Then in its end-of-year review, "The plug-in hybrid-vehicle era begins: is the second most important development, after cellulosic ethanol, before improved batteries and cheaper solar power. Small companies are already making kits that allow drivers to commute using electricity from the grid (stored in extra batteries shown here). MORE >>

But unlike the Toyota Prius and other hybrid production cars, the petrol engine does not drive the vehicle; it is there simply to recharge the batteries. This, GM claims, eliminates the disadvantages of the EV1, which had a limited range because of the capacity of its batteries, which also took a long time to recharge. Ray Hutton. MORE >>

Instead, today's hybrids recharge their batteries by capturing energy from braking. Unlike those on the market that are primarily powered by a small gasoline engine, this sexy little four-seater runs on pure electricity. By contrast, the 60mpg Prius can't be plugged in and only runs on pure electric power until it hits about 15mph. MORE >>

think the auto-makers joining the chorus suggesting more support for battery research will help secure Congressional passage of the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act. But the fact that we need better batteries shouldn't become a "free pass" -- auto-makers can get started on PHEVs now using the batteries we have! MORE >>

He said GM is developing plug-in hybrids now so "when the advanced batteries are ready for production, our plug-in vehicles should be ready, too -- which means we'll be ahead of the curve." billion for 2006, the result of painful restructurings that likely haven't ended. market in 2006, according to Alexander. link]. MORE >>