Ford, GM jump into green-car fray

Raleigh, N.C. — Automakers showcased their newest environmentally friendly models at International Auto Expo in Raleigh this weekend, including an SUV that can get up to 120 miles a gallon.

Car enthusiast Carl Jensen was among those who strolled around the Expo. He said he doesn't see a more expensive hybrid vehicle making financial sense during tough economic times.

“When they get that cost down, then the hybrid could be a solution. But right now, I don't think it's a viable solution,” he said.

Automakers say they are trying to bring down those costs and go even greener. Ford showed off a new Escape plug-in hybrid vehicle.

“You could easily just plug this in, put it in your garage, five to 10 hours later, you have a fully charged vehicle,” said Peter Jap, with Ford.

Peter Jap, with Ford Motor Company, said the charge allows you to drive up to 40 miles on an electric motor.

Progress Energy is testing a plug-in hybrid in the Triangle. The company is studying how much charging an electric car might add to a person's power bill.

"A plug-in vehicle ... is probably only adding about the same amount of electricity as a blender in your kitchen might, in the long run,” the utility's Scott Sutton said.

General Motors showed off its stable of green vehicles for 2009. There were a lot of choices, from hybrid SUVs to a flex-fuel Hummer.

Despite greener vehicles to choose from, some people might be asking if now is the right time to buy a new car.

“I think so. Right now, more than ever, you can get the best deals at the dealerships. They're willing to work with you,” said Araba Dowell, with General Motors.

Jensen said hybrid technology is just an interim step on the way to a greener auto industry.

“Hybrid is what we can buy right now. But if you're patient, I think that will change,” Jensen said.

Ford plans to have a family of plug-in, battery and hybrid vehicles by 2012. Chevrolet plans to introduce an electric car to the consumer market by the end of next year. Toyota says it plans to add solar panels to its hybrid Prius in 2010.

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Latest Comments

"Raise gas taxes to provide incentives to purchase very high fuel efficent vehicles."

Aaaahhh, more taxes. The ultimate social engineering tool in the government arsenal.

Mobile Geek
February 16, 2009 8:49 p.m.

The automakers are predicting a 3-5% market for these, similar to hybrids. So in a lot of ways it is much ado about nothing, I guess.

Sophie Lowe
February 16, 2009 8:18 p.m.

If NC continues as planned (see I-540 change to NC-540), it will all be toll roads which are automatically detected and billed to the owner (regardless of who is driving with the fake rfid chip or license plate).

bama95
February 16, 2009 5:08 p.m.

Raise gas taxes to provide incentives to purchase very high fuel efficent vehicles.

ThisIsMyName
February 16, 2009 5:06 p.m.

"Me, I'll never own one- can't afford to be that green, the payback is not good enough. Cool technology, though."

I may be with you on that one. That's what I see as the biggest issue right now - the up front costs. Most of the rest I think will resolve itself, but I'm afraid we may have to deal with a huge increase in gas prices before this is worthwhile for the average consumer.

bama95
February 16, 2009 5:06 p.m.