John O'Dell

John O'Dell

I’m John O’Dell – the green car guy – and for more than 25 years I’ve been an automotive writer, editor and analyst specializing in alternative vehicles and fuels.

Fuel Efficiency Rollback Ordered by Trump’s EPA

Gas car ban

The Trump Administration, as expected, has rolled back tough automotive fuel efficiency standards set during the Obama years. The action won’t take immediate effect as it will be tied up in court for months, perhaps years. But critics say it…

3-Series BMW Plug-In Hybrids On the Way

BMW plug-in hybrids

Two new BMW plug-in hybrids are slated to arrive in dealer showrooms in May, replacing the 330e sedan that was discontinued in 2019. The 2021 3-Series PHEV sedans will come in two flavors: The rear-wheel drive 330e and the all-wheel…

Hyundai Launching First Elantra Hybrid

(Updated 12/19/20 to include Hybrid pricing.) Hyundai’s 2021 Elantra hits showrooms this fall with a bold new design and the first Elantra Hybrid in the lineup. The South Korean automaker is on a quest to supplant Toyota as the top…

A Dozen New GM EVs Revealed

Ultium battery system

General Motors Making Good on Electrification Pledge General Motors Corp. is betting big on EVS, with a dozen new GM EVs coming by 2023 The company showed off the future EVs in an unprecedented mass reveal this week (no cameras…