The Detroit Free Press has reported that Chrysler has created a new division called ENVI to develop vehicles that run entirely on electricity. Chrysler’s representatives stated that ENVI’s work toward advanced motor systems will take between three to five years to produce anything viable in the marketplace. Many experts see the newly created ENVI division as a response to fuel efficiency standards and grumblings by dealers about Chrysler’s sales.

The Congestion Relief Index was released this past week amidst news of oil exceeding $145 per barrel. This study shows that a shift of 25 percent of the nation’s freight from trucks to trains by 2026 would remedy several transportation issues. The essential benefit for the typical commuter in this hypothetical scenario is improved commuting time. The average driver would save 41 hours of travel per year by the time trains take over freight deliveries in 2026.

Most drivers think about their cruise controls as tools for keeping their feet from falling asleep during long trips on the interstate. The cruise control feature that is standard in most cars can keep fuel costs low when used properly according to Edmunds.com. This automotive website performed tests on several vehicles to determine how much fuel is saved when drivers use cruise controls during highway trips.

Ladies and gentlemen:

There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes. Those who, for whatever reason, refuse to do their part must either be persuaded to join the effort or asked to step aside. This is such a moment. The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more - if more should be required - the future of human civilization is at stake.

Green drivers, politicians and businesses in San Francisco are excited that Tesla Motors is moving its new factory to northern California instead of New Mexico. Tesla’s decision to eschew the alternative fuel incentives offered by New Mexico for California can be explained in several ways. The motor company’s CEO Ze’ev Driori cited Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his continued commitment to alternative fuels as a reason for the Model S factory moving to California.

Many consumers are overwhelmed by news stories covering the rapid rise of gasoline throughout the world. These stories highlight the frustrations of motorists who are driving less and trading in gas-guzzling vehicles without providing solutions. HybridMile will feature a post each Tuesday that highlights ways to cut fuel consumption as gas prices soar.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and its subsidiary Subaru have developed an electric version of the Stella minicar designed for the Japanese market. The Stella plug-in is featured as an official transport and mail delivery vehicle for organizers of the G8 Summit in Japan. This electrical vehicle is the product of testing by Fuji and its partner Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc. that has been running since June 2006.

Innovative Transport Solutions and the Cooperative Research Center for Forestry have unveiled their efforts to improve fuel efficiency in the Australian forestry industry. This mixture of private dollars and academic knowledge are geared toward production of retrofitting kits for 6x6 trucks used by lumber companies. Innovative is also working toward a kit that can convert common 6x4 vehicles into 6x6 trucks as well as a truck conversion kit for distribution in America by 2009.

The Armageddon-like projects offered by Jeff Rubin from CIBC World Markets in this week’s StrategEcon about America’s fuel future should shake up a few consumers. The chief strategist of this international investment bank has projected that the price of gas will exceed $7 per gallon by 2012. This 70% increase over the current price of fuel will spur a decrease of 10 million vehicles in the United States according to Rubin’s projections.

A recent study published by TNS Infratest reveals cultural chasms related to hybrid, plug-in and electrical vehicles. The market research firm contacted 1,000 motorists each from the United States, Germany, China, France, England, Japan, Austria and Switzerland regarding hybrid vehicles. The broad brushstrokes of this study show that 36% of all participants are interested in buying a hybrid vehicle and 45% have changed driving behaviors based on rising fuel costs.