What Drives Us

Episode 105 - Technical Difficulties

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:20:26 +0000

recorded April 18, 2012

Show Notes:

The car dealers are at it again
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1075421_more-doom-gloom-on-higher-mp...

Ford to use Focus EV as NASCAR pace vehicle
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1075456_2012-ford-focus-electric-to-...

Some (a few) details on the 2013 Volt
http://www.plugincars.com/full-details-emerge-2013-chevy-volt-120472.html

A123 recalls some batteries (including those in some Fiskers)
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1074491_a123-systems-to-recall-elect...

Nissan eliminates $99 fee for ordering a Leaf
http://www.plugincars.com/nissan-eliminates-99-leaf-reservation-fee-orde...

EV leasing in the EU could be the standard
http://www.plugincars.com/leasing-battery-ev-may-become-norm-europe-1202...

Episode 104 - Wingmen

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:51:09 +0000

recorded April 9, 2012

Show Notes

Fisker switch and bate
http://www.plugincars.com/fisker-atlantic-production-could-shift-foreign...

GM stops funding climate change deniers
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/general_motors_pulls_h...

AZ Dyn goes buns up
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1074610_azure-dynamics-bankrupt-buil...

prius + to launch this summer in the EU
http://media.toyota.co.uk/2012/04/toyota-primes-prius-for-summer-launch/

Just because it's awesome
http://hint.fm/wind/

Episode 103 - Meet CODA Automotive

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:33:58 +0000

A very special episode. This week we spend the entire show talking to Aaron Cohen and Larkin Hill of CODA Automotive.

http://www.codaautomotive.com/

recorded March 28, 2012

Episode 102 - Hosed By Hendrickson

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:58:39 +0000

recorded March 21st, 2012

Show Notes:

Seven grand over list? A "Market Value Adjustment"
https://www.facebook.com/alhendricksontoyota
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1074281_2012-toyota-prius-c-price-go...
Comment from TMS…
On the matter of the "market adjusted price" of a Prius c in Florida, we offer this comment direct from TMS:

"While Toyota Motor Sales does not advocate mark ups beyond the MSRP, the dealers are independent business operations and though we advise against raising prices beyond suggested retail, ultimately the final price is determined in the negotiations between a dealer and the customer."

Speaking of market adjustment, is the Volt taking off (if you believe rumors)?
https://twitter.com/#!/johnvoelcker/status/182527926330331136
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?12506-Volts-on-record-sales-pace...
And it's Euro cousin
http://www.plugincars.com/opel-ampera-orders-7000-six-amperas-compete-ra...
And then, there's GM getting more aggressive marketing wise, welcome LOAN-A-VOLT
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1074307_skeptical-about-the-chevy-vo...

Zoe is darn cute but what's with the gear shifter?
http://www.plugincars.com/zoe-cute-and-affordable-little-french-electric...

Make your iMiev a power source
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/03/mits-20120309.html

Nissan updating 2013 to add more cold weather range (they fixed the heater)
http://www.plugincars.com/2013-nissan-leaf-heating-system-66-kw-charger-...

Episode 101 - Things That Aren't Right

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:49:39 +0000

recorded March 14, 2012

Why do we have to put up with stupid EV regulations?
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/cape_may/ocean-city-woman-...

Fisker's bricking and commitment, it's hard to be a new CEO sometimes
https://www.facebook.com/fiskerauto/posts/10150737415454903
http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fisker-karma-breaks-down-during-review/

And in a somewhat related follow up, Fisker has officially jumped the shark
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20574974,00.html
nice Facebook comments
https://www.facebook.com/fiskerauto/posts/335729983146285

You think you're getting hosed on that new hybrid battery, bust a tire in a Leaf?
http://www.plugincars.com/heres-why-avoid-puncturing-nissan-leaf-tire-11...

I want this feature
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/some-ford-vehicles-now-let-you-kick-open-t...

But she has a great personality!
http://www.plugincars.com/epa-rates-coda-sedan-disappointing-73-mpge-ran...

Mazda whores out the Lorax to sell gas cars, SUVs no less, yeah, that's a great idea
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-schools-insider/post/the-lo...

Toyota rolls out new Prius c commercials
http://youtu.be/W4vItMp8Qlw
http://youtu.be/I_xHUJzdCUw
http://youtu.be/jih_uPn_I4Y
http://youtu.be/IBniXJQKjg0
http://youtu.be/QyhcJP1ljBE
http://youtu.be/BUocdgrXuac
http://youtu.be/VDXvZw2ISBU
http://youtu.be/WP61McNGnpc
and maybe the best of the bunch
http://youtu.be/1RS3oKLrL3M

Episode 100 - Volt Resistance

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:01:31 +0000

Woo-hoo! Episode #100! Recorded March 7, 2012 with special guest John Voelcker, Senior Editor at High Gear Media and http://www.greencarreports.com/

Show notes:

After their best sales month, Chevy halts Volt production, temporarily lays off workers, is there more?
http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/report-gm-halts-production-...

Ford Focus EV, 105MPGe, anyone actually seen one for sale?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/ford-focus-gets-epa-rating-105-mpge-7...

Thanks to all of you for listening to our shows.

Episode 99 - Tony Sits In The Big Chair

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 23:37:15 +0000

recorded February 29, 2012

Show notes:

Top Gear wins, Tesla loses
http://www.egmcartech.com/2012/02/28/high-court-decides-clarksons-top-ge...

Is Envia's new battery what everyone says it is?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/envias-gm-backed-battery-delivers-hug...
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/envia-battery-breakthrough-gives-...

Solar keeps getting better, which is good news for all of us
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/two-us-startups-break-solar-efficienc...

Can a three wheeled EV make a comeback? Mike Corbin thinks so.
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/02/corbin-motors-sparrow/all/1

Does the world need another "EV Supercar"? Infiniti thinks so.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/infiniti-emerg-e-concept-gets-unveile...

Is MB on the right track for better infortainment?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/mercedes-benz-updates-a-class-infotai...

Prius plugin starts dropping in the US
http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-prius-plug-in/104130-prius-plug-in-pi...
http://www.plugincars.com/epa-rates-toyota-prius-plug-hybrid-11-miles-el...

Bright calls it quits, says free DOE money ain't so cool, or free
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1073497_startup-bright-automotive-sh...

Tom LaSorda takes the CEO role at Fisker
http://www.freep.com/article/20120229/BUSINESS01/202290416/Tom-Walsh-Tom...

Special Edition - Interview with Michael Manring

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:02:02 +0000

NO car content in this show but we have tons of awesome musical content.

Recorded February 29, 2012

With special guest, Michael Manring, the man who composed and plays our theme song (he didn't write it for us, we use it with his permission). We spend some time getting to know Michael and playing some of his music. Manring is a world renowned bass player. He has played on, literally, hundreds of albums and has gold and platinum records to his credit as well as a Grammy nomination. If you like our theme, check out this show.

Visit Michael Manring at www.manthing.com/

You can buy his music on iTunes, CDBaby and Candyrats.

Look for Episode #99 chock full of car stuff at the end of the week.

Episode 98 - Not A Parade Car

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:43 +0000

recorded February 22, 2012

Russell, Patrick Connor and Chelsea Sexton discuss...

-Chelsea drives the Fisker Karma
-The Tesla "bricking" story
-Pike Research says hydrogen and fuel cells are making a comeback this year
-Refuting the Newt (it's actually very easy)

Episode 97 - No Muff Too Tuff

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:36:49 +0000

Recorded February 15, 2012

Show Notes:

Fiat says they will actually build some 500EVs, this year
http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/fiat-will-start-building-battery-el...

Chicago Auto Show
Interview with Linda and Tony

Better solar means more juice
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/two-us-startups-break-solar-efficienc...

Tesla Model X reveal
Chelsea and panel discuss their thoughts

Prius c
Danny and Russell offer comments and take questions from the panel

Episode 96 - Danny Stands Alone

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:51:55 +0000

recorded February 8, 2012

Show Notes:

Unintentionally limited edition Karmas? Fisker announces layoffs
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-fisker-layoff-20120206,0,...

Bad fed bill (just one of the many)
http://dc.streetsblog.org/2012/01/27/house-transportation-bill-a-march-o...

This is the best we can do? Super bowl car commercials (please try to watch all ten)
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2012/02/the-top-10-car-super-bowl-xlv...
here's another take on it
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/02/the-dogs-of-the-super-bowl/#mor...
my favorite didn't run during the game
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/ok-go-smacks-1157-instruments-chevy-sonic-...

This is what people want, why won't carmakers offer it?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devium/dash-the-smart-phone-car-stereo

Honda loses in small claims
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072475_woman-wins-suit-against-hond...

Special Episode - Prius c press conference

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:34:54 +0000

The below is a recording of the Prius c press conference and technical session recorded January 30th, 2012 in La Jolla, California. This was the first event to release this information about the Prius c.

You can view a video review of the technical session and a driving review of the Prius c at:

http://www.youtube.com/priuschatdotcom/

Episode 95 - Special Guest Daniel Gray Of MPGOMATIC

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:32:13 +0000

Recorded on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2012

SHOW NOTES:

tony
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/chevrolet-volts-first-year-sa...

patrick
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/01/bevx-20120129.html#more

jason
http://gas2.org/2012/02/02/stanford-researchers-working-wireless-on-road...

SPECIAL GUEST:
Daniel Gray Interview
http://www.mpgomatic.com/

MAIN TOPICS

Prius plug-in
http://www.plugincars.com/2012-toyota-prius-plug-hybrid-fuel-economy-rat...
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-02/toyota-sees-plug-in-prius-ex...

Tesla model S pricing
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/options

Episode 94 - Happy Anniversary Baby

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:03:13 +0000

What Drives Us celebrates its second anniversary with an awesome panel and a great discussion.

recorded January 25, 2012

Show Notes:

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Tony
Dingos stole my baby
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/01/25/woman-claims-neighbors-energy-...

Linda
There's an app for that
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072094_onstar-to-help-2012-chevy-vo...

Patrick
Link bait
http://www.plugincars.com/2012-plug-sales-already-flop-111651.html

MAIN TOPICS:

Issa burning witches
http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-...
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/republicans-charge-delay-in-v...

just because I want to make fun of this
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/toyota-prius-camper-conversion-has-us...

Tesla "superchargers"
http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/tesla-in-final-stages-of-model-s-pr...

Active-E reservations begin
http://www.plugincars.com/how-reserve-your-bmw-activee-electric-coupe-11...

Episode 93 - Premature Celebration

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:38:07 +0000

Recorded January 18, 2012

Show notes

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Linda
"There's an app for that"
http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/doe-helps-launch-first-responder-tr...

tony
Honda kills drowned plant
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/01/thai-flood-honda-plant-pulled-o...

Patrick
air batteries
http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2012/01/metal-air-battery-technology/

Jon
Scion iQ driving report

MAIN TOPICS:

Why currency rates matter to cars
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/01/dropping-euro-makes-japanese-ca...
(Tony, you might consider forming a nice, succinct explanation for this)(I *think* I get it)

Limited editions RAV4EV and SCion iQ, coming out this year but you can't have one
http://www.plugincars.com/toyota-reveals-details-electric-rav4-scion-iq-...

Bob Lutz is still the biggest blowhard in the industry, and in an industry with Henrik Fisker, that's saying something
http://www.plugincars.com/motors-bob-lutz’s-help-aims-sell-2000-electric-trucks-year-111497.html

Speaking of Henrik, nice software bug
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071730_fisker-issues-recall-and-per...
and maybe less focus on design (and self-promotion) would be a good thing
http://www.facebook.com/fiskerauto/posts/338994452791720

Tesla Model S kerfluflle proves dumbest species on the planet are "investors"
http://www.freep.com/article/20120118/BUSINESS01/201180364/Tesla-says-it...

Farewell to one of the pioneers of EnergyStar, Linda Latham
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/09/farewell...

CES, NAIAS, trade shows and car/electronics convergence
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/ces-2012-automotive-round-up/

This week Patrick is up with our MPG-E tip of the Week

Episode 92 - The Cooper Strikes Back

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:40:36 +0000

recorded january 11, 2012

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Linda
Supply constriction
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/01/gm-ready-to-reduce-volt-output/

Tony
The almost death of high speed rail in the US
http://cleantechnica.com/2011/12/07/high-speed-rail-hacked-attacked-in-u...

Jason
Repositioning the brand
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120111/CARNEWS/120119959

Patrick
Obama defends Ev tax credit
http://paper.li/OEVAorg/oeva-news-2?utm_source=subscription&utm_medium=e...
MAIN TOPICS:

NAIAS, we do care, really
Plug-in concept debuts: Toyota NS4, Ford Fusion Energi, Honda Accord coupe, Smart For-Us, Volvo XC-60
http://www.plugincars.com/plug-vehicles-charge-stage-2012-detroit-auto-s...
General NAIAS
http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-detroit-roundup-show-stoppers-from-the-de...

Breathing fumes, the bugster doesn't go fast enough?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept/
http://www.plugincars.com/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-refining-electric...

Prius c specs and price, hot or not?
http://priuschat.com/news/toyota-prius-c-53-mpg-city-46-mpg-hwy-under-19000

Episode 91 - Bad Karma

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:40:05 +0000

Or, "Danny gets thrown under the bus"

Recorded January 4, 2011

Show notes:

Patrick
Ten EVs coming in 2012
http://www.plugincars.com/10-new-electric-cars-coming-2012-111135.html

Linda
Honda's in court
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/27/business/la-fi-autos-honda-small...
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-autos-honda-smallclaims-20120104,0...
http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/west/2012/01/04/198026.htm

Tony
Rent to own luxury cars
http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/01/luxury-car-sharing-service-higear-shuts...

MAIN TOPICS:

Fisker recalls all 239 cars they sold
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/fisker-karma-recall-is-official-239-c...

Smart fourtwoEV get delayed till sept. for "battery problems" (maybe they bought packs from Fisker?)
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/smart-fortwo-ev-gets-delayed-until-se...

Danny's favorite ad is one of the top ten of the year
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/10-most-watched-ads-2011-youtube-137242

Kia Ray EV needs hamsters, or something
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/kias-ray-ev-hasnt-heard-about-aerodyn...

Cell phone bans don't reduce car accidents
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/auto-insurance-researchers-cell-phone...

Volt is a flop?
http://247wallst.com/2011/12/27/the-worst-product-flops-of-2011/

Episode 90 - 2011 Year In Review

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:25:14 +0000

Recorded December 21, 2011

Our second annual Year In Review show.

Episode 89 - Pyrophobia

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:32:00 +0000

recorded December 7, 2011

Show Notes

Two Minute News:

Linda
http://www.insideline.com/features/emissions-test-car-vs-truck-vs-leaf-b...

Tony

Danny

MAIN TOPICS:

Toyota doubling down on hybrids
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111205/OEM06/312059...

Fisker is the luxury car of the year?
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/12/02/top-gear-magazine-names-range-rover...
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1070132_electric-car-hating-top-gear...

So pyrotechnics are a bug, not a feature?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/gm-considers-new-battery-for-volt-off...
But seriously, let's talk about how GM has handled this

a moment of silence for (and from) aptera
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/aptera-fresh-out-of-greenbacks-closes...

Episode 88 - That's Insane Bro!

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:18:39 +0000

recorded November 28, 2011

Show Notes

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Jon
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/mercedes-aero-trailer-concept-mpg-s...

Jason
Chris Demorro has competition for this year's concern troll award
http://sundial.csun.edu/2011/11/hybrids-have-the-potential-to-be-great-i...

Russell
The tragedy of Japan
http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/11/28/377120/radiation-japan-fukushim...

MAIN TOPICS:

Prius c becomes "official"
http://priuschat.com/news/the-prius-c-official-50-mpg-city-15-liter-engi...
http://priuschat.com/news/video-an-introduction-prius-c

EVs and "halo" products
http://www.torquenews.com/119/ev-halo-effect-officially-fades-green-car-...

GM "supposedly" will launch an "alleged" plug-in Cruze
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/11/23/report-gm-will-offer-a-plug-in-hybr...

Episode 87 - Happy Thanksgiving

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:27:35 +0000

recorded November 23, 2011

Show Notes:

Is this a future for EVs?
http://trexa.com/

Check out this apple, orange and lime. We like the lime the best.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1112_2011_hyundai_sonata_hybr...

Honda finally makes a good decision?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/honda-fit-ev-goes-lease-only-for-2012...

Thank you for listening and have a great Thanksgiving!

Episode 86 - An Alternator with a Belt

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:37:22 +0000

recorded November 16, 2011

Show notes

Special Guest, Mike Dabrowski
http://99mpg.com/

The magic number. Apparently, EV's just cost 40 large.
Coda announces "final" 2012 pricing, drops MSRP by five grand to $39K
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-57325764-54/coda-starts-motoring-with-...
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1068689_2011-la-auto-show-coda-relea...
http://www.codaautomotive.com/
Wider topic, is there enough variation in EV pricing?
http://www.greencars.org/pdf/gcipricing.pdf
Mitsubishi i $29-$31K
Nissan Leaf $35-$37K
Ford Focus EV $39K
Coda sedan $39K
Tesla Model S $57-$77K
Mini E (lease only) currently $600 per month for one year
Smart ED (currently lease only but will go on sale for an unannounced price in 2012) $599 per month for 48 months (almost $28K but you have to give it back)
Fiat 500 EV *SHOULD* be selling for about $45K if and when they decide to sell them

Sort of related...
Rolls makes a one-off, sorry, "prototype" EV. Do we care?
http://inhabitat.com/nyc/inhabitat-takes-the-rolls-royce-102ex-electric-...

I'm Burning, I'm Burning, I'm Burning For You
Finally on EV's...EV's, great cars or just a bonfire waiting to happen. We look at the coverage.
http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/11/14/EV-Fire-Issue-111411.aspx
Because gasoline is *soooooo* safe
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/ev-related-fires-ignite-medi...
http://www.torquenews.com/106/third-chevrolet-volt-fire-could-bring-abou...
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/helloworld/27344/
http://evworld.com/blogs/index.cfm?authorid=12&blogid=1005&archive=1

Episode 85 - It's not a Gang, It's a Club

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:28:38 +0000

recorded November 9, 2011

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Linda:
Bright motors MAY make some cars
http://gas2.org/2011/11/07/former-humvee-plant-may-produce-plug-in-hybri...

Jason:
Hasta nunca Lexus Hs250h
http://www.dailytech.com/Quick+Note+Lexus+to+Reportedly+Drop+HS+250h+Hyb...

Jon:
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/nissan-pivo3s-quirky-ev-tokyo/

russell:
new zero bikes
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/750/11496/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Zero-Mot...

MAIN TOPICS:

Ford Focus ev, it starts at $39K
http://www.plugincars.com/ford-focus-electric
http://www.ford.com/electric/focuselectric/2012/
http://www.plugincars.com/fords-focus-electric-marketing-chief-talks-pri...

Tesla designs their own charging plug, good or bad or both?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/tesla-bucks-industry-standard-with-ne...

Is this a sign of failure or success or something or nothing?
http://chevroletvoltage.com/index.php/volt-blog/18-volt/2535-chevrolet-v...

This week's episode title is a nod to the fiftieth anniversary of West Side Story

Episode 84 - Just the Two of Us

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:01:54 +0000

recorded November 2, 2011.

This week's show features Danny and Russell sans panel.

Show notes:

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

All new smelly cabs
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/nissan-leaf-evs-to-join-nyc-taxis-won...

Honda says they'll try again with the Civic
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1067974_honda-okay-we-know-you-hate-...

The Roadster was dead, but it's back, in 2014
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/tesla-roadster-to-reappear-in-2014/

Where's the Mr. Fusion?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/electric-delorean-dmc-12-prototype-go...

russell-
They hate him, they love him, maybe he is iron man, errrr, tony stark
http://www.iewy.com/35502-elon-musk-named-innovator-of-the-year-in-techn...

Kia shows commitment to magical unicorn powered cars
http://www.torquenews.com/1070/kia-shows-commitment-zero-emission-auto-t...

Polaris coughs up $28M for Brammo
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/1/11387/Motorcycle-Article/Polaris-Industr...

And finally...
Idiot of the week, author, James Wilkins, next time, do a better job at copy and paste
http://www.auto-types.com/autonews/cost-of-electric-vehicles-said-to-exc...

russell-ok, enough of that, let's dig into a few topics a little deeper. first up...

MAIN TOPICS:

Analysts, predictions and Tesla's performance (and we're not talking about cars here)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2011/10/30/wider-loss-expected-f...

(the first two topics are related from the analyst angle but not from the specific subject so let's not blend them together too much but just refer back to the analyst rant)

Analysts, analysts, analysts! (but seriously, what's up with Honda)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-31/honda-misses-profit-estimates-s...
and
Jazz hybrid review
http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/honda-jazz-hybrid-hx-road-test/
and
CR-V hybrid review
http://inhabitat.com/test-drive-inhabitat-zips-around-town-in-the-manual...

BYDe6, the China EV, does it matter?
http://autonews.gasgoo.com/china-news/byd-official-comments-on-new-energ...
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/byds-e6-goes-on-sale-in-china-still-m...

What Drives Us 83 - crickets

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:40:46 +0000

recorded October 26, 2010

What do you think of what might very well be the Prius c?
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-ev-alt-fuel-news/99050-2013-pri...

It's not advanced tech, it's not all that cheap and it's not all that efficient, the Sonic LTZ from Chevy
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1067235_2012-chevrolet-sonic-ltz-sed...

It's a bad week for extended range EV's
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1067487_2012-fisker-karma-20-mpg-on-...

Home hackers
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/automobiles/nissan-leafs-true-believer...

But, but but, solar panels will never pencil out
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/ges-new-factory-will-push-out-one-sol...

Tesla and Panasonic sittin' in a tree...
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/panasonic-tesla-rekindle-romance-stri...

Episode 82 - No More Sausage Jokes

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:20:14 +0000

Recorded October 12, 2011.

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Jason: Better cars through better materials
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11282/1180565-28.stm

Mark: Sheetz to install five 350Green charging stations
http://www.cspnet.com/news/technology/articles/sheetz-taps-350green-ev-c...

Linda
http://www.jgpress.com/archives/_free/002409.html

russell
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/tesla-delivers-100th-roadster-in-sw...

MAIN TOPICS:

Why financial are stupid (aside from the fact they're most often wrong than right)
http://seekingalpha.com/article/298402-6-buy-3-sell-ideas-from-cramer-fo...

Framing a disingenuous story
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1067126_and-the-mpg-champion-is-a-6-...

Skewed numbers
http://www.earthtechling.com/2011/10/ev-leader-will-be-hawaii-report-says/

Episode 81 - Till The Night Closes In

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:51:48 +0000

Recorded October 5, 2011

Featuring hosts; Danny Cooper & Russell Frost
And regular panelists; Tony Schaefer, Linda Weidemann, Mark Rickey, Justin Wages, Jon B
Special thanks to Evan for going on vacation a little earlier than we expected.

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Linda
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/consumer-reports-calls-2011-hyundai...

Tony
http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2011/09/29/feds-fund-novel-green-...

Mark
http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2011-09/personal-turbine-makes-you...

Jon
http://media.toyota.ca/pr/tci/en/defending-champion-toyota-canada-216275...

russell
http://autos.aol.com/article/why-the-chevy-volt-is-attracting-wealthy-bu...

Danny
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/consumer-reports-calls-2011-hyundai...

MAIN TOPICS:

Volt sales, it's more than a sales problem
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066882_electric-car-sales-does-gm-h...
jalopnik says the volt is a flop
http://jalopnik.com/5846097/is-the-chevy-volt-a-sales-flop
it's a right-wing political talking point
http://nation.foxnews.com/president-obama/2011/09/27/limbaugh-ge-and-gm-...

social media, car blogs and car companies, what the hell *should* they be talking about in all that space?
-below are examples of social media use by above mentioned entities
http://www.facebook.com/groups/chevyvoltowners/
http://www.facebook.com/nissanleaf
http://www.facebook.com/fiskersantamonica
http://twitter.com/#!/GreenCarReports/status/119597725791686657
http://twitter.com/#!/GreenCarReports/status/121599604402827264
http://twitter.com/#!/Honda/status/121585169374253056
http://twitter.com/#!/OurLEAF/status/121356879774482432
http://twitter.com/#!/fiskerauto
http://twitter.com/#!/ChevyVolt

Episode 80 - Hypermiler's Wet Dream

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:36:07 +0000

Recorded September 28, 2011

TWO MINUTE NEWS TOPICS:

Jon:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/350green-to-install-400-ev-charging-s...

Tony:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notifica...

Jason:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066444_auto-dealers-lobby-against-o...

Mark:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066603_2012-fisker-karma-lands-a-ro...

Danny:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066636_upcoming-toyota-prius-c-94-m...

Russell:
http://pricinginsider.carsdirect.com/2011/09/27/bob-lutz-joins-new-ev-ma...

MAIN TOPICS:

hybrids are a better target for government than ev's says study
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/carnegie-mellon-study-says-hybrids-are-be...

CODA raises another $147M
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/coda-holdings-raises-147-million-investor...

5 things you need to know about "clean diesel"
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066546_2012-volkswagen-golf-tdi-cle...

Episode 79 - Danny Loses His Man Card

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:55:55 +0000

Recored September 21, 2011

Mark Rickey's first episode!

Fisher Surf, it's a wagon, it's a shooting brake, no, it's just as real as any other Fisker
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-plug-in-hybrid-five-doors...

Unicorns finally cough up the goods
Maybe free hydrogen does exist
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14976893

Get your gift cards
Honda and Nissan wallow try to create their own google bomb with mommybloggers and more
http://twitter.com/#!/LiveHellaWella/status/113359274821943296

BMW and Husqvarna e-bike
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/bmw-unveils-concept-husqvarna-electri...

Charging etiquette, where's miss manners when you need her?
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1065825_leaf-drivers-publicly-shame-...

Plus an extensive breakdown of Green Drive Expo Bay Area 2011 and driving reports on new Toyota hybrids as well as two variants of the Chevrolet Cruze (the Eco and the LTZ).

Episode 78 - Kitty Cats & Gas Taxes

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:02:42 +0000

The Leaf is coming to Chicago early!
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1065500_chicago-will-get-nissan-leaf...

Honda hinting at a new Odyssey and pushing a comeback for the minivan?
http://www.bnet.com/blog/auto-industry/4-reasons-the-minivan-is-poised-f...
http://twitter.com/#!/Honda/status/98160408711540736

Prius v delayed
http://priuschat.com/news/2012-toyota-prius-v-pushed-later-fall

Ford and Toyota sittin in a tree...
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/ford+toyota+hybrid+trucks+suvs+tele...

Worried about your luxury hybrid options? Worry not more. Audi announces another kajillion dollar hybrid
http://hybridcars.com/news/audi-confirms-a8-hybrid-production-30799.html

You don't have to be a completely brain dead to be in DC, but it helps
http://hybridcars.com/news/forget-raising-federal-gas-tax-congressional-...
http://hybridcars.com/news/world-oil-consumption-record-level-return-2-g...

Hypermiling mercenary Wayne Gerdes doing his thing for Kia
http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=318182

Episode 77 - Nurburgring via Akihabara

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:06:49 +0000

Consumer Reports get all eco and does it pretty badly
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/08/fuel-efficient-car-tests-ch...

2012 hybrid camry, because even plain old vanilla deserves a makeover once in awhile
http://www.examiner.com/green-transportation-in-national/toyota-reveals-...

An EV you'll never see in the US
http://www.caradvice.com.au/134365/mia-electric-microbus-ev-to-debut-at-...

Hertz and Marriott team up to write a press release, and announce two charging stations and some EV hourly rentals
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hertz-and-marriott-announce-game...

Shoot me, shoot me now, another EV "record" (at least this one doesn't involve pool noodles)
http://en.akihabaranews.com/105043/car/toyota-to-beat-ev-record-on-nurbu...

VW single-seat Ev concept
http://www.caradvice.com.au/134215/volkswagen-ev-single-seat-concept-to-...

Episode 76 - Squirrel Insulation Factor

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:33:25 +0000

Chelsea's backlash or something else?
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064977_costo-pulls-the-plug-on-elec...

Cadillac Volt
http://inhabitat.com/cadillac-converj-plug-in-ev-gets-green-light-for-pr...

suave dimwit still dim
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/ferrari-president-luca-di-montezemelo...

aptera dies quietly, sorta
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064968_aptera-ceo-were-not-dead-jus...

you will never be able to by this car, but check it out anyway
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/audis-urban-concept-heads-to-iaa-fran...

ford offers solar ev charging system for $10k
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/ford-teams-with-sunpower-offers-ev-ow...

water power
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-explosion-20110811,0,4604686.story

sustainable jobs
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2011/08/10/making-case-evs-job-creation-and...

Episode 75 - Hostile Takeover

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:43:48 +0000

Toyota stepping out ahead of others?
http://priuschat.com/news/toyota-tesla-talking-1-billion-deal-acquisitio...

you don't have to be smart to run F1, just uninformed, rich and arrogant
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064545_formula-one-boss-ecclestone-...

Top Gear topgears another EV
http://www.google.com/#q=top+gear+nissan+leaf&hl=en&safe=off&prmd=ivnsu&...

Backseat drivers
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/toyotas-gps-app-lets-kids-drive-backseat-1...

iQ EV
http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/toyota-scion-iq-ev-plugs-in-for-offic...

America is the home of sticking two things that have never been stuck together before (Carlin)
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/solar-cross-e-bike-soaks-in-the-sun-p...

Solar Yosemite
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/solar-panels-light-up-yosemite-nation...

First Fisker owner (I thought Leonardo got the first one, or Henrik did? or someone) -an ode to PR continuity
http://twitter.com/#!/fiskerauto/status/95981164489228288

Hacking into your car
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/hackers-break-into-subaru-outback-via...

For the love of god when will this end?
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064657_australian-couple-hopes-to-b...

Prius PHV "leak"
http://priuschat.com/news/new-2012-prius-plug-in-details-trims-colors-de...

Episode 74 - Danny Sticks Up For Trucks

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:46:32 +0000

What Drives Us Episode #74 recorded July 3, 2011

Show notes:
The need for a better way to measure performance of cars that just don't run exclusively on gasoline
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1063898_epa-says-toyota-prius-hybrid...

(a somewhat related story) The Volt's "maintenance mode" and tracking mileage
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1063910_even-a-3000-mpg-chevy-volt-h...

Ford dropping price on and making SYNC standard on more vehicles
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/ford-bringing-sync-systems-to-base-tr...

Oil spill in the Yellowstone river
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&q=yellowstone+river+oil+spill&um=1...

Public supported 56MPG, they passed 54.5, compromises
http://priuschat.com/news/pew-poll-finds-strong-public-support-56-mpg-fu...

The Chinese want to leapfrog countries pushing hybrids
http://hybridcars.com/news/why-chinese-policy-favors-evs-over-hybrids-30...

Not so rare earths
http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/japanese-scientists-discover-massive-...

No Mo Carpool
http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/02/california-carpool-exemptions-expire-...

No, you can't go Hohm
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-shuts-down-utility-monitori...

GM brings diesel Cruz to America - does anyone care?
http://hybridcars.com/news/chevy-confirms-diesel-cruze-2013-30476.html

Anyone surprised by this?
http://priuschat.com/news/toyota-named-top-green-global-brand

Another Prius? Prii? Or just more wishful gossip?
http://priuschat.com/news/prius-family-add-suv-sports-coupe-2014

Episode 73 - The Tony Schaefer Rule

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:44:19 +0000

Recording July 27, 2011.

This featured an extended discussion of Green Drive Expo in Madison, WI and a discussion of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Episode 72 - Expo Madness

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:35:42 +0000

PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded immediately before Green Drive Expo but is going public after Green Drive Expo in Madison has concluded. If you missed Madison, please consider checking out Green Drive Expo California in September. Learn more at www.greendriveexpo.com

Show notes

Danny and russell discuss PlugIn2011 with the panel
-iMiev, Volt and Leaf drives
-lots of people making plugs
-any future insights
-Leaf price increase ( http://www.detnews.com/article/20110720/AUTO01/107200334/1148/Nissan-hik... )

Linda talks about Green Drive Expo

Honda is building them cleaner
http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=314114

Motor Trend's goal, continue cheap and inaccurate stereotyping through filler for the web site (read the comments), we judge motor trend to be mostly written for testosterone challenged late twenties men who still live in their parent's basement
http://wot.motortrend.com/thread-of-the-day-what-does-your-car-say-about...

building Volts resumed
http://www.detnews.com/article/20110719/AUTO01/107190386/1361/GM-restart...

Hey! Fisker is hiring!
http://www.doverpost.com/business_news/x1510860289/Job-openings-announce...

Six Karmas come off the line but still nary a one for a buyer
http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/six-fisker-karmas-roll-off-the-produc...

Peugeot AWD hybrid
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=1073...

Thanks for clearing that up
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+rav4+ev+coming+to+market+in+...

No more grease monkeys
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2011_0717fed_grant_to_...

Episode 71 - Pudding Drive-By

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:59:21 +0000

What Drives Us #71 "Pudding Drive-By" recorded July 14, 2011

Featuring Danny Cooper, Russell Frost, Linda Weidemann, Tony Schaefer, Jason Holder and Justin Wages

Show notes:

When everything is a hybrid, will nothing be hybrid?
http://www.pantagraph.com/business/article_e6b7e7dc-a9e3-11e0-81e1-001cc...

who the hell is this for?
http://www.cspnet.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&...

the mysteriously tepid selling volt (scroll down)
https://www.greenbiz.com/news/2011/07/11/first-takes-australias-carbon-t...

stupid writer on financial site should stick to writing stupid things...about financial issues
http://blogs.forbes.com/stuartanderson/2011/07/10/death-for-bigger-cars-...

all six of them
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110711/CARNEWS/110719982

ten per week
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/258134/

it's about choice, no?
http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/07/11/hybrids-be...

Prius drive-by
http://www.the-signal.com/section/36/article/47807/

Episode 70 - Skynet Wakes Up

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:31:23 +0000

What Drives Us #70 recorded June 29th, 2011

$400 for Entune, errr, Touch & Go, errrr, some aftermarket thing
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/pioneers-appradio-delivers-iphone-int...

Pretty cool lexus one off
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/lexus+reveals+unique+hybrid+ls+600h...

Ford's SYNC applink, 3 apps to start, why doesn't that sound familiar?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/ford-sync-applink-gets-rolling-in-ten...

Dipping into the reserves
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/business/24oil.html?_r=2
gimmickry
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/06/is-white-houses-oil-reserve-g...

The Fat Lady Sings For The Roadster
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/tesla-roadster-being-discontinued/
not all conservatives are assholes, just the ones with opinions
http://spectator.org/archives/2011/06/27/rip-tesla#

Think? Thunk.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/ev-maker-think-global-files-for-bankr...

Autopilot
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/volkswagen-temporary-auto-pilot-bring...

Racing to Consciousness
https://www.facebook.com/nissanleaf/posts/213640415338807

Episode 69 - Hey Justin!

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:22:04 +0000

What Drives Us #69 recorded June 22, 2011.

We welcome Justin Wages to the panel and discuss the week's news.

How about just, "A guy who doesn't think the future will be powered by burning fossil fuels"?
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/06/qa-with-carlos-ghosn/

Today, the world is a slightly better place because of our brothers and sisters in Portland (thanks to Patrick Connor)
http://youtu.be/QHsZc_LCcpU

The real price of gas
http://blip.tv/center-for-investigative-reporting/the-price-of-gas-5263590

Ford trying to revive Lincoln
http://twitter.com/#!/KickingTires/status/83224011491901441

Touch & Go is so much cooler sounding than Entune
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061852_2012-toyota-yaris-doubles-do...

What Drives Us 68 - You Get Two Free When You Buy Three For The Price Of Five

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:44:33 +0000

What Drives Us #68 You Two Free When You Buy Three For The Price Of Five recorded June 15, 2011

GM still playing a shell game with the Volt (and some suckers in the media fall for it)
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061383_2012-chevy-volt-price-cut-to...
and then...
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061435_2012-chevy-volt-price-cut-pa...

toyota says profit to decline by one third this year
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9NORN3O0.htm

Ford considering hybrid/EV/plugin production
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/ford-triple-us-electrified-vehicle-produc...

The 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid in all its forms
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061471_all-new-2013-ford-fusion-hyb...

Ford to kill the Escape hybrid?
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061493_why-ford-would-be-crazy-to-k...

Airbus plans plane with observation dome, tickets on plane to cost $540,000.00 each
http://inhabitat.com/airbus-unveils-their-incredible-design-for-a-transp...

Episode 67 - 587MPG with special guest, Trevor Fleck

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:11:18 +0000

SPECIAL GUEST: Trevor Fleck

Trevor was a guest on WDU #56, he was a senior on the Mater Dei supermileage team. Trevor has now graduated and is headed to Purdue, ironically, the team that beat Mater Dei in the recent MPG challenge.

TOPICS:

Prius C gets spied
http://priuschat.com/news/2012-toyota-prius-c-spy-shots-you-c

Tata Indica has stoners in the UK salivating, car reviewers, not so much
http://www.plugincars.com/anglo-indian-electric-tata-indica-vista-ev-sho...

Fuel cell stunt is, well, a stunt
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/mercedes-benz-completes-hydrogen-powe...

Korean company pulls out (and all that implies)
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/plans-to-build-elect...

Now burning two different fossil fuels, SIMULTANEOUSLY!!!
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061078_new-chrysler-engine-to-burn-...

Fisker stumbles the week AFTER asking for another $100M
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/fisker-karma-delayed-again-but-only-b...

Cool solar tunnel
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/europes-first-solar-powered-train-tun...

Episode 66 - Special Guest Inventor and EV Pioneer, Mike Dabrowski

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:46:54 +0000

SPECIAL GUEST: Mike Dabrowski

TOPICS:

Volt shenanigans
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/ev-dealers-claiming-7500-tax-credit-gm-n...
and via prius chat...
http://nlpc.org/stories/2011/04/25/taxpayer-rip-dealerships-taking-chevy...
or
http://www.plugincars.com/volt-dealers-accused-gaming-federal-ev-incenti...

IS this really a deal or just marketing?
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/georgia-power-launches-ev-rate-plan-36...

Renault showing off new EVs
http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/06/01/renault-ev...

The ever elusive, unicorn powered hype machine... the Fisker Karma
http://blogs.forbes.com/tamarawarren/2011/05/31/fisker-karma-at-monaco-g...

They've been "safer", you're just noticing it now
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110530/business/705309997/

Best Buy pulls the plug on Ev sales
http://www.bnet.com/blog/electric-cars/best-buy-pulls-the-plug-on-electr...

Episode 65 - Prius v reviews and more

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 27 May 2011 04:54:04 +0000

John Volecker says Elon Musk isn't tell the whole story, or even the real one
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1060551_elon-musk-says-tesla-wont-be...
original report
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-25/tesla-ceo-says-he-has-no-intere...

why some sites aren't worth bothering with
http://www.autospies.com/news/WHY-Would-ANYONE-Want-A-Tesla-When-They-Co...

Just because I do the news, I want to spread this around. why? because it's pretty and that's reason enough
http://mocoloco.com/archives/023407.php

EPA gives dumb idea an "F"
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011/05/epa-fails-letter-grade-label-...

New Toyota social network, with dealers?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/toyota-to-launch-social-network-for-p...

Honda can build beautiful vehicles
http://hondajet.honda.com/default.aspx?bhcp=1

Episode 64 - with special guest, Mike Granoff of Better Place

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:12:36 +0000

An amazing show with Mike Granoff of Better Place (www.betterplace.com). We spend the entire show discussing Better Place's vision of oil free future.

http://www.betterplace.com/

Episode 63 - You just lost your man badge

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Thu, 12 May 2011 07:32:15 +0000

Boy does this sound familiar
http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=157407929
http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=155098943

The problems with reporting "scoops"
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/all-2014-prius-hybrids-to-roll-with-p...

biofuels, maybe not such a great idea?
http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/growing-pressure-to-change...

gubmint cars now use less gas
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/us-government-fleet-jumps-23-mpg-av...

There are times when I just don't give a fat rat's ass
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/05/cleanmpg-coaxes-32-mpg-from-ford-f-...

TWEET OF THE WEEK:
http://twitter.com/#!/Ford/status/67977543684329472

Playstation for Porsche
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/visualized-porsches-gt3-r-hybrid-has-...

Welcome to $4 a gallon cash
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1059639_u-s-gas-price-now-above-4-a-...

Episode 62 FUD

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Sun, 08 May 2011 22:06:15 +0000

Episode #62 show notes

Wheego, well, not so much, more Wheeedon'tgo
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/wheego-needs-more-cash-to-produce-lif...
And Chelsea says...
http://twitter.com/#!/evchels/status/65456440118231040

Privacy and your, who is listening to you as you sing along with the radio at the top your lungs?
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/04/back-fire-tomtom-sold-user-...
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/state-farm-app-uses-iphone-sensors-to...

Kia, step away from the Twitter account
http://twitter.com/#!/Kia_Motors/status/62835398619041792

Production in Japan
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-25/toyota-leads-japan-automakers-m...

just stop guessing, we get it, you don't know (carefully note the dates on the articles)
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-drivers/hybrid-market-forecasts.html
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/jd-power-forecasts-three-fold-growth-hybr...
http://detnews.com/article/20110427/AUTO01/104270336/Forecast--Green-car...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10301/1098630-28.stm

It's the free hand of the market at work
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20110503/AUTO01/105030330/1148/auto01...

Glass roads that are self-illuminating and generate solar power
http://www.govtech.com/technology/Energy-Ecosystem-of-the-Future.html

The value of efficiency
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/04/ask-the-best-and-brightest-is-f...

Episode 61 Ass Heavy

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:44:55 +0000

Automakers pushing fuel cells to feds
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/19/135518929/automakers-try-to-sell-governmen...

growing pains, five things to hate about the leaf
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1057914_2011-nissan-leaf-one-week-in...
and...
http://www.dailytech.com/Nissan+Confirms+Startup+Problems+with+Leaf+EV/a...

Another brilliant Leaf commercial, the value of zero
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/04/18/video-nissan-leaf-commercial-value-...

Here we go again, electric are dangerous!
http://www.wfsb.com/news/27541598/detail.html

accounting tricks, fiat will lose $10k on every 500 sold
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/fiat-will-lose-10-000-on-every-500-ev...

Someone is waiting for their Amazon gift card
http://www.auto-types.com/autonews/2011-honda-civic-hybrid-why-mess-with...

Fisker finds $40M more. What the hell am I doing wrong?
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110412/BUSINESS/104120326/-1/hea...

I'm stunned
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011/04/ford-has-highest-loyalty-gm-t...
be sure to scan the report (it's short)
https://www.polk.com/company/news/2010_year_end_analysis_shows_ford_gm_t...

Toyota sells 1M Prii in the US.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=2959

Prius resale value still strong
http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/04/the-list-5-great-picks-...

Prius v pre-orders open, in 15 states
http://toyotanewsroom.com/releases/toyota-priority-registration-site-pri...

Episode 60

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:32:40 +0000

We have this weird metric to create lists and here is one
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011/04/movers-and-losers-march-2011....
Speaking of weird lists, here are the worst hybrids out there
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011/04/worst-hybrids-for-the-money.html

And, Danny talks about the Sustainable Mobility Conference where he drives the new Tesla powered RAV4EV and the Lexus CT200h.

Who cares about mpg, the less time spent in texas, the better
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/07/us-texas-speed-limit-idUSTRE73...

RVparks, the next EV charging stations?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/rv-parks-offer-ev-owners-respite-from...

coolest alt energy project ever
http://news.discovery.com/tech/wind-power-without-the-blades.html

Episode 59 It's Not What You Think

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:03:51 +0000

Show notes:

Open Discussion:
Speaking of the sustainable mobility conference, the conference keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Topel made a point, and forgive me for summarizing it, that "efficiency" doesn't save fuel or lower emissions, only economic factors, primarily price, affect these things. Are we wasting our time with fuel efficient vehicles when in fact, we should taxing the shit out of inefficient ones?

How to save fuel in your Prius and to some extent, in any car
http://www.hybridcars.com/gas-saving-tips/maximizing-mileage-toyota-priu...

Batteries are recyclable and recycled, a lot
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1044372_who-knew-a-car-battery-is-th...

The Volt outsells the Leaf, which means what exactly?
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1057795_chevy-volt-outsells-nissan-l...

Will the Volt (and cars like it) really save you money? Do we really have to keep going down this road?
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1057619_video-will-electric-cars-lik...

no matter, people want hybrids
http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-clean-diesel-sales-dashboard/march-2011...

do we really need this?
http://crz.pavedearth.com/2011/04/02/pivot-to-release-cr-z-idle-stop-can...

tesla stock fluctuations, the market and analysts, keeping the anal in the world of stocks
http://seekingalpha.com/article/261659-tesla-bullishness-putting-the-car...
http://www.streetinsider.com/Analyst+Comments/Tesla+(TSLA)+Shares+Continue+Correction+Following+Morgan+Stanleys+Bullish+Call/6406628.html
Tesla chart
http://markets.financialcontent.com/streetinsider/quote/chart?Symbol=TSLA
Tesla insiders sell shares
http://www.gurufocus.com/news.php?id=128075

CAFE actually works to Detroit's advantage
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/study-says-aggressive-cafe-increases-woul...

Episode 58 Unicorn emissions

Danny@whatdrives.us (Danny Cooper & Russell Frost) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:52:58 +0000

Recorded March 30, 2011

Hosts: Danny Cooper & Russell Frost
Panelists: Tony Schaefer, Linda Weidemann, Jason Holder

Show notes:

This is your future America
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/27/fuel-crimes-rise-as-gas-prices-hit-...
and this is why
http://www.freep.com/article/20110328/NEWS06/103280344/0/NEWS/Sales-fuel...

cheap hydrogen?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/mit-professor-touts-first-practical-a...

Top Gear and Tesla tussle
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1371334/More-trouble-Top-Gear-te...
and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/12907367

Volvo C30 EV doesn't like the cold?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/volvos-c30-electric-freezes-north-of-...

one down, 6,999 to go
http://africa.ibtimes.com/articles/128472/20110330/fisker-karma-hybrid-v...

the missing piece
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hondas-woes-even-one-missing-part-can-s...

unregulated power supplies
http://www.plugincars.com/california-bill-public-charging-not-utility-95...