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Tightening Rules in Zero-Emission

Source: Automakers Face Tightening Rules in Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate

Under California’s ZEV rule, automakers have been able to earn partial credits from sales of hybrids (including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles) and low-emissions conventional vehicles toward their ZEV quotas. But the regulations are slated to tighten in 2018 in a way that limits the impact of those partial credits and requires more sales of actual ZEVs, or battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

So it looks like there will be a 'come to Jesus' meeting in 2018. I'm impressed with the progress in battery technology. In effect, they are becoming more practical. However, the fool-cell has yet to show a similar breakthrough until hydrogen reformulation from other hydrogen carriers shows up in the cars.

Bob Wilson

bwilson4web Jun 28, 2016 Read More Replies: 7

What Drives Us Podcast - #190 Introducing The Rolls Royce Ipecac - What Drives Us

This week Russell, Paul, Mark and Patrick discuss... The first electric touring motorcycle. What has to be the ugliest concept vehicle ever unveiled, a self driving Rolls Royce. Why Nissan Leaf sales have slowed so much. Nissan confirms 200 mile range Leaf coming. Tesla talking about acquiring Solar City.

Read more about this episode on WhatDrives.Us

Danny Jun 23, 2016 Read More Replies: 0

Should I consider a Corolla (Auris) Hybrid instead

3 months after Prius Gen4 was released in Australia, there are still almost none in dealerships - none have appeared in my city, I think there is 1 across the other side of the next city (1 hr away), 2 more 2 hrs away.

I spoke with a salesman at a reasonably close dealership I hadn't contacted before today - he said he didn't think they'd be stocking any, they'll order them in if taxi owners want them, but he didn't think they were targeted at private buyers. Hmmm, I'm not sure if that was his opinion or the boss, but I crossed them off my list.

BUT - just this week, the Corolla Hybrid was released, and a few examples have arrived in dealerships already. It looks like it is a Gen3 dressed up in Corolla clothes. It is reasonably well equipped, but there is no autonomous cruise or lane assist, blind-spot etc like on our Prius. It appears a little smaller, and has a temporary spare tyre. It is about $7000 cheaper than Prius. It is roughly about the same price as...

alanclarkeau Jun 23, 2016 Read More Replies: 32