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

Parchment's Purchase of Prius Police Car Bothers Buy-American Bigot John Voelcker February 16, 2009

The city manager loves it, the police love it, and it's saving money for the people of Parchment. But the 2008 Toyota Prius hybrid purchased last fall to serve as a police patrol car has stirred up...
Today's Mileage Tip: Turn Your Car Into a Shark
Can little dimples all over your car improve its aerodynamics?
John Voelcker February 16, 2009

The Mindset of the Minimalist Electric-Car Buff
A new Swiss extended-range electric car takes minimalist design to the max
John Voelcker February 14, 2009
Cool Custom, or the Most Horrifying Prius In The World?
We got a little link love, from Autoblog yesterday and the day before from Wired, so we figured we'd return the favor. To get your weekend going, we feature a Prius that's either a treat or a travesty--you be the judge. As the opening credit on the video says, it's "a Swedish Toyota Prius that...
John Voelcker February 14, 2009
Buy Your Own Plug-In Prius Right Now on eBay!
You don't need to wait for the Toyota factory version; you can bid on a 2007 Toyota Prius plug-in Hymotion conversion today
John Voelcker February 13, 2009
Tata Nano: First Ride Report, But Is It Green?
No, they didn't drive it, but a few weeks ago, CAR magazine got the first-ever ride in a Tata Nano
John Voelcker February 13, 2009
Free Prius Parking Perk To End in LA John Voelcker February 13, 2009

All good things must come to an end, and the end is approaching for one minor Prius perk: Free parking in the city of Los Angeles.

On March 1, free parking at LA city meters will end for owners of...

The New 2010 Rabbit TDI Diesel...Or, Is It a Golf Again?
Volkswagen sneaks its next-generation diesel hatchback into the Toronto Auto Show
John Voelcker February 12, 2009
Ford Fits EcoBoost Engine to 2010 Taurus SHO (aka Hot Rod)
Ford's new V6 EcoBoost engine lowers fuel economy while raising power; it'll appear first in the 2010 Taurus SHO
John Voelcker February 12, 2009
Outrageous Prius Ads: What's Real and What's Fake?
The Prius as a symbol of peoples' views about hybrids--and a lot of other issues too--comes to the fore in these 10 ads
John Voelcker February 12, 2009
No, Damnit, Tesla Has NOT Been Approved For Loans Yet!
You know how fast news ricochets around the web, right? Tesla founder Elon Musk claimed today that the company expected to receive funds from its $350 million loan application submitted to the Federal Department of Energy. There's just one problem with the story: Tesla HAS NOT been awarded those...
John Voelcker February 11, 2009
Tesla Claims Profitability By Mid-Year
The Silicon Valley electric carmaker says it's highly likely to turn the corner by the middle of 2009
John Voelcker February 11, 2009

Prius Industry Firsts Quiz: We Have a Winner! John Voelcker February 11, 2009

Well, it took a while, but we now have a winner in our quiz about industry firsts in the 2010 Toyota Prius.

The winner is our reader Trace R. Thanks to everyone who submitted answers. According to...
More Small Diesels for the US, from Mini and Audi?
Many long-distance drivers would love to get their hands on the small, economical diesels sold in Europe. Soon, they may.
John Voelcker February 11, 2009
2011 Chevrolet Spark: The smallest Chevy ever
Chevy's upcoming global Spark takes the blue bowtie into mini-car territory
John Voelcker February 10, 2009
Prius Repairs Cost (a little) More Than Non-Hybrids
A new study says the Prius costs 8.4% more to repair than non-hybrid vehicles
John Voelcker February 9, 2009
Ford's First Electric Car Will be...a Truck
To get its first EV to market quicker, Ford has partnered with Smith Electric Vehicles
John Voelcker February 9, 2009
2010 Toyota Prius Industry Firsts--A Quiz
How much do you know about Toyota's third-generation Prius? Test your knowledge
John Voelcker February 9, 2009

Prius Connection New York: We Take You There John Voelcker February 6, 2009

As part of the launch plan for the 2010 Toyota Prius, the company has been holding swanky, invitation-only events all over the country for press, dealers, and a handful of the most passionate Prius...
Build Your Own Mitsubishi 'i'
You can't buy Mitsubishi's delightful 'i' mini-car here, but now you can build a paper model
John Voelcker February 6, 2009
Priuses Tough Enough for Linebacker, Mean Enough for Road Rage
Toyota Prius drivers don't always fit the cultural stereotype; consider the NFL linebacker, or the man arrested for road rage
John Voelcker February 5, 2009
2010 Honda Insight To Cost $20,000, Maybe Less
Honda's Prius competitor will be the lowest-priced hybrid in the U.S.
John Voelcker February 5, 2009
IRS Wants You to Drive a BMW 335d or X5 Diesel!
IRS approves clean-car tax credits for 2 BMW diesels
John Voelcker February 4, 2009
2010 Toyota Prius: Fanboys Get First Peek
You'll get a chance to see the new 2010 Toyota Prius soon enough, or you may already have clicked through pictures and details. But, anxious to ensure that they build buzz and queue the car up to meet their goal of 180,000 sales for the year, Toyota has been quietly showing it around to its most...
John Voelcker February 4, 2009