Many things happened this week with Dodge unveiling its all electric vehicle, EV and two other plug-in hybrids, PHEV. Also the generation loan to keep the big three in Detroit afloat after not preparing for tough times. We are living in interesting times and hopefully these companies will break away from repeating the same, and costly mistakes over, and over again.
Can you spare some change? The biggest news was the $25 billion in loans to automakers to develop fuel efficient cars, as well as battery technology and HEVs. Some of these funds will also be available to part makers and a $7.5 billion is set aside in order one of them collapses.
Chrysler EV! On a more positive note, Chrysler surprised us with a very nice looking full EV who might be the closest thing to competition Tesla might have.
What about the wind? That is what Zerocarbonista wants to use for his EV project. Interesting, we hope to hear more about it in the future. It also shows, many people are taking things in their hand without any loans or much help.
Converting my Prius. If you are interested in seeing how a Prius can be converted into a PHEV, you could always watch this video. We do not recommend converting a Prius but understand what is involved makes us more knowledgeable which can help avoid costly mistakes and getting taken in by marketing hypes.
No makeup? Buy a Volt! As we have said before, a week without Volt news is just not possible but this one made us smile. If you are a woman who wears no makeup, then you will love the Volt, according to larger than life GM’s very own Vice President Bob Lutz on Comedy Central. Hat tip SeatlePI.com
Rent-A-Hybrid? Enterprise Rent-A-Car will have HEVs in a new “Green Branch” they are putting together over the U.S. with the first one being in the state of California in Sacramento. It’s good to see consumer demand can still be heard.
Absolutely need that HEV SUV? Cars.com review the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. Wait a second, we thought this was 2008?
Hope you enjoy this first back of a week at a glance. Much has happened again and until tomorrow.