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.

Plug-In Hybrid Defined

  Like a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or PHEV uses two different power systems. PHEVs differ from their conventional cousins, however, because they have high-capacity battery packs that can be charged from the grid. They are charged when you…

What’s a hybrid?

[Estimated Reading Time: Less than 2 minutes] It’s hard to believe now, but hybrid cars – vehicles such as the Toyota Prius – once were considered exotics with mysteriously complicated powertrains. True, the hybrid powertrain is a bit complex. But…