More hybrids, electrics debut at Detroit auto show

The Toyota NS4 plug-in hybrid concept was unveiled at the Detroit auto show Jan. 9. (The Associated Press)

Automakers aren't easing off the throttle in unveiling new electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in 2012, despite industry speed bumps last year for EVs.

At the North American International Auto Show press preview days in Detroit on Monday and Tuesday, several automakers showed off electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
There's some urgency in the development of these fuel-efficient cars: Automakers face tough rising fuel-efficiency standards and will need to build more EVs and hybrids to meet them.

"What's interesting is that automakers are placing bets across the board, and large bets at that, because no one knows which technology will ultimately win the day with consumers," says Gary Silberg, National Automotive Industry leader for KPMG LLP.
Toyota, Honda and Ford will sell pure EVs and plug-in hybrids this year, joining a market that will get more crowded. General Motors will begin selling a pure EV, the Spark, in 2013.

Honda will start delivering its EV Fit this summer. And while it's keeping details close to the vest, the company also plans to sell a plug-in hybrid yet this year. Spokesman Chris Martin says Honda will unveil more about the hybrid at the Detroit show.

Also in Detroit, Volkswagen is unveiling a concept EV called the E-Bugster. VW has focused on fuel-efficient diesels and hasn't yet introduced an EV in the United States. But it has shown several electric concepts elsewhere in recent years.

Toyota is introducing the NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and the Prius c hybrid production vehicle, as well as the Lexus LF-LC 2+2 hybrid sport coupe concept.

Volvo's plug-in electric XC60 concept, which it's introducing at the show, will have a 35-mile all-electric range.

"The technology in the XC60 plug-in hybrid concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car's renowned properties."

The car would act as a plug-in, hybrid or traditional vehicle, at the driver's discretion. "At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized," Volvo says.

Amp Electric Vehicles, based in Loveland, Ohio, will display a Jeep Grand Cherokee converted to a full-electric vehicle.

Many automakers, including BMW AG and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit, are unveiling new hybrids, which have been more readily embraced by American car buyers than all-electrics.

Ford, which started selling its Ford Focus EV to fleet customers last month, will introduce another plug-in hybrid this year. Ford registered the trademark for Fusion Energi in October and listed it as a "plug-in hybrid vehicle."

Ford's C-MAX hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid go on sale this year.