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.

Electric Pickups? BEVs, FCEVs in the Works

(Originally posted 4 Updated 11/9/20 to remove advertising copy inserted by a hacker.) Hidden in Toyota’s announcement last week of a prototype Class 8 fuel-cell electric truck was word that the automaker also has been playing around with a hydrogen…

Honda Clarity EV, PHEV Coming to NY Auto Show

Honda plans to introduce the world to its upcoming Clarity battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models at the New York Auto Show’s initial media day, April 12. [Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute, 15 seconds.] The models will complete the Honda Clarity…

Volvo To Launch 2018 XC60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo will offer its T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain as one of three available engine choices with the new 2018 Volvo XC60 crossover, due in the U.S. later this year. [Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute, 10 seconds.] The T8 plug-in system,…

SF Ponders Making New Buildings EV Charging Ready

Politicians in San Francisco are considering a law that would require all new buildings in the city and county to provide for EV charging with pre-installed wiring or, in some cases, underground conduit to facilitate future charger installation. If approved,…

Honda Planning 80 Mile Clarity EV?

While other battery-electric cars are aiming for increased range – 100 miles seems to be the minimum these days and GM’s Chevrolet Bolt is rated at 238 miles per charge – Honda’s upcoming Clarity EV will deliver only about 80…

Review: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and EV

(Updated Aug. 2. 2018, to add link to Ioniq PHEV review.) The smartly styled, high-efficiency Hyundai Ioniq it isn’t just a single car, it’s a model lineup with three very different electrified powertrains: Conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric. Fortunately,…