Here are some notable points:
- Lithium-ion battery research will accelerate future hybrid development
- DaimlerChrysler investigates plug-in technology with test fleet
- Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can drive up to 20 real-world miles on electric-only power
- Industry first PHEV combined with diesel for maximum fuel efficiency

Here’s more from the DaimlerChrysler press release:

More than 20 Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) will be placed in the United States between now and the first quarter of 2008 as part of a test fleet program. Four of the vehicles are already in operation with customers. DaimlerChrysler is the only auto manufacturer currently evaluating a variety of plug-in hybrid powertrain configurations under customer-operation conditions in real-world service.

Battery development is one of the keys to the success of hybrid and fuel cell transportation. Lithium ion holds the greatest promise for battery technology. A number of the Dodge Sprinter PHEVs are equipped with lithium ion batteries which are about half the weight and have much greater storage capacities when compared to nickel-metal hydride batteries. The vehicles will yield technical information through real world driving conditions about lifetime, performance and cost of batteries.

“The future of plug-in hybrid technology rests on a number of improvements, the most significant being batteries,” said Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt, Executive Director – DaimlerChrysler Hybrid Programs. “The battery systems in the PHEV Sprinter continue to provide valuable data on the possibilities with lithium-ion technology.”

Plug-in technology lends itself to commercial applications in which the vehicle returns to base after each shift to be plugged into the power grid but also works well in urban traffic situations for daily commuters.

Based on Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle technology, the Dodge Sprinter PHEV has the ability to drive up to 20 miles on electric-only power. It accomplishes this with a switch on the dashboard giving the operator the ability to manually switch between modes as needed, or automatically by the vehicle control system. Two different combustion engines are being offered in the PHEV – diesel or gasoline. The diesel version will yield the highest fuel economy benefit and is the first fleet test of a diesel plug-in hybrid system.

Plug-in hybrid technology is part of DaimlerChrysler’s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesel technology, ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.

Source: Chrysler Group

Here are some notable points:
- Lithium-ion battery research will accelerate future hybrid development
- DaimlerChrysler investigates plug-in technology with test fleet
- Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can drive up to 20 real-world miles on electric-only power
- Industry first PHEV combined with diesel for maximum fuel efficiency

Here’s more from the DaimlerChrysler press release:

More than 20 Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) will be placed in the United States between now and the first quarter of 2008 as part of a test fleet program. Four of the vehicles are already in operation with customers. DaimlerChrysler is the only auto manufacturer currently evaluating a variety of plug-in hybrid powertrain configurations under customer-operation conditions in real-world service.

Battery development is one of the keys to the success of hybrid and fuel cell transportation. Lithium ion holds the greatest promise for battery technology. A number of the Dodge Sprinter PHEVs are equipped with lithium ion batteries which are about half the weight and have much greater storage capacities when compared to nickel-metal hydride batteries. The vehicles will yield technical information through real world driving conditions about lifetime, performance and cost of batteries.

“The future of plug-in hybrid technology rests on a number of improvements, the most significant being batteries,” said Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt, Executive Director – DaimlerChrysler Hybrid Programs. “The battery systems in the PHEV Sprinter continue to provide valuable data on the possibilities with lithium-ion technology.”

Plug-in technology lends itself to commercial applications in which the vehicle returns to base after each shift to be plugged into the power grid but also works well in urban traffic situations for daily commuters.

Based on Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle technology, the Dodge Sprinter PHEV has the ability to drive up to 20 miles on electric-only power. It accomplishes this with a switch on the dashboard giving the operator the ability to manually switch between modes as needed, or automatically by the vehicle control system. Two different combustion engines are being offered in the PHEV – diesel or gasoline. The diesel version will yield the highest fuel economy benefit and is the first fleet test of a diesel plug-in hybrid system.

Plug-in hybrid technology is part of DaimlerChrysler’s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesel technology, ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.

Source: Chrysler Group

The days of 50 cent gas prices have vanished along with sock hops and soda shops. Now day’s gas is closer to $2.50 a gallon and kids go to raves. What can be done? Are we destined to spend more on gas for a week than we do on groceries? Enter the hybrid car. Every year, more hybrid cars hit the market, and for good reason, consumers today are beginning to demand more fuel efficiency from their cars. If you are interested in purchasing a hybrid car, you are not alone, but you may not know what to look for while car shopping. The following tips will help you plan what you want in a car and how to find it on a lot.

Hybrid car dealers also have their own language, you should know how to speak “hybrid” before you decide to go shopping for one of these vehicles. You will need to know that these cars are, on average, have a 90 percent lower emission rate than traditional cars and are therefore known as Ultra Low-Emission vehicles.

Research is so important when contemplating the purchase of a hybrid car. Thankfully, most people have access to the internet and therefore have access to information such as manufacturers’ websites. These websites may be some of the most valuable information that you will find. They will contain information that will lead you to repair shops, vehicle maintenance requirements and other such information that is specific to hybrid cars.

However, if needed, the engines will run simultaneously as well. This will happen if more power is needed than either the electric or combustion engine alone can produce. An example of this type of situation would be accelerating on an expressway.

Before you decide to tackle the hybrid car market, there are some general points of knowledge that you need to be aware of. For example, this type of car is often referred to as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV. It will have two engines as opposed to a traditional vehicle, which has one. The engines that are found in an HEV are combustion and electric, having the two engines allows the car to switch from one engine to the other when power begins to run low.

Visit http://hybrid-cars-central.info or http://ez-hybrid-cars.info to learn more about ford hybrid car and all hybrid cars.

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Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, identifies, develops and commercializes emerging technologies and new energy systems including hydrogen-related technologies, advanced energy storage technologies, renewable energy and nanotechnology.

“Customers are opting more for vehicles with environmentally friendly hybrid or alternative fuel engines and that trend is expected to continue because of high gas prices and a growing number of hybrid models,” said Frank Soldano, Kansas State Executive Director. “We are happy to offer drivers who are concerned about the environment a discount,” added Soldano.

“In order to make our air clean in Kansas, it’s going to take everyone working together. That means not just individuals, but government and business as well,” said Kansas Commissioner of Insurance Sandy Praeger. “We are proud that Farmers is taking the lead in encouraging the citizens of Kansas to drive environmentally sensitive cars.”

The discount, effective September 1, 2006, is for all customers who own a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle. All new business customers will receive the discount as of the new business date and existing customers will receive the discount upon renewal.

The Farmers Insurance Group(R) companies comprise the nation’s third-largest personal lines property & casualty insurance group – helping to restore the lives of over 15 million customers when the unexpected happens. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, these companies provide homeowners, auto, business, recreational products, life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For an agent near you, call 1-800-FARMERS or visit www.farmers.com.

Hybrids are a simple way to make an important difference in curtailing foreign-oil dependence, air pollution and greenhouse gases, plus they’re a lot of fun to drive.
According to an article in USA Today, Toyota plans to release one new hybrid vehicle each year for the next ten years. Jim Press, Toyota’s North American president and COO, says, “Hybrids are a simple way to make an important difference in curtailing foreign-oil dependence, air pollution and greenhouse gases, plus they’re a lot of fun to drive.”

Lon Vennard, owner and president of Tundra Solutions, Inc., agrees with that statement. As the proud new owner of a 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid, Lon is enjoying the quiet ride, easy handling and dramatically improved fuel economy of the car.

Toyota’s hybrids, which are powered by an electric motor at slow speeds and a gasoline engine at higher speeds, can save about 20% on fuel consumption. But that isn’t the only benefit. Hybrid vehicles boast low vehicle emissions, increased acceleration, large tax breaks from the government and special driving allowances in HOV/carpool lanes. With constant improvements in technology, some hybrids are actually more powerful than their conventional counterparts.

Furthermore, and contrary to popular belief, hybrid cars do not need to be plugged in. The battery inside is entirely charged through regenerative braking and the gas engine when it runs low. The cars must be refueled like other conventional vehicles. This means they are as easy to drive and own as any conventional vehicle.

Hybrid cars may well be a glimpse into the future of automobiles. There are currently ten different hybrid car models on the market, with Toyota leading the way in terms of popularity and sales. Hybrids currently account for one percent of Toyota’s new car sales in the United States. However, Toyota projects its annual hybrid sales topping 1 million units around 2010. Tundra Solutions is eager to watch the growth of this exciting new fleet of vehicles.

The TundraSolutions.com mission is to provide a website in which current and prospective owners can research, discuss, price, and repair their Toyota, Scion or Lexus. Auto dealerships are offered the ability to advertise and post vehicles for sale to the largest Toyota owners group on the Internet. TundraSolutions.com currently supports some 70,000 owners, and 50 dealers from the United States, Canada, and overseas.

There are many benefits to owners when they register with TundraSolutions.com. On our website, members may freely talk about their vehicle, ask questions and find solutions. They may research, get car buying advice, comparison shop and get the best price from our preferred dealers. Optionally, full access is available by subscription to both individuals and Toyota dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Subscribers have the ability to discuss their vehicles, research dealers, view technical service bulletins, maintenance schedules, upload photos, and explore a complete and comprehensive database of technical information covering every current Toyota vehicle.

Visit the website, Tundra Solutions, to check out the new hybrid forums.

The numbers are in. Toyota and Lexus outpaced their rivals by selling a combined 41,779 hybrid vehicles during the first quarter of 2006. Honda sold 9,072 hybrids and Ford and Mercury sold a combined 6,192 hybrids during the first three months of 2006.

Why are these sales figures important? “Effective January 1, 2006, anyone who purchases a new hybrid vehicle is eligible for a tax credit of up to $3,400,” explains Andrew Schwartz CPA, founder of CPA Niche, LLC (www.cpaniche.com), a site where taxpayers can interact with CPAs who specialize in a variety of niches such as healthcare, real estate professionals, and lawyers. “The catch is this credit begins to phase out for each manufacturer upon selling 60,000 hybrids,” as follows:

* The full credit is allowed through the end of the quarter following the quarter during which the manufacturer sells its 60,000th hybrid vehicle after January 1, 2006.

* The credit is cut in half for the subsequent two quarters.

* The credit is then cut to twenty-five percent of the original credit for the subsequent two quarters.

* No credit is allowed for vehicles purchased from that manufacturer thereafter.

The hybrid car tax credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2010. “Even so, if you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota or Lexus, don’t delay!” warns Schwartz. “Based on the sales figures for the first quarter of 2006, the allowable credit for their hybrids is on track to be cut in half on October 1, 2006 and then will be fully phased out on September 30, 2007.”

The New Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credit

Prior to January 1, 2006, anyone who purchased a new hybrid was eligible to claim the $2,000 “Clean Fuel” deduction. The Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 enacted a more valuable tax credit for hybrid purchasers.

To qualify for this tax credit, the hybrid purchased must be a new vehicle. According to the IRS, “the original use of the vehicle must begin with you”, so used vehicles don’t qualify. Leasing a hybrid doesn’t qualify the lessee for the credit. “If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit,” explains the IRS. And the final condition to qualify for this tax credit is that you use your hybrid predominantly within the United States.

Here are the hybrids currently eligible for this new tax credit:

Chevy Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $250
Chevy Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $650
Ford Escape Hybrid Front 2WD, 2006 & 2007 – $2,600
Ford Escape Hybrid 4 WD, 2006 & 2007 – $1,950
GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $250
GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup, 2006 & 2007 – $650
Honda Accord Hybrid AT, 2006 – $1,300 or $650
Honda Accord Hybrid AT, 2005 – $650
Honda Civic Hybrid CVT, 2006 – $2,100
Honda Civic Hybrid SUVEL, 2005 – $1,700
Honda Insight CVT, 2005 & 2006 – $1,450
Lexus GS 450h, 2007 – $1,550
Lexus RX400h 2WD or 4WD, 2006 – $2,200
Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4 WD, 2006 & 2007 – $1,950
Saturn Vue Green Line, 2004 – $650
Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2007 – $2,600
Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 2006 – $2,600
Toyota Prius, 2005 & 2006 – $3,150

Form 8910

To claim this new tax credit, taxpayers need to complete and attach a Form 8910 (available at www.irs.gov) to their federal income tax return.

While the form seems simple enough to complete, anyone subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) might completely lose out on this new tax break. “And with more and more people paying this tax each year, working through a tax projection is the best way to determine if you’ll be hit by the AMT the year you plan to purchase your hybrid vehicle,” suggests Schwartz.

Andrew D. Schwartz, CPA is the editor and founder of CPA Niche, LLC (www.cpaniche.com), a site where taxpayers can interact with CPAs who specialize in a variety of niches such as healthcare, real estate professionals, and lawyers. Schwartz has provided tax and basic financial planning advice in interviews with various media, including the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. He is available for interviews.