Consumer Reports : Top Pick

Top Pick: Pickup Truck
Chevrolet AvalancheThis full-sized crew cab is one of the most versatile and comfortable pickups tested. Its unified bed and cab helps give it a solid feel and a comfortable, quiet ride. Its innovative partition, between the cab and the bed, can be folded to allow longer cargo to extend into the back of the cab. A lockable, waterproof, three-piece bed cover protects cargo from the elements and prying eyes.
If you need a tough work truck with a larger bed, consider the Ford F-150, which was considerably improved for 2009.

Price: $36,000 to $47,000.

[source:Consumer Reports]

MEAN GREEN MACHINES

Check out this show on Discovery Channel's, Planet Green. AWESOME!

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/video/?playerId=1488687257&categoryId=1579885969&lineupId=1586429675&titleId=1587991846

Another Victory!

A Shared Victory on Stimulus BillPlug In America is celebrating one of its biggest victories, thanks to you, with the stimulus bill that President Obama signed into law Tuesday. Through intense congressional advocacy and more than 60,000 emails from our supporters coast to coast, we helped shape the bill's plug-positive legislation, which could result in one and a half million plug-in vehicles.

Stimulus bill invests more than $12 billion in plug-ins
Jay Friedland, Plug In America's legislative director, led the campaign. "This bill, which invests more than $12 billion in plug-in technology, including $2 billion in tax credits, will put vastly more numbers and kinds of plug-in electric vehicles on the road," Jay said in Plug In America's press release. "It will help create jobs and spur spending by incentivizing consumers to purchase the cleanest-running vehicles made today and those just around the corner."As those who joined our campaign know, Plug In America urged a significant increase in the number and types of vehicles covered by the bill's plug-in vehicle tax credit. Also thanks to you, we won expansion of the tax credit from 250,000 vehicles industry wide to 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer, and the inclusion of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid conversions. Eight major auto companies have announced the manufacture-with delivery dates-of highway capable all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ergo, the historic bill, which has a tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle, has the potential to stimulate the sale of up to one-and-a-half million plug-in vehicles. The tax credits will go into effect at the end of 2009 and extend at least through 2014. "The President has called for one million plug-ins by 2015, and while we'd like to reach that number even sooner, this provision will do wonders in helping us to meet Obama's goal," Jay said in the statement. "It also gives the auto companies tremendous incentive to accelerate their delivery dates."

A Plug In America-backed amendment by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) extended a 10% plug-in car tax credit to all-electric motorcycles, three-wheeled enclosed electric vehicles, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, and plug-in conversions. As we know, these kinds of vehicles are already for sale and are the most affordable clean vehicles available.

Cantwell's amendment passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support, 80-16, which showed a unified commitment to get plug-ins on the road. In her Senate floor speech, Cantwell said the bill "makes an investment in our future in electric plug-in vehicles by making sure we create the right incentives for investment in this kind of manufacturing." The legislation will "create economic opportunity now," jobs for the future, and get America off foreign oil, she added.In addition to Cantwell, Plug In America worked closely with a bipartisan group of senators including Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and with plug-in hybrid organizations including CalCars.org, and a coalition it created of entrepreneurial plug-in vehicle businesses from coast to coast: A123/Hymotion, Aptera, Brammo, Electric Motorsport, Mission Motorcycles, Myers Motors, Persu Mobility, Plug In Conversions Corp., Vectrix, and Zero Motorcycles.

2 - 3 wheeled vehicles now get tax credits The final bill, which also boosted tax credits for plug-in vehicle infrastructure, modified a plug-in vehicle tax credit passed into law at the end of the previous congressional session. The credit ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 for vehicles equipped with 4- to 16-kilowatt hours of battery energy. The auto companies that have announced delivery dates are GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and BMW.

Here's a sample of the kind of sentiment our supporters sent to their representatives, prompted by our action alerts:"You are a leader of my country!" said David A. Fink of Manchester, New Hampshire. "I want you to help me change it for the better. I strongly support hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles! They are the quickest and most efficient way to move from petroleum based fuels that threaten our national security to energy sources that we the U.S. control. I want you to support plug-in vehicles by demanding the auto makers retool, and in the short term allow tax credits for those who are willing to buy or convert to plug in electric cars."

Again, we thank each and every one of you. Our reward is the reminder that democracy works, a greater certainty that the road ahead is paved with plug-ins, and the knowledge that we're part of a growing global team of stalwart, active supporters pulling for the same goals.

(This was taken out of the Plug-in America February Newsletter)

Sneak Peak of the Tesla Model S

Too Much of a Teaser? This is all that Tesla will let us see for now.

Call for Photos !

We are looking for photos of you and your American made hybrid, electric or alternative fuel vehicles. Whether they be photos of you and your purchased vehicles or photos of you and your modified vehicle projects. Send them in folks...I would love to post them on this blog and include them in our monthly eMag. Kathy@AllAmericanHybrid.com

Students Rule!

Why is it that we never seem to give students enough credit. Let's face it folks we need to allow them to experiment, apply there very own ideas and come up with solutions on there own, with of course some overseeing from an instructor. They are our future. I personally am behind student projects and ideas 150%.

A team of MIT undergraduates have invented a shock absorber that can generate electricity. When the vehicle experiences small bumps in the road the shock absorber harnesses the energy and gives a more smoother ride to the vehicle than conventional shocks. WOW..cool!

The students say that they can produce up to a 10% improvement in overall vehicle fuel efficiency. The team said that the project arose when they wanted to figure out where energy was being wasted in the vehicles. Some hybrid cars already use regenerative braking, so the team quickly homed in on the suspension and thought they this same concept could also be applied here.
Last year they filed a patent and formed a company called Levant Power Corp., so the product could be developed and commercialized. They are already working with a converted Humvee to perform tests trying to optimize their product. They have already attracted interest from the U.S. military and some truck makers.

To learn more about what these MIT students are up to check out http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/shock-absorbers-0209.html

Plug In America

Plug In America supporters like you sent over 30,000 messages in the last week, asking your representatives to support plug-in vehicles in the Senate economic stimulus bill.

Well, it worked...
We got the number of plug-in tax credits doubled from 250,000 to 500,000!
We pulled off an unprecedented 80-16 vote of support for plug-in vehicles!
It's almost time to celebrate, but not just yet.
As the bill is refined by the House and Senate into a final version, we need your help to make sure that we keep the provisions for which we've fought so hard. Key decisions may be made by the end of the day, so time is of the essence.
This is a key moment in plug-in history, and we need you to make your voice heard. We have a newly crafted message for legislators at our campaign action page which details our requests:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=TefFYw70GMd3mu1aBj0xuD6JRUEjOBt3

Please click on the link and send your message.

We did it once; we can do it again. Each and every voice they hear will make a difference.

Thank you!
Jay Friedland

Legislative Director

Plug In America

35 Miles per Gallon.....

GM has prioritized all the resources that they need to meet fuel economy standards that will be rising within the next decade. In 2007 an energy law required automakers to meet a 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Wagoner reports that GM is committed to tougher fuel efficiency requirements. He met with House and Senate leaders who may be key players in developing global warming legislation.

Bob Lutz Retiring at the end of the year....

General Motors "product czar", Bob Lutz is going to retire at the end of the year. Currently he is the vice chairman of global product development, but according to GM's website, as of April 1, 2009 he will be vice chairman and senior advisor.

Lutz will provide "strategic input into GM's global design and key product initiatives until his retirement at the end of 2009." Lutz will continue to report to CEO Rick Wagoner.

They are replacing Lutz with Tom Stephens as vice chairman of global product development. Stephens is presently executive vice president of Global Powertrain and Global Quality.

Tony Posawatz Named Co-Chairman of EDTA

Washington, DC—February 6, 2009—The Board of Directors of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) has elected General Motors’ Tony Posawatz, Vehicle Line Director for the Chevy Volt, as Co-Chairman of the Board. He replaces Edward B. Cohen, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for American Honda Motor Company, who has served as Co-Chairman since early 2004. Mr. Cohen remains on the EDTA Board.
EDTA is the trade association accelerating battery, hybrid, plug-in, and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. Its diverse membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers and component suppliers.
Mr. Posawatz will serve alongside Co-Chairman John Bryson, Retired Chairman & CEO, Southern California Edison, and Senior Advisor for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
EDTA President Brian Wynne says, “Tony brings unique expertise to this Board leadership role. In this new era of electric drive, he will be a great asset in EDTA’s work in Washington to speed the nation toward true energy security”
“General Motors is a founding Board member of EDTA and I am pleased to lead the association during this time of tremendous advances in the electric drive industry,” says Tony Posawatz. “EDTA’s members represent all facets of the industry, and I look forward to working with them to advance electrification throughout the transportation sector.”
About Mr. Posawatz:
As Vehicle Line Director for the Chevrolet VOLT and GM’s E-Flex Systems, Mr. Posawatz has led the development of the highly-acclaimed VOLT, and continues to help lead the development of the 2011 production model. He has served as a GM Vehicle Line Director for the past eleven years. In this capacity, Tony and his product development teams have compiled an impressive record of successful, award-winning and innovative products. Tony’s teams have amassed seven General Motors Chairman’s Honors Program awards for excellence and have overseen the development of cars and trucks from concept initiation to production and market launch in four different countries.
About EDTA:
The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association representing battery, plug-in, hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences. EDTA’s membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, and government agencies. For more information about EDTA and its members, visit www.electricdrive.org.

(Source: EDTA)

For Sale ?

Is this rumor true?

GM is looking for buyers for three of their brands:
Hummer
Saab
Saturn

Chrysler is looking for buyers for two of their brands:
Jeep
Viper

Ford is looking for a buyer for one of their brands:
Volvo

Chime in!

Tell Congress -- Do not block Plug-in tax credits!

Last fall Congress approved consumer tax credits of up to $7500 for plug-in cars. Unfortunately the lawmakers left out the most affordable and available solution: 2 and 3 wheeled plug-in vehicles. This year Myers Motors, along with Plug In America and has worked with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John Kerry (D-MA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Bill Nelson (D-FL) to get critical plug-in vehicle tax credit language into the upcoming stimulus bill. We are very close to success. But now our efforts are threatened - we hear that the consumer tax credits for 2 and 3 wheeled plug-ins may get removed from the stimulus bill. We need your help – we will do most of the work. Please take just a moment to click through the link below and send a strong message to your representatives in Congress and the President telling them that you want plug-in electric vehicles to be successful along with the truly green jobs they can create. Show Washington just how serious you are about wanting affordable plug-in vehicles on the road now: http://www.pluginamerica.org/stimulus-2-3wheel It is time to ask Congress to advance the next generation of transportation options. Each and every voice they hear will make a difference. Let us do the work for you - Just click the link below and in less than a minute you can get your message to Congress about this key issue: http://www.pluginamerica.org/stimulus-2-3wheel

Thank you!
Dana Myers
President of Myers Motors

Free to Download!

All American Hybrid's Inaugural eMag:

http://www.allamericanhybrid.com/emag.htm

Back in Business!

We're Back! Thank you for your patience!

We do exist!

We never have a dull moment, in this case four days. We have been experiencing technical difficulties with our web provider for the past four days. If you have been trying to contact us via email, you may have been receiving a message saying that this address does not exist. It does exist! We are patiently waiting for the issues to be resolved and when they are we will post a message letting you know that we are up and running again.

We apologize to you for your inconvenience, but this is one of those things that is unfortunately out of our hands.