Are we ready to change from either hybrid or gas vehicles to the electric vehicle? Has the world adapted to the different method in a way that will allow for the transition to be successful? There are many things that go into getting ready for the plug-in vehicle, and this is where we stand:

Energy Consumption

Initially, it was feared that we would be moving from the overuse and dependence of one form of energy (gasoline) to another (electricity). Now, it has been proven that it will not impact the environment or the economy in ways that were previously suspected.

In fact, it is believed that we are going to be able to handle the energy consumption necessary in order to charge up plug-in vehicles.

How?

The Smart Grid

The smart grid will use intelligent software in order to supply the electricity needed to not only power homes, but to charge up plug-in vehicles as well. It will allow for vehicles to not waste the energy that they get during a charge, and will control the distribution of energy on a whole. On top of that, researchers expect that the smart grid will eventually allow for energy to be recycled. Extra energy will be able to go back to the grid and be used for a different purpose.

Charging Stations

The fact that companies are experimenting with charging stations is another good sign that the world is ready for the plug-in vehicle. With 2010 approaching, it shows that the world is anticipating and preparing for the change that electric vehicles will bring.

Price

Currently, technologies are being developed that will bring down the price of the batteries used in plug-in vehicles. Considering that plug-ins are expected to take over the roads, that is necessary. The majority of people cannot get a plug-in vehicle unless it is affordable.

Plug-ins are on their way, and the world is preparing for them. Unlike so many concepts that have only been a dream and never saw the roads, plug-ins are in the position to truly change the way that we drive and consume energy.

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I live in Mississippi (no rude comments please). In Mississippi, we are a little scared off by the hybrids. We can’t put our kill in the front seat of a hybrid after a good day of hunting. Plus, it’s hard to find a place for the cooler and the roll of toilet paper. That is why Mississippi and states like mine has been a little behind in the hybrid revolution. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that we want something that is practical.

We might finally get our chance. Things are looking up for Mississippi. Thanks to Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. there is a chance that someone might actually make our kind of a vehicle.

The company showcased its new hybrid vehicle converter kits that are adaptable to most vehicles. To prove their point, they converted a Ford F-150 pick up truck into a plug in vehicle. The truck got around 16 mpg before the conversion, and around 41 mpg after the conversion.

The company uses software and technology in order to optimize the energy that is used by a vehicle. The company says that the larger the vehicle, the greater the benefit. They even have plans in making conversion kits for buses.

The process that Hybrids Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. uses is called the Adaptive Control Unit. It controls the energy systems, from electricity and fuel, in order to get the best performance while also getting better gas mileage and fewer emissions.

This technology is expected to bring the costs of hybrid conversions down. This is great news for people who do not want to part with their current vehicles, but they want a solution to the rising gas prices, along with the environmental concerns of the day.

There is no word yet as to how much this conversion kit will cost. It is not on the market yet, as the technology is still being fine tuned. However, it was met with a wonderful response at the Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition. It is a technology that can revolutionize plug in conversions, and it will give more people a chance to convert their current vehicles.

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With electric cars quickly becoming the new white bread, many people are left asking questions. Since the drive time is projected to be around 150 miles before a recharge is needed, how will people go about their day to day lives? While on one hand it might get people out of some family reunions if the trip is too far, it will also keep people from doing fun things, like going to bars out of town.

A new startup called Coulomb is planning on offering the solution to this problem, so people everywhere can hit all of the bars they want when electric cars come into the mainstream. Coulomb is creating recharging stations for electric cars. The stations are going to be tested in San Jose, California.

These stations will be able to put around town. They feel that the charging stations will be of great use to the many people who do not have a home garage to park their vehicles. They will be able to charge up from the different stations, which can be mounted on street lights and other structures that are already in place.

Because of the utility grid management technology that Coulomb has, they feel they will be able to service a large amount of people, from San Jose and beyond. They are hoping to take their technology to the national level.

The company is already speaking to other states about the technology that they can provide. There is expected to be a need for such technology within the next several years, as electric vehicles make their way onto the streets.

They will be able to set up a wireless network, and even use a subscription service for those who tap into the grid. Each station will cost around $1000 to $2000 to install, which is incredibly affordable for the service it will provide.

Stations such as these can help ease the fears that some have about plug in vehicles. Recharging the batteries has been one of the main concerns, and by allowing people to charge in public, electric vehicles will be much more practical.

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With all of the talk about electric vehicles these days, it might be hard to believe that there are actually some negative aspects of plug in vehicles. The vehicles are hyped to the point that few people question that they are wonderful. In fact, even though they have many positive things for drivers to look forward to, there are some bad things associated with electric vehicles.

Distance

When you hop in your vehicle now, you can drive until you run low on fuel. Then, you hit up a gas station, and you’re good to go again. That is not the case with an electric vehicle. You will not be able to plan many long trips in your electric vehicle. In fact, the average range for an electric vehicle is 150 miles before the battery needs to be recharged. While that will get you to work and back, it’s not going to take you out of the state.

Plug In Time

Once your battery is dead, you need to get your bicycle out, as it will be your only mode of transportation for the next four to eight hours while your vehicle’s battery recharges.

Cost

The batteries for plug in vehicles are expensive. Unlike the batteries in hybrids that usually last for several years, you will probably have to replace the battery in your plug in vehicle at least once. That can be an unexpected added expense for plug in vehicle owners.

Battery Size

Plug in vehicles are not as roomy as other cars because of the size and weight of the battery. The battery takes up quite a bit of room in a plug in vehicle, which means that grandma might have to sit on top on the luggage rack to conserve space.

Now that you know about the bad aspects of plug in vehicles, it is important to know about the good things that the vehicles can offer. There are many enticing things about plug in vehicles that give consumers reasons to be excited.

Much More Energy Efficient

When a plug in vehicle is used, the energy from the batteries is put to use. In fact, plug in vehicles use 75% of the power that comes from the batteries to power the vehicle. That means that much less energy is wasted when a plug in vehicle is used instead of a gas powered vehicle.

Zero Emissions

While hybrids pollute less, plug in vehicles do not pollute. Imagine roads without pollutants rising up in the air.

Stronger Acceleration

It’s much easier to take off in a plug in vehicle than it is in a hybrid. Plug ins accelerate much better, which causes them to have a smoother ride.

Within the next several years, we should have plug in vehicle options available to us. While the world is excitedly anticipating what plug in vehicles have to offer, it is still important to be mindful of the downsides that are present in plug in vehicles. Currently, manufactures are trying to improve upon the technology in order to eliminate some of the negative qualities that the vehicles possess.

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There has long been a debate over if hybrids are actually worth purchasing. Some people claim that hybrids do not make up for their extra price tag. Nada Guides took that into account when they came up with their list of the eight best hybrids for the money. What Nada Guides did was figure out how long each hybrid would have to be driven before the purchaser would break even on the extra cost. In order to figure out the numbers, the company used the vehicle’s EPA rating, the 2008 MSRP, applicable federal tax credits, and gas prices.

1. Toyota Camry Hybrid-Owners will have to drive 18,292 miles to break even

2. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid-After 32,206 miles, owners will break even

3. Nissan Altima Hybrid-Drivers will have to go 37,550 miles to break even

4. Toyota Prius-Surprisingly, owners will have to go a total of 41,626 miles to break even when driving the Prius

5. Honda Civic Hybrid-Even though this is considered one of the best hybrids for the money, drivers have to go 57,216 miles before they break even

6. Ford Escape Hybrid-While it is good enough to make the list at number six, Escape owners have to drive 63,820 miles until they recoup the extra costs of the vehicle

7. Mercury Mariner Hybrid-After driving 75,216 miles, drivers will break even and then start saving money

8. Lexus RX400h-Average drivers will have to own this vehicle for six years before they break even. They will have to drive the car for 96,013 before they make up for the extra cost

As you can see, things are not always as they seem. While we would like to think that hybrids give enough savings at the gas pump to make them worth the extra money that is not always the case. Currently, there is a rush to go out and buy hybrids, but reports such as these might slow consumers down. It is shocking to realize that hybrids have to be driven for years in most cases before owners can even break even. Hopefully, technological advancements will help hybrids become more affordable, so owners can reap the financial benefits more quickly in the future.

If you are looking to save money on gas, but don’t want to get a hybrid your not out of luck. Some gas credit cards give you 5% back on your gasoline purchases (One card even gives you 10% back if you redeem your points for gift certificates.) This is a great way to start saving on gas, without getting a new car. Creditshout.com has a page that outlines all of the best gas credit cards.

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Finding the perfect vehicle can be difficult. Often, when a vehicle is touted as being energy efficient, people take automakers at their word. However, vehicles are all different and it is important to know the differences before considering buying or converting a vehicle.

Plug In Hybrids

Plug in hybrids have been heralded as the second coming of the hybrid. They are supposed to be the next big thing, but why? Plug ins have a lot of potential in changing the way that hybrid cars work. They can get better mileage and expel fewer emissions, which are the main purposes of driving a hybrid. A plug in can run on battery power for several miles, and then begins to use gasoline while the battery recharges. They also reduce the dependence on outside sources for energy, which is incredibly important with the current state of oil prices. The possibilities for plug in hybrids are almost limitless.

Fuel Cell Vehicles

Currently, fuel cell vehicles are getting almost as much attention as plug ins. Some in the automotive industry expect for both types of vehicles to survive when they are finally mass produced. While fuel cell vehicles run on electricity, they create their own instead of using the electricity from a battery or another outside source. They are able to do this by using hydrogen and creating a chemical reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cell vehicles are something to be excited about. They get great mileage, and vehicles that run on pure hydrogen only emit water. There are no pollutants that come from fuel cell vehicles unless they run on a hydrogen rich fuel. Even if they run on a hydrogen rich fuel instead of pure hydrogen, they will only emit a small amount of pollutants.

Flex-Fuel Vehicles

While flex-fuel vehicles may help the environment, they are not going to help your wallet. They run on either E85 or gasoline. E85 might produce fewer pollutants, but it also causes vehicles to become between twenty to thirty percent less fuel efficient.

It is important to understand what you will get with different systems. Every system has different characteristics that must be explored. It will help people make a sound decision so they can decide to purchase now or to wait.

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In keeping with their ability to bring the public what they want, Chrysler will soon be producing the hybrid minivan. This is expected to be the first in a long line of hybrid minivans that will be making their way to consumers. Soon, there will be a whole new fleet of hybrid minivans with Jesus fish and bumper stickers touting the achievements of children that are in the third grade.

Chrysler is expected to produce the Dodge Grand Caravan hybrid minivan in the near future. It has been reported by J.D. Power that consumers can expect a Grand Caravan with a two mode hybrid system in it by next year.

The Dodge Grand Caravan hybrid will run on the same operating system as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, which was named the Green Car of the Year. However, the title did not give Tahoe good sales. Price is always an issue, whether its gas prices or sticker prices, and the sticker price has kept the Tahoe hybrid in the lot.

Currently, Chrysler is attempting to have a run at the hybrid business. While they have factored in consumer demand, they are also trying to meet the demands for fuel efficiency by the US government. Still, even as they try to meet that demand, they are under the impression that bigger is better.

Chrysler has pointed out that they fair much better with trucks and vans than they do with small cars. If that is the case, Chrysler may continue to have trouble in the market. As the bigger vehicles have become car lot ornaments, now is not the time to be producing more and more of them. Hybrid or not, large vehicles are not as sought after as they once were.

J.D. Power is predicting solid sales for the hybrid minivan, even though large vehicles are not currently doing well. Other industry insiders state that it is impossible to tell how larger vehicles will do a year from now. It depends on the pricing of the vehicle, along with the quality. As other automakers follow suit and make hybrid minivans, Chrysler may once again find itself on the outside, realizing that yet another opportunity was missed.

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Generally, hybrid conversions do not come cheap. Many consumers expect to drop around $10,000 to have their vehicle converted to a hybrid, which causes many people to keep from getting the process done. However, an RV dealer in Texas has managed to make the conversions affordable to his customers. Customers can expect a starting price of $1,000 for a hydrogen conversion when they go to Colonia Del Ray RV in Flour Bluff, Texas.

Chris Barecky realized that he was going to have to do something to rejuvenate his business after gas prices went through the roof. That is when he decided to take matters into his own hands and began offering the conversions. Currently, auto owners can take their existing vehicle into Barecky’s business to get a conversion. The business converts both cars and trucks.

For the conversion, Barecky uses an HHO generator. Once placed under the hood of a vehicle, the generator uses electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The emissions smell like vinegar, and are said to be much better for the environment than the emissions of a non converted vehicle.

Barecky even claims that the oil does not have to be changed as often on the hydrogen converted vehicles. He says that it is a cleaner operating system, so there are many benefits to using this kind of vehicle.

Currently, there is a debate over the safety of such conversions. There have been people in the auto industry who have spoken out against Barecky’s conversions, stating that there have not been enough tests done on the conversions. Some people claim that Barecky is making a quick buck off of the current fuel price hysteria.

Barecky stands by his conversions, though. He says that it gives his customers an affordable solution to the gas crisis, and also gives him needed business. He feels that his conversions will help the people of Texas get back on the roads instead of worrying about the prices of gas.

Thus far, Barecky’s conversions have been a success. He notes a truck that he converted that went from 12 to 18.5 gallons. Because of the lower cost of Barecky’s conversions, he believes that the increased mileage will pay for itself quickly.

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Recently, hybrid conversion kits have been in the news quite a bit. Even here, we have talked about conversion kits and those who have taken conversion into their own hands. While converting a vehicle often leads to great results, it is also important for people to remember the dangers associated with hybrid conversion kits. Right now, the sales of after market kits are on the rise, and accidents have been reported. As hybrid conversion kits are still a relatively new thing, it is not yet known how safe these kits are.

After market conversion kits allow vehicles to replace some of the fuel that they normally use with electricity. There are many different manufacturers of these kits, and they range greatly in price. Some people get the kits installed for them, while other people take more of a hands on approach in converting their vehicle.

Two accidents with hybrid conversion kits have made headlines, and those accidents bring us back to the sobering reality of the dangers of converting a vehicle. Hybrids Plus converted a Toyota Prius, and the Prius eventually caught on fire. While no one was injured in the fire, the situation could have ended up being much worse. The fire was blamed on the conversion of the Prius to a plug in.

CalCars was blamed for another incident in a hybrid conversion. The conversion caused a failure that resulted in a meltdown of the original battery. Again, no one was hurt, but that was more from luck than anything else.

With the news of these accidents, many people are left wondering if the plug in vehicle is actually going to be a reality. Will it be too dangerous to go any further? Plug in vehicles are expected to be here in full force by 2010, but already the safety of the technology is being questioned.

No one doubts that we have a long way to go before we can begin to put plug in hybrids on the road in a safe manner. With the safety regulations, it might be more difficult that automakers ever imagined to get the plug ins mass produced and on the roads.

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Recently, Edmunds released a study that challenges what people think of the cars they are driving. The website released information in regards to what they believe to be the most economical vehicles. Edmunds points out that fuel efficiency is not the only factor that should be considered when shopping for an economical vehicle. They state that the actually price of the car, along with the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and ownership costs, need to be considered in order to find the vehicle that is really the best.

After their study, Edmunds released their top ten cars. They believe that these vehicles are the best that automakers have to offer for the money.

1. Chevy Aveo-At 24 city and 34 highway mpg, the Aveo starts at $10,985.

2. Hyundai Accent-With 22 city and 32 highway mpg, the sticker price for this vehicle is $10,775.

3. Honda Fit-At 28 city and 34 highway mpg, the vehicle costs $13,950/

4. Toyota Yaris-For $11,550 consumers can pick this vehicle up and get 29 city and 36 highway mpg.

5. Honda Civic-In this study, the non hybrid version of the Civic did better than the hybrid. At a price of just $14,810, consumers can expect 26 city and 34 highway mpg.

6. Nissan Versa-Nissan makes the list with a vehicle that gets 27 city and 33 highway mpg for just $12,990.

7. Kia Rio-Kia’s vehicle gets 27 city and 32 highway mpg at a price of $11,540.

8. Mazda3-At 24 city and 32 highway mpg, the Mazda3 coasts in at number eight on the list at a cost of $14,645.

9. Toyota Corolla-With 28 city and 37 highway mpg, the Corolla is once again creating a buzz for its affordable fuel efficiency with a price that starts at $15,520.

10. Honda Civic Hybrid-While this vehicle gets the best mileage on the list, the only hybrid that Edmunds considered is not cost effective enough to make it past number ten. The hybrid gets 40 city and 45 highway mpg and costs $22,600 to purchase.

The buzz has been all about hybrid cars, but Edmunds helps us remember that it’s really about saving money, with or without a hybrid. With only one hybrid on the list, we are left to consider what measures can be taken to make hybrids more affordable for consumers.

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