Despite recent excitement about a type of electric car called a plug-in hybrid, such vehicles are unlikely to arrive in meaningful numbers for a few more decades, according to new analysis by the National Research Council.

The study, released on Monday, also found that the next generation of plug-in hybrids could require hundreds of billions of dollars in government subsidies to take off.

Even then, plug-in hybrids would not have a significant impact on the nation’s oil consumption or carbon emissions before 2030, the report estimated. Savings in oil imports would also be modest, according to the report, which was financed by the Energy Department.

Several carmakers, including Toyota and General Motors, are developing plug-in hybrid models, which will appear in showrooms next year. Toyota just announced on Monday that it planned to begin selling “tens of thousands� of plug-in hybrid Priuses in two years.

Plug-in hybrids are cars that would be built to run primarily on an electric battery, but if extra power were needed for a long drive, a gasoline engine would kick in. Users would recharge the cars by hooking them to electric power outlets at home or work, meaning they could cover most or all of a daily commute on battery power, not gasoline.

The report found that plug-in electric vehicles could number 40 million by 2030 — provided that rapid progress was made in battery technology, and that the government provided large subsidies and incentives. However, the study suggested that a “more realistic� number would be closer to 13 million vehicles. That would represent 4 percent of the 300 million vehicles projected to be on the road by then.

The main reason for the slow rollout is the potential cost of batteries. Manufacturers are betting on lithium-ion battery technology similar to that in laptops and cellphones. While the technology has evolved rapidly, the report noted that declines in cost would not be steep enough over the next few decades to crowd out other types of cars.

Under the report’s most optimistic assumptions, 6.5 million plug-in hybrids could be sold annually in the United States by 2030, out of total sales of 19.4 million vehicles. Under the more realistic assumptions, 1.8 million plug-in hybrids would be sold that year.

Michael P. Ramage, who headed the study, said that its assumptions — and results — were more conservative than other studies. “Over the next 20 years, we felt that a 50 percent reduction in battery costs would take place,� he said in a telephone interview. “Other people have assumed a lot greater battery cost reductions.�

Building a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that could run for 40 miles on electricity would cost $18,000 more than for a similar conventional car, including a $14,000 battery pack, according to the report. While each mile driven on electricity costs less than a mile powered by gasoline, “it is likely to be several decades before lifetime fuel savings start to balance the higher first cost of the vehicles,� the report stated.

More recharging outlets, as well as other infrastructure improvements, must also be in place for plug-in hybrids to reach large numbers of American households, the report said.

The National Research Council, in Washington, provides scientific and technical advice to the federal government under a Congressional charter.

SOURCE: New York Times

Mercedes entered the entry level luxury vehicle category years ago with it C230 Kompressor coupe.  The vehicle was a capable model with strong performance, solid handling and a refined driving experience.  Mercedes buyers showed little interest and sales were unexpectedly low.  Then BMW entered the same segment with its recent 1 Series.  A capable performer on all fronts with a price that undercut the 3 Series by thousands and according to sales numbers, the model is a hit.

Why is the BMW a success and the Mercedes a failure?  It could easily be a result of the economic times right now and Mercedes seems to think so too as they are now considering a second go around at the entry level luxury segment.  The company is expected to offer a 2 door C-Class to compete with BMW’s 1 Series, but this time around Mercedes will offer a hybrid option as a a fuel efficient alternative to competitors.

The hybrid is rumored to be powered by a V6 engine from the Mercedes lineup.  It will be naturally aspirated and is expected to be the most efficient vehicle in its class.   Along with the hybrid option, Mercedes is considering a twin turbo V6, a 5.5 liter twin turbo V8 AMG model, and a DOHC V6 as the base engine.  Interestingly, no diesel option has been reported.

The C-Class coupe is expected to go on sale in 2011.  There is no word if the hybrid option will be available immediately at launch and pricing has yet to be announced.  Stay with us for more details as they emerge.

SOURCE: All Cars Electric

Hello hybrid, this is your driver calling.

In a move that makes remote car starters seem so – well, last decade – Chevrolet will be giving owners of its new Volt hybrid a direct line to their new cars via their smartphones.

Chevrolet and OnStar announced the new smartphone application in Las Vegas, where the Consumer Electronics Show is getting underway.

The application lets drivers carry out of a range of tasks, using Motorola’s Droid, Apple’s iPhone or the Blackberry Storm. Besides the usual open doors remotely, it displays the charge status of the car, lets drivers start charging or schedule charge timing, shows the miles per gallon usage and other monitoring info.

OnStar features like unlocking doors and remote operation of the horn and lights, which have only been available by calling the OnStar call centre, will be available through the smartphone application.

While production of the Volt isn’t due to begin until late this year, demonstration applications for the Motorola Droid and Blackberry Storm and the iPhone are available now. A car that you plug in overnight to recharge, the Volt is an electric hybrid designed to drive up to 64 kilometres (40 miles) on electricity, after which an engine/generator kicks in to extend the driving range to about 480 kilometres or 300 miles.

SOURCE: Vancouver Sun