You may recall our excitement back in May, when we reported on Toyota’s plan to create a hybrid version of the current RAV4 sport utility vehicle. We estimated the price of the hybrid RAV-4 to be around $30,000 and fuel economy to come in somewhere around 32-35 mpg.

In comparison, the current RAV4 goes for a baseline price of around $21,500 with about 22/28 mpg. Toyota raved that a hybridized RAV4 could be available as early as 2012, but no news has been issued since to indicate if the hybrid-electric is still on schedule or even still in the works.

So if there has been no news, why bring up a green RAV4 again? Well, because Toyota just announced a partnership with Tesla to build an All Electric RAV4.

Typically, we don’t cover electric SUVs much on HybridSUV.com, but this new partnership makes me wonder if the Hybrid RAV4 will still be developed in light of this recent announcement. Especially since both versions of greener RAV4’s are scheduled to be coming in 2012.

For you die hard hybrids who haven’t been following the “electric company”, Tesla is an up and coming car manufacturer based in sunny Palo Alto, California. They opened their doors in 2003 and have less than seven years experience. Up until last month, they have been a privately owned company, but on June 29th, 2010 they made their Initial Public Offering on the NASDAQ.  As of the time of this writing, their current share price is about $21.

The partnership does create some interesting questions, like what kind of fuel economy the combined forces of Tesla and Toyota could create in a small SUV. The Tesla Roadster manages around 250 miles (320 km) per charge, at a cost of $101,500. Tesla’s upcoming Model S should get 160 miles per charge and ring up at around $50,000.

Based on these prices and mileage estimates, my guess is that an electric version of a RAV4 could come in near $40,000 (before electric vehicle tax credits) and reach 100 miles per charge. Compare that to the estimated cost of a hybrid RAV4 at $30,000 with no hybrid tax credits, and buyers would have a really tough decision to make.

Even though Toyota plans to invest $50 million in Tesla, I’m doubting we will see any electric RAV4’s in 2012. Yes, a prototype is already being tested and I know Toyota built some electric RAV4 sport utes in the 90’s, but less than 2 years? My guess is 2013 at the earliest, and even then in very limited numbers. In either case, I’m crossing my fingers that the hybrid version arrives first.

It is clear that acceleration and overall speed are the order of the day when peering under the hood of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. Each version of the vehicle comes equipped with a turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8 engine that generates 400 horsepower all on its own. When combined with the two battery-powered motors nestled inside the SUV’s transmission, the ActiveHybrid X6’s total output increases to an astounding 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque.

Given that this combined output is sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel drive system, it is perhaps no surprise that the vehicle’s fuel mileage is listed as being under 20 miles per gallon for both the city and highway measures. However, it does make at least some effort to wring additional efficiency out of its gasoline / electric setup, as its continuously-variable automatic transmission is capable of providing several different virtual gear ratios that balance controlled shifting with the judicious assistance of the electric motors incorporated into the unit. The X6 also makes use of the benefits of regenerative braking to recharge the vehicle’s battery. The heavy SUV can even travel for a distance of up to 1.6 miles on battery power alone, at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

With all of that power, combined with BMW’s performance acumen, the ActiveHybrid X6 is one of the most rewarding hybrid sport-utility vehicles to drive. It can churn out a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of just 5.2 seconds and eat up the quarter mile in 14 seconds flat on its way to a top speed of 130 miles per hour. Very few gasoline / electric SUV’s can even approach these numbers.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
MSRP: $88,900
Estimated MPG: 17 city / 19 highway
Class: Full-size SUV

More Resources:

ActiveHybrid X6 Test Drive from Car and Driver
Official Website Here
Preview and Video: Before X6 Release Date on Hybrid SUV
View ActiveHybrid X6 Photos and High Resolution Images Here

On the Chevrolet website they pose the question, “Why pump for fuel when you can grow it?”. Chevy has been offering vehicles with engines capable of running on flexible fuels since 2002. Flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) have engines that are specially designed to run on gasoline blended with ethanol. While these engines are theoretically built to run on any combination/blend of gasoline and ethanol, U.S. and European models are optimized for a maximum blend of 15% gas mixed with 85% ethanol. This mixture is better known as E85.

According to my research there are more than 8 million flex fuel vehicles on the roads in the United States today, and roughly 20 million worldwide. What I found most interesting was the fact that flex fuel vehicles actually get worse gas mileage than their traditional gas counterparts. A 2009 ”E85 burning” Tahoe reportedly gets about 25% fewer miles per gallon (11 mpg) than the standard gas model which itself only manages 15 mpg in city driving. The hybrid version gets 21 miles per gallon - nearly double its flex fuel brother. In 2010, all non-hybrid Tahoes are now E85 capable and equipped with a 5.3 liter V8. Starting MSRP is around $38,000.

If E85 fuel reduces your fuel economy by 25%, you’d expect that your cost at the pump would be a similar discount. According to E85prices.com the average spread is currently closer to 20% (the range was 8% to 29%). Other data on that site indicates there are over 2,300 gas stations in the U.S. now offering E85 pumps and that manufacturers spend less than $150 per vehicle to make them capable of running on blended fuel.  GM, Ford and Chrysler have apparently pledged that more than 50% of their cars, trucks and SUVs will be flex fuel capable by 2012.

When comparing the flex fuel capable 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe to the hybrid model, the price difference depends on which trim level you choose. Expect to pay at least $42,000 for an LT model or $51,000 for the more luxurious LTZ (based on 2wd). The hybrid Tahoe falls somewhere in between the LT and LTZ in terms of standard equipment and it starts at $51,000.

According to Wikipedia, using E85 reduces carbon monoxide emissions and provides significant reductions in emissions of many harmful toxins, including benzene, a known human carcinogen. However, E85 also increases emissions of acetaldehyde—a toxic pollutant. No exact emission data is available for the flex fuel Tahoe or the hybrid model for that matter, where a vague 20% improvement is cited. With congress, the EPA and various environmental groups currently debating the future of ethanol blends and their subsidies, this should make for an interesting time in the history of alternative fuel vehicles.

Earlier this week I was glued to CNN as they showed Live coverage of a flood in Oklahoma City. In one instance, a driver seemed to weigh the risk of crossing through some rapidly moving water before deciding to take a chance. Even though the SUV had better than average ground clearance, its tires were soon covered and moments later the truck was swept off the road and disappeared into the newly formed stream. It made me wonder…what would happen if a hybrid electric vehicle, or possibly worse, an all-electric car became submerged in deep water? Would there be a shock risk for the passengers?

When hybrid cars first made their way to the U.S. about ten years ago, I remember that many people were concerned with the risks associated with their high voltage electrical systems. Some of this concern was fear of the unknown but it seemed reasonable that getting a really big battery wet could have negative consequences (here was an article on electrocution risks from 2004).

In doing some digging to better understand the risk potential, I came upon a How Stuff Works post that stated ”there isn’t a single case on record of a rescuer being shocked while extricating someone from a crashed electric or hybrid vehicle”, whether submerged in water or dry. The writer added that electric and hybrid cars have extensive safety systems to automatically turn off the power from battery packs when a collision or short circuit is detected.

In doing more research I discovered that the high voltage cables and hybrid batteries (often 400 volts or more) are more than powerful enough to be lethal. Wires are therefore enclosed in insulated and protective casing while the battery pack is sealed in a metal shell, isolated from electric current. The shell is treated to avoid corrosion and rust, and even if water breached it, nickel-metal hydride battery packs use maintenance free, sealed cells. Nothing can get in or out (supposedly).

Even so, the National Fire Protection Association (nfpa.org) will offer a program to train emergency personnel on avoiding shock from advanced electric-drive vehicles. From a recent press release on the subject - “The Obama Administration has established a goal of one million electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2015. The NFPA initiative, funded by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, will include a series of electric vehicle emergency response safety programs available to emergency first responders. The training programs will provide emergency first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with emergency situations involving these alternative-fuel vehicles“.

Complicating the issue of shock risk is the number of different technologies. Today’s popular hybrids have two power sources: an energy conversion unit such as an internal-combustion engine, and batteries. (The nickel metal hydride batteries found in the popular Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid are recharged through regenerative braking and by their gasoline-powered engines.) Plug-in hybrids have the same two power sources, except that the batteries can be charged from an electrical outlet. The electric motor of an EV is powered by batteries that can be recharged by plugging them into household receptacles. And fuel-cell vehicles, which also have electric motors, produce their electricity primarily with hydrogen. The upcoming release of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf will likely stir up more conversation about this issue, so expect further updates.

While manufacturers have applied the brakes to their once rapid introduction of hybrid SUV models, a few new luxury crossover hybrids have at least kept the industry moving forward. Lexus gave us the 450h last year and dealers now have the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and Mercedes-Benz ML450 in their showrooms. Essentially, more expensive hybrid SUVs have taken the place of the affordable models we have lost - and this could continue for a while. Up next should be the Audi Q5 hybrid, the Porsche Cayenne S hybrid, and the Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion hybrid…none of which we expect so see priced under $50,000 and all of which will likely be sold in very limited quantities.

More conducive to the advancement of a greener SUV & crossover industry would be a hybrid CR-V, Rav4, Edge and Equinox. Fortunately, several of these and similar sport utes (possibly including a Prius SUV) could materialize.

In the bigger picture, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric autos are all the buzz right now - so are the current hybrid electric cars and their technology soon to become obsolete? We’re guessing not, for several reasons. The types of hybrid-electrics we are driving today have been around for roughly 10 years, and many could lose the “hybrid” badge without most of us even noticing the difference. They drive like other cars (with a few minor exceptions) and they don’t require any compromises (unless you enjoy more frequent gas station visits). Quite simply…they work.

News has generally remained positive for hybrid and electric technologies alike. Recent headlines such as Ford Investing $135 Million for hybrid-electric manufacturing in Michigan (here) point to a bright future. Let’s not forget that Toyota is about to double their hybrid vehicle production, Hyundai and Honda have new hybrids coming out later this year, and Nissan and Chevrolet will bring the Leaf and Volt to market in only a few months. More amazing is the fact that all of this is happening while gas prices are less than $3 per gallon in the United States.

It is anyone’s guess what the hybrid SUV market will look like in 5 years, but it seems the lateral movement is about to trend upwards again.

Once you begin researching hybrid SUV’s you will notice a huge range of prices. On the low end are the Escape and Mariner which both start around $30K. On the other end of the green spectrum sits a new BMW hybrid that fully loaded will push up against $100K. Below is a quick roundup of ‘10 model hybrid sport utilities ordered from least to most expensive. I’ll add some photos and links to reviews next, but this should get you started.

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $29,860
Fully Loaded: $38,015
Notes: $38,015 gets you the 4WD Limited Model. Some of the options in the package include side step bars, active park assist, dual-headrest DVD entertainment system, cargo area protector and powercode remote start system.

2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $30,105
Fully Loaded: $40,060
Notes:Adding every available option and accessory boosts this Mariner north of $40,000. This includes 4WD, power moonroof, remote start, active park assist, dual headrest DVD entertainment system, heated seats, roof rack, voice activated navigation, leather, rear camera, heated mirrors and the reverse sensing system.

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $34,900
Fully Loaded: $52,430
Notes: Well loaded doesn’t begin to cover the options that increase the base price of this hybrid SUV by 50%. It started with selecting the 4WD, Limited model and included a $7,372 package with extras such as DVD entertainment system, dual climate control, remote engine start, engine immobilizer anti-theft and a moonroof. All the accessories were added too like a tow hitch, running boards, bike and ski attachments, iPod kit and many more.

2010 Lexus RX 450h
Starting MSRP: $42,685
Fully Loaded: $57,084
Notes: The most expensive version includes the $9,618 Package A with too many options to list (navigation, backup camera, heated seats, 19″ alloys, parking assist, etc.) plus accessories like wheel locks, glass breakage sensor, 4 years of safety connect, ashtray, cargo net, towing hitch, paint protection film and a roof rack.

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $50,720
Fully Loaded: $58,641
Notes: $58K plus change gets you the following options: power sunroof, rear cargo mat, entertainment system, spare tire and wheel, chrome door handles, all weather floor mats, rocker panel molding and splash guards.

2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $51,185 (the Denali version starts at $58,500)
Fully Loaded: $59,226
Notes: The loaded version is 4WD and includes a spare tire, wheel, chrome mirror caps, chrome door handles, sunroof, front console organizer, all-weather floor mats, advanced remote start, rear cargo mat and entertainment system (dvd, remote and wireless headphones). The fully loaded Hybrid Denali tops out at $66,256.

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $55,000
Fully Loaded: $78,726
Notes: Getting this hybrid SUV to cost you more than $75,000 starts with adding Mercedes premium 1 and premium 2 packages. These include rear camera, Comand system with voice control, power liftgate, harmon/kardon LOGIC7 system, keyless-go, bi-xenon headlamps and heated headlamp washers. We also added parktronic, trailer hitch, rear entertainment, heated front and rear seats, 20″ two-tone 5-spoke wheels, and all-weather floor mats.

2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $73,425 (the Platinum version starts at $85,225)
Fully Loaded: $79,460
Notes: The $79,460 price gets you the AWD model with options including a spare tire kit, power retractable running boards, advanced 2-way remote vehicle starter and engine block heater. (The Platinum version tops out at $90,115.)

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Starting MSRP: $88,900
Fully Loaded: $95,124
Notes: I fully expected I could get this luxury SUV to exceed $100,000 but came up about $5k short. The extras I added included active ventilated seats, a cold weather package, rear side window shades, smartphone integration, enhanced premium sound, rear seat entertainment, automatic high beams and the BMW assist convenience plan.

Regarding the Land Rover PHESUV hubbub (bub?), it appears to have initially surfaced a few months ago on Edmund’s blog. Then last week, Tristan Young authored a post on Just-Auto.com. It included the following: Peter Richings, Land Rover’s chief engineer for hybrid technology, told just-auto the brand had a six-point plan for eco-technology - including stop-start technology extending from the current manual to automatic gearboxes - and varying levels of hybrid propulsion.

It went on to note that Land Rover is testing five “Range-e” plug-in hybrid electric vehicles based on their Range Rover Sport model and equipped with a diesel v6 engine mated to an electric motor. The Range-e PHESUV can apparently travel about 20 miles under electric power only and reach speeds of around 50 mph (without help from the diesel engine).

Several other websites and blogs picked up on this story, but no confirmation was offered by Jim Resnick (PR manager at Jaguar Land Rover North America) in his interview with hybridcars.com. Reznick’s quote on that site was less than encouraging, but probably the most realistic, “Introduction of the product is still a long way away. People should stay tuned.”. If you’ve followed green car news for any length of time, this comes as no surprise. We are used to being patient.

Here we are more than four months later and the numbers are now in for the first quarter of 2010. I thought it would be more fun to tally hybrid SUV sales at the end of Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 - rather than keeping our readers in suspense until the next snowfall. And, to make things even more exciting - I’ll try to recap monthly sales to see if this will even become a race.

January 2010 hybrid car sales jumped out of the gate in positive territory and were more than 10% higher than January of 2009. Lexus kept its momentum going into the new year by selling more than 1,000 of their RX 450h models. The hybrid Ford Escape grabbed control of second place, but was a distant second with less than 650 sport utilities sold. Toyota remained in 3rd with just more than 500 Highlander hybrids sold during the first month. No other hybrid s.u.v. even came close to the leaders with the Chevy Tahoe reaching about 150 sales for the 4th position.

With national gas prices up more than 75 cents in February of 2010 (compared to February, 2009) it seemed that hybrid sales were ready for a breakout. Unfortunately, bad news about the all time hybrid sales leader (yes, the Prius) really shook the entire green automotive industry. Recalls and investigations made headlines during most of the month and while Toyota really felt the pain, their luxury line fared better. The RX 450 was the top selling hybrid SUV in February with nearly 900 out the door. The green Escape closed the gap a bit with over 700 sales, while the fuel sipping Highlander continued its nosedive tallying only 340 sales for the entire month.

March was a much better period for hybrid SUV sales, in part due to gas prices continuing to rise - but also because February’s black hybrid cloud began to lift. Lexus made it three in a row selling 1,250 of their 450h’s. Ford also had a big jump, but still couldn’t Escape being the bridesmaid with 1,170 hybrid models sold. Toyota limped into last (in what again figures to be a 3 SUV race) by selling fewer than 600 Highlanders. At the end of Q1: 450h=3,150, Escape=2,520, Highlander=1,450.

Stay tuned for the next round of updates!

While it seems a bit premature, GM is showing the public that Volt’s Voltec Propulsion system can be applied to other vehicle types (the sedan version of the Volt is expected to be available later this year). In addition to everything the MPV5 borrows from the Volt (mainly the drivetrain technology), it also shares many attributes of the Chevrolet Cruze including an aerodynamic front-end and full underbody belly pan. Even so, it still looks a little like a Chevy HHR.

The concept MPV-5 (multi-person vehicle for five) was shown with a 1.4 litre, 150 horsepower gas engine (aka the generator) and a 16 KWH lith-ion battery pack. Because it doesn’t cut through the wind with the same efficiency as its older sibling, electric range drops nearly 25% (down to 32 miles on a full charge vs. 40 for Volt #1). Even so, the gas engine can take you the next 300 miles when the juice runs out. Both Volts can brag about being emission free, at least part of the time.

This conceptual electric Volt had the same center stack and gauge cluster as it’s predecessor. Two tone leather seats and 17″ wheels added to the overall look. It is estimated the top speed would be somewhere around 100 miles per hour. A full battery charge using a 120 volt system is expected to take more than 8 hours.

One interesting fact about the size of this small electric SUV/crossover is that the Voltec technology will apparently not work in vehicles much larger or smaller than these Volts. This is according to Alan Taub, GM’s Director of R&D. Even so, the multi-person utility vehicle offers more than 30 cubic feet of cargo storage (10 more than the sedan model plus room for a fifth passenger). The rear seat also folds down, allowing more room to move objects other than extra people.

As we know with all concept vehicles, the odds of moving to production status aren’t great. Even so, many auto experts noted that the MPV-Five Volt wouldn’t need a lot of changes to wind up at U.S. dealerships, should GM decide to move forward. If it happens, 2012 might be the earliest we’d see it. More updates will be added here as they come in.

Today, social media and social networking sites are fast becoming popular alternatives for people who want to learn more about hybrid electric cars. These include hybrid forums, blogs, wikis and podcasts as well as image, video, and bookmark sharing sites, microblogging platforms, and car rating sites. Basically, these are online resources that offer user generated content and encourage participation such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Delicious.

Compared to what has been created for many industries and niches, the number and quality of social sites for hybrid cars are still lagging. I’ve yet to find a great social media or social networking website dedicated to alternative fuel transportation (hybrid cars, electric cars, etc.). Even so, below are some of the sites we use to follow the industry:

Microblogging via Twitter:

twitter.com/motortrend
twitter.com/jalopnik
twitter.com/toyota
twitter.com/honda
twitter.com/gmblogs
twitter.com/ford or twitter.com/scottmonty
twitter.com/priuschat
twitter.com/kelleybluebook
twitter.com/edmunds
twitter.com/autobloggreen

Videos:

Search YouTube.com for a specific hybrid vehicle or hybrid cars in general. Lot’s of great professional and amateur hybrid videos to view and share.

Forums:

There are a list of hybrid vehicle forums here.

Other Considerations:

List of 25 Green sites - several with automotive/hybrid/electric vehicle discussions you can join. MyRide.com (Autobytel) hybrid section is here. Not many consumer reviews yet. Wheels.tv is a social network for “those who drive” but also not exclusive to hybrids.

List of social networking websites in general. There are some “green” sites in here, but none dedicated to green autos.

We will keep adding more sites to this article as they come available. If you are using any social networking sites to share and discuss information in this industry, please add them to our comments section below!