, the Prius V has a five-inch longer wheelbase that yields eight additional inches in vehicle length. The results are more interior cabin space than the C-Max.

As for fuel economy, to be competitive, the C-Max will have to at least match the Prius V’s EPA-estimated 44 mpg city/40 highway/42 combined. But don’t be surprised if Ford pulls a little fuel mileage one-upsmanship.

Pricing for the C-Max Hybrid has not been announced. But again, to be competitive it needs to be close to the estimated $ 26,000-$ 27,000 price of the Prius V.

C-Max Energi

The Ford C-Max Energi applies the technology found in the less-electrified C-Max Hybrid and the Focus Electric and will be the automaker’s first-ever production plug-in hybrid.

Ford says the C-Max Energi’s battery pack will reach a full charge overnight on a 120-volt outlet. The company doesn’t mention the availability of a faster charging 240-volt system, but it is likely the Energi can use the same charger as the Focus Electric which has a four-hour fill-up time. The charge port is the same as on the Focus Electric, with lights surrounding the charge port that light up in sequence to visually indicate state of charge.

The Energi’s lithium-ion batteries are engineered for recharging and extended discharge during all-electric mode, whereas the C-Max Hybrid batteries are designed for shorter surges of electrons. Another difference between the two vehicles is the hybrid batteries are air cooled while the plug-in has a temperature-control circuit for its battery pack.

When the Energi is started, it operates as an electric vehicle until the battery reaches a level that requires charging. It then switches to a charge-sustaining mode and operates in regular hybrid mode.

As with the C-Max Hybrid, Ford is sketchy on details about the Energi and has only provided limited information about the electric drive operation. We recently tested the Prius Plug-In and, with a full charge and using a fairly light foot, we consistently traveled close to 15 miles before the gas engine took over. Top electric-only speed was slightly more than 60 mph. Expect the Energi to closely parallel those numbers.

One number that Ford has thrown out is 500, as in 500 miles of overall driving range using the battery and engine. That’s the most range of any current plug-in vehicle, including the Chevrolet Volt.

Not surprising is a MyFord Touch telematics system tailored for electrified vehicles with specific electric and hybrid information. A novel feature is Brake Coach that helps drivers optimize the regenerative brake system. At the end of each trip it will show information including miles gained from regenerative braking, miles driven and total fuel consumption.

MyFord Mobile app can keep owners connected to their Energi. Free for five years, the app can locate charging systems, show the battery pack’s state of charge, preset charging times for off-peak utility hours and a host of other functions. These can all be done via a smart phone or laptop.

Like the C-Max Hybrid, Ford is mum about the Energi’s price. Best guess is $ 30,000-$ 33,000.

Ford’s Electrification Future

Against a backdrop of increased fuel economy standards in the U.S. and tougher European emission mandates, hybrid-electric and pure-electric vehicles will play a significant role in complying with these regulations. The Toyota Prius is king-of-the-hill when it comes to hybrids and Nissan is hoping the Leaf will have that position when it comes to EVs. General Motors has made a splash with the Chevy Volt and Ford; while Ford appeared to be asleep, or at least drowsy, behind the wheel—until now.

Ford says it is tripling production capacity of electrified vehicles through 2013, from a current volume of around 35,000 today. That starts with five advanced battery-powered vehicles planed by 2012: Transit Connect Electric, on sale now; Focus Electric before the end of this year; The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid will be followed by an additional next-generation hybrid in 2012. Our guess for that model is either an all-new Escape Hybrid or the European Kuga small crossover.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s director of global product development, says the automaker is predicting that electric propulsion—conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles—will make up anywhere from 10 to 25% of its global fleet by 2025.

Kuzak notes that the electrification technologies have been developed in a manner that will allow them to be adapted for other global platforms. That indicates the likelihood of additional battery-based models from Ford in the not to distant future. We vote for a Grand C-Max Hybrid, and perhaps a plug-in version as well. That would keep the C-Max as a dedicated hybrid vehicle.

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Nissan’s City of St. Petersburg cargo ship for transporting Leaf electric cars

Call it the battle of the clean-car cargo ships.

First Toyota retrofitted its Auriga Leader car transporter ship with a diesel hybrid powertrain, allowing some energy to be recaptured in a bank of nickel-metal-hydride batteries just like those used in its Prius and other hybrid cars.

That ship got a fair amount of media attention for a category of vehicle–or vessel–that’s largely ignored by most of the press. Out of sight, out of mind.

In January, Nissan one-upped Japan’s largest car company with the sleek, aerodynamic City of St. Petersburg, which will carry its new cars to buyers all over the world.

Nissan’s City of St. Petersburg cargo ship for transporting Leaf electric cars

Starting in 2013, those will include the zero-emissions 2011 Nissan Leaf battery electric hatchback, the world’s first modern battery-electric car to go into mass production.

Leafs will be transported from the assembly plant in Sunderland, U.K., to destinations in northern Europe and Russia.

The City of St. Petersburg is up to 50 percent more aerodynamic than old-school cargo ships, and is expected to use up to 800 tons a year less fuel. That means it will emit 2500 tons less carbon dioxide annually.

Cargo ships in general are a huge source of air pollution, with a single ship of the largest category emitting as much air pollution as roughly 50 million individual cars.

Plus, it’s just way, way cooler looking. Check out the video below, newly released by Nissan USA, showing the ship in action.

[Nissan; Nissan in the News via AutoblogGreen]

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Last year, owners of conventional hybrids received a six-month extension of the privilege to drive solo in the carpool lanes. Prius-driving John Burton—the California Democratic Party chairman and former state Senate leader—is one of many hybrid drivers upset about losing the perk and asking for more time.

Enough is enough, according to Ford, Honda and advocates for the next wave of green automobiles that operate on grid-supplied electricity, natural gas and hydrogen.

On May 9, those carmakers sent a letter (PDF) to Mark DeSaulnier, chair of California’s senate transportation and housing committee. “It is… unfortunate that there is an effort underway yet again to extend the yellow sticker program, and that legislation to do so is being sought,” the letter states. “We do not support any further extensions of the yellow sticker program.”

The groups believe the incentive is effective in creating markets for vehicles with new advanced technologies—but believe regular hybrids benefited from the perk, but are no longer relevant to the incentive. The letter explains, “Continued extensions of the program do not serve to incentivize sales of hybrid vehicles as the cap on yellow stickers was reached approximately seven years ago, shortly after the program’s inception.” The letter complains that the extension to July 1 was granted “without any public airing of the issue during two years of debate over the future HOV program.”

Ford and Honda are neck-and-neck for the title of the second biggest seller of hybrid cars, behind Toyota. Both companies, as well as Toyota, Nissan, General Motors and others, plan to sell plug-in and alterative fuel cars, which will be eligible for new white stickers granting HOV access to solo drivers.

California Senator Leland Yee, the author of the bill that granted the extension to July 1, at the time said the goal of extending hybrid HOV access for an additional six months is to give California hybrid owners time to purchase the electric cars and plug-in hybrids coming to the market. Those cars have arrived. The all-electric Nissan LEAF, as well as the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid expected in 2012, qualifies for the new white stickers. The 2011 Chevy Volt is not currently eligible, but is expected to receive the necessary certification for the 2012 model.

The letter opposing another extension of hybrid HOV access was signed by officials from Honda, Ford, the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, Clean Energy Fuels, and Plug In America.

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