batteries

Click on the image to view high-res shots of the Mercedes F700 conceptMassive amounts of money are being spent in the alternative energy sector of the automotive industry. Last year, Daimler spent $6 billion in research and development and another $2.7 billion on environmental protection. Expect ...

We'll be honest. We didn't watch President Bush's State of the Union address last night, the final one of his second presidential term. Our disinterest can probably best be measured by the fact that the address being broadcast in high definition was the only draw for us, which got us to watch for ...

When talking about the (hopefully coming in 2010) Chevy Volt, Bob Lutz repeatedly said he was waiting on battery makers to provide GM with battery packs that were up to the challenge, seeing as the show car relies on technology that doesn't exist. GM isn't the only maker with battery issues -- ...

We're punchy for this one (just check out our outtakes at the end, even better than last time!). We start off with a lively debate over Hyundai's rumored full-size RWD truck on the BH platform and whether it will be good or bad. No consenus was reached, but it will be exciting to see if Hyundai can ...

Ever stare at that spot on your dash that has a piece of plastic where a button should be? Ever wonder what that button would do if it were installed? More and more Prius owners are finding out that that empty spot on their dashes is occupied on Euro-spec Prius models by a button that switches the ...

The Mazda RX-9 is an advanced concept that came out on top in this year’s Michelin Design Challenge. It’s a hybrid featuring a 2.5L V6 and wafer-thin electric motor, but features a couple of technologies not seen before in the race for higher fuel mileage. James Owen Design is the ...

Nissan, like the German automakers, initially was hesitant to develop hybrid vehicles. But seeing Toyota's and Honda’s success in the fast-growing segment, Japan’s second largest automaker tentatively took steps to the ‘green’ side by licensing parts from Toyota for the ...

Hybrid automakers such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford spent millions educating consumers that hybrid vehicles don't need to be plugged to an outlet to be charged. But among a growing number of hybrid enthusiasts, there is a burgeoning movement for such technology to be incorporated in future hybrid ...