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.

VW Considering Electric Dune Buggy

electric dune buggy

When Bruce Meyers developed the original Myers Manx for desert racing, he used a VW engine and chassis – now Volkswagen is said to be considering its own version, an electric dune buggy. The company is developing a concept dune…

End EV Tax Credit? White House Says Yes

Nikola employees

The Trump administration reportedly wants to end federal EV tax credit as early as 2020, according to White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow. In comments reported by Reuters news service, Kudlow said that “as a matter of policy” the administrations…

Launch of 200-Mile Nissan Leaf EV Delayed

2018 Leaf

The launch of the 200-mile Nissan Leaf EV, initially slated for this month or early in 2019, has been postponed. Nissan said it is concerned that the circus surrounding the arrest and ouster of Chairman Carlos Ghosn would take the…

2019 Prius Shakes (Up) Its Rear

2019 Prius

Toyota was shy about showing the 2019 Prius’ rear end before unveiling the car at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, leading us to wonder whether the company’s designers, after cleaning up the front fascia, gave up when they…

2019 Prius: AWD and a Facelift

2019 Prius AWD

Toyota is upping its game with the 2019 Prius, giving it a facelift, part-time all-wheel drive option and a new naming scheme to bring the hybrid into sync with the rest of Toyota’s lineup. The all-wheel drive Prius has been…

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid – What You Need to Know

Crosstrek Hybrid

(UPDATE: Parts shortages in Japan have slowed 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid production. Deliveries to U.S. dealerships, originally slated for late December or early January, won’t start until late February or March, the company says.) The Subaru 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid –…