John Voelcker, Contributing Editor

John Voelcker is an accomplished automotive journalist with a diverse background in the industry. As a cofounder of Tempting Fate Tours, he has delved into the world of adventurous car experiences, providing enthusiasts with unforgettable journeys for a year and a half. With a passion for automotive journalism, Voelcker's expertise extends to his tenure as a Contributing Editor at Internet Brands. During his stint, he has contributed valuable insights and engaging content to one of the most respected automotive publications in the industry. Previously, Voelcker served as the inaugural Editor of Green Car Reports under the Internet Brands Automotive Group. For over nine years, starting in 2009, he played a vital role in reporting, editing, and providing news coverage and new-car reviews. His contributions also extended to sister sites, including The Car Connection and Motor Authority, solidifying his reputation as a trusted source in the automotive community. In addition to his editorial work, Voelcker has actively covered advanced auto technologies and energy policy for a multitude of esteemed publications. Wired, Popular Science, Tech Review, IEEE Spectrum, and HybridCars.com are among the platforms that have featured his articles. Recognized for his expertise, he was appointed as one of the jurors for the prestigious North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards in 2015. With a wealth of experience behind the wheel, Voelcker has driven electric and hybrid cars from dozens of automakers, along with countless other vehicles. His firsthand experiences provide a valuable perspective in his automotive reporting. Voelcker's editorial journey has taken him through various notable magazines, including This Old House, Metropolis, Psychology Today, Exposure, Mother Earth News, Budget Living, and IEEE Spectrum. His diverse background showcases his versatility and ability to cover a wide range of topics. Voelcker holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, which adds a unique analytical lens to his automotive reporting. Splitting his time between the picturesque Catskill Mountains and vibrant New York City, he finds inspiration in both the tranquility of nature and the dynamic urban environment.

Articles

Volkswagen E-Bugster Electric Concept: Detroit Auto Show Details John Voelcker January 9, 2012

It wouldn't be an auto show without concept cars, and the Detroit Auto Show this year has its share.

From Volkswagen comes a new take on a familiar shape: the Volkswagen E-Bugster, an all-electric...
2013 Dodge Dart Launch: Live Video From Detroit Auto Show
We're just back from the live launch of the 2013 Dodge Dart, one of the most crucial--and well-attended--launch events of the Detroit Auto Show. And while it may fit right into Chrysler's marketing plans, we thought you'd like to see the actual unveiling--complete with flashy videos, loud music...
John Voelcker January 9, 2012

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Debuts At Detroit Auto Show
While Volkswagen has been selling its large Touareg Hybrid sport-utility vehicle for a couple of years now, most VW buyers still have no idea the company offers hybrid vehicles. That's about to change, with the introduction of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show. The Jetta...
John Voelcker January 9, 2012
2013 Ford Fusion: Full Details Of All-New Mid-Size Sedan At Detroit Auto Show
Unlike most cars, the current Ford Fusion is selling better now than it has at any time during its eight-year model run. That's a great lead-in for Ford, which is launching the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion at the Detroit Auto Show. With a sleeker design, a choice of three four-cylinder engines, plus...
John Voelcker January 9, 2012
2013 Dodge Dart Video & Photos Leak Before Detroit Auto Show
Before its unveiling, coming at 8:45 am this Monday, Chrysler trickled out photos of the exterior and dashboard of its new 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan. But now both a video and more photos have leaked out onto those crazy Interwebz, showing every angle of the first product developed by the...
John Voelcker January 7, 2012
Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Sport Utility Coming In 2013
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the brightest stars among the cars that propelled Chrysler--now controlled by Fiat--to a 26-percent sales increase in 2011, raising its share of the U.S. market 1.3 points to 10.7 percent. Yesterday, the company said it would start building a diesel version of the...
John Voelcker January 6, 2012
Chevrolet To Offer Volt Modifications Against Battery Fire Risk John Voelcker January 5, 2012

GM announced today that it would offer a "customer satisfaction" initiative that provides modifications to roughly 12,400 Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric cars to reduce the chance that the...

2013 Dodge Dart: 40-MPG CAFE Target Hints At EPA Ratings
The 2013 Dodge Dart, which will be fully revealed to the public at next week's Detroit Auto Show, achieved an unadjusted gas-mileage rating of at least 40 mpg, according to Chrysler. But hold on; before you rush over to the dealership and put money down, consider that 'unadjusted' means that it's...
John Voelcker January 5, 2012
Via Motors To Use A123 Lithium-Ion Cells In Electric Trucks
Via Motors, the extended-range electric truck conversion company with GM legend Bob Lutz on its board, announced today that it would use lithium-ion cells from A123 Systems in its battery packs. The startup company will show its full lineup of electric-drive pickup trucks at next week's Detroit...
John Voelcker January 5, 2012
2012 Ford Focus Electric: How It's Built On Same Assembly Line (Video)
With the first sales of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric registered last month, Ford's battery-electric compact hatchback enters the market to compete with the Nissan Leaf and other plug-in cars. Unlike the Leaf, though, the Focus Electric is an adaptation of a high-volume gasoline-powered car. And...
John Voelcker January 4, 2012
Electric Car Sales For 2011: Modest First-Year Numbers Hardly A Surprise
Last year, the electric-car revolution became real. After a late-Nineties false start, much gnashing of teeth, and years of promises, carmakers delivered more than 17,000 plug-in vehicles in the U.S. market during 2011. December sales numbers are being announced today. The relevant figures: Nissan...
John Voelcker January 4, 2012
2013 Ford EcoSport Crossover Launches At Delhi Motor Show
In the U.S. market, the vast majority of crossovers and sport-utility vehicles are compact or mid-size vehicles. That's about to change, as Ford continues to launch vehicles that can be sold globally, rather than developing individual cars for specific countries. Today, Ford unveiled its EcoSport...
John Voelcker January 4, 2012

Driving Green Means Not Changing Your Oil Until You Need To John Voelcker January 3, 2012

When was the last time state tax dollars went toward telling you not to do something?

Ads against drunk driving, certainly. Perhaps ads against smoking cigarettes.

But now, California is embarking on...
Electric-Car Tax Credit Safe For Now, But Others Expiring Now
For now, the electric-car purchase Federal income-tax credit remains safe. As we've written before, though, December 31 is the last day in which you can install an electric-car charging station and be able to deduct some of the costs from your income taxes. That credit allowed private individuals...
John Voelcker December 29, 2011
First Fast-Charging Station On West Coast Electric Highway: Work Starts
While dreams of a "Hydrogen Highway" along the West Coast have languished, the states of Washington and Oregon are moving ahead on plans to make Interstate-5 the first "electric highway" in the nation. Yesterday, a small ground-breaking ceremony took place in the Sehome Village Shopping Center in...
John Voelcker December 29, 2011
Why MPGs Matter: Iran Threatens Oil Supply Via Hormuz Strait
It's a truism of new-car sales: Gas prices go up, buyers focus more on gas mileage. Gas prices go down again, people forget all about fuel efficiency. Well, here's a gentle reminder about why you may want to focus on cars with high EPA ratings for gas mileage. As The New York Times reported, on...
John Voelcker December 29, 2011
Last Tesla Roadster Built By Lotus, All Eyes Toward Model S
All good things must come to an end, and it's the same with the first modern electric car, the already legendary Tesla Roadster. It's long been known that Lotus Cars would build only 2,600 Roadster "gliders" for California-based Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA]. The company then installs the lithium-ion...
John Voelcker December 27, 2011
2012 Toyota Prius C Compact Hybrid On Sale In Japan, Detroit Launch Coming
Less than three weeks hence, the 2012 Toyota Prius C--the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's expanding Prius line--will be officially introduced for the U.S. market at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. It was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show early this month, under the model name Aqua...
John Voelcker December 27, 2011

Congress Actually Ends Taxpayer Funding Of Ethanol Subsidies John Voelcker December 27, 2011

When the U.S. Congress adjourned for the holidays on Friday, December 23, its departure sealed the fate of subsidized ethanol production.

During its session, the Congress did not renew a tax break...
If You Want To Attack The Volt, Try To Get Your Math Right
Few things seem to set off a certain part of the political spectrum like the Chevrolet Volt, the extended-range electric car from General Motors. It's been on sale exactly one year, so we think it's rather too early to deem the Volt a success or a failure, though that hasn't stopped its critics...
John Voelcker December 23, 2011
Plan To Buy An Electric-Car Charging Station? Home Depot Has Five
No, this isn't a paid ad. With roughly 17,000 plug-in electric cars sold in the U.S. this year, and likely a multiple of that number next year, many owners will be installing charging stations in their garages. Not all plug-in cars will need a 240-Volt Level 2 charging station, mind you. It all...
John Voelcker December 23, 2011
Top Five Green-Car Stories Of 2011: MPGs, Electric Cars, And More
Yep, it's almost the end of the year, which means reams of roundup stories from all your favorite auto websites. Nope, we're not that different: We've got one too. Here's our take on the five most important stories--or perhaps themes--of 2011 in the growing world of green cars. New fuel economy...
John Voelcker December 22, 2011
New Mobile Version For GreenCarReports! Try It Out Today
Green-car enthusiasts are often early adopters, even technology enthusiasts. In the digital media world, that means they're likely to access content not only on computers and tablets, but also on a growing variety of mobile phones and other devices. Until now, this site wasn't particularly helpful...
John Voelcker December 21, 2011
Matt Drudge's Idiotic, Uninformed War Against The Chevy Volt
Recently named by Gizmodo as the second most viral person on the Internet (ahead of Ashton Kutcher!), Matt Drudge is the go-to guy for headlines guaranteed to feed red meat to the right-hand side of the U.S. political spectrum. And he hates electric cars. Boy, does that man hate anything with a...
John Voelcker December 21, 2011