Chrysler Sucks

How times have changed as a reformed Chrysler puts the emphasis on socially relevant electric vehicles instead of beefy Dodge Rams and Vipers. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

You've gotta love "journalists." If Chrysler says they're emphasizing "social responsibility" then it must be true. And a full sized hybrid SUV labeled as an electric vehicle is exactly that. Oh, wait, no it's not. It's a full sized hybrid SUV labeled as an electric vehicle.

I think the word that Chrysler was looking for was "plugin hybrid."

Linky

The Insight Returns

Remember the Honda Insight? It was that little green car that got 70 mpg and made us all think that hybrids were freaking amazing. Well, hybrids are still pretty awesome, but not 70 mpg awesome.

Honda is bringing the name back, but on a very different idea. I think it's the right idea. They're continuing with IMA, which is all about a motor and an engine always working together rather then the half dozen ways in which honda's synergy drive works. It's less efficient (IMA that is) but it's cheaper to make.

Honda is planning to continue with affordable NiMH cells for now. They're claiming that the Insight will sell under $20,000, which is competitive for a 5 seater hatch back. The new Insight should beat the Civic hybrid's mileage.

I think this is great. A hybrid at that price range may be cost effective with $2.50 gas. And if it's cost effective and popular it should actually get cheaper to run. If millions of people need the replacement batteries they'll be a lot less expensive then they'd be if thousands needed them.

iPod's are Cheap Junk

I just thought I'd reiterate this since my iPod locked up again today when I tried to sync it. Don't buy iPod's, buy anything else.

Home Wind Turbine

A small rooftop wind turbine. If the article is correct about the costs and ROI this would be perfect for Lincoln, NE. A 13mph wind is a normal day and 1.1kW is enough to provide most of your home power. The cost of electricity from this device is 3.5 cents per kWh. That's quite low. Although one should consider that without a battery system much of your power will be lost at night.

Still, this is very affordable alternative energy for home installation.

Weather Forecast: Cold and Dry

I love cold and dry. I don't have to use studs for cold and dry.

Volvo's are "Crash Proof"

Did you know that you can't die in an accident if you're in a Volvo? Feel free to drive your Volvo like a maniac now.

I hope they don't market it like this when they actually release it. This is a legitimate lawsuit in the womb.

As a cyclist I'm concerned with the auto industries attempts to convince people that cars are safe. Motor vehicle deaths trend slightly downward. Only slightly. Even with 500lbs of air bags and everyone driving a four wheel drive tank. As a cyclist I don't get new cage safety features and I'd greatly prefer it if people used the best safety device of all: Their brain.

Defensive driving courses should be mandatory; every 5 years.