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.

Finding Fuels for That New Green Car

Locating Car Charging, Hydrogen and Other Alternative Fuels [Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes, 25 seconds] You’ve made the decision – or are close to it. That efficient, low or zero emissions alternative fuels vehicle you’ve been thinking about is going…

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…