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

Some Cars Today Already Meet 2025 Gas-Mileage Standards: Did You Know? John Voelcker August 14, 2015

With a midterm review coming up to look at progress on meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations so far, you can expect some gloom and doom from automakers.

Still, industry consensus says...
Tesla Motors Announces New Stock Sale Of $500 Million
It had to come, and it did: Tesla Motors is selling more stock to bolster its cash position as it prepares to launch its second high-volume electric car. The California company announced this morning it would offer $500 million in new common stock And, the company noted, CEO Elon Musk "intends to...
John Voelcker August 13, 2015

Audi Electric SUV To Target Tesla With LG Chem, Samsung Cells
This much we know: a concept for the future Audi Q6 "coupe" SUV will be shown at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. We also know an all-electric Q6 e-tron version will target the Tesla Model X, though more conventional Q6 versions with gasoline, diesel, and possibly plug-in hybrid...
John Voelcker August 13, 2015
Tesla Delivery Goal Fell Due To Slower Model X Production Ramp: Sources
The quarterly financial results issued by electric-car maker Tesla Motors, plus the ensuing conference call with CEO Elon Musk, are eagerly followed by fans and analysts alike. Some of its most scrutinized numbers are the Model S production and delivery numbers, and the projections for how many...
John Voelcker August 12, 2015
Ten Used Hybrid Cars To Consider Steering Clear Of: UPDATED
Some used cars are better bets than others. And just as new hybrid cars vary in efficiency, driving quality, and sales volume, some used hybrids may be a more conservative bet than others. A used Toyota Prius is by far the most familiar and most numerous hybrid, with more than 7 million sold...
John Voelcker August 12, 2015
Big Coal Doomed: Not By Climate Rules But Fracking & Finance
Coal is the worst fossil fuel, that much is clear. Its carbon footprint per kilowatt-hour of electricity when it's burned by electric utilities to make electricity is far, far higher than that of natural gas. And that's even before the slowly improving economics of renewable sources come into play...
John Voelcker August 11, 2015
Could Tesla Add Autonomous Electric Car-Sharing As New Business? John Voelcker August 11, 2015

The quarterly earnings conference calls held by Tesla Motors are always intriguing, and so it was with last week's second-quarter update.

Financial analysts focused on the company's numbers--it's...

Hyundai, Kia Do It All: Electrics, Hybrids, Prius Fighters, Hydrogen, Even Diesel
When it comes to advanced automotive technology, most global carmakers are placing their bets with care. Toyota is all-in for hydrogen fuel cells, while Nissan is betting on battery-electric vehicles for its future. GM too is on the plug-in side of the ledger, while other makers hang back more...
John Voelcker August 11, 2015
Electric-Car Mandates: Can't Meet 'Em, Makers Say, While Buyers 'Shrug' At Efficiency
With the approaching midterm review of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules coming up in the next two years, automakers and advocates are positioning themselves to lobby for changes to the rules. Auto companies are preparing to push aggressively not only to have those rules tweaked, relaxed, or...
John Voelcker August 10, 2015
Another Defunct Hybrid: 2016 Volkswagen Touareg SUV Loses Hybrid Option
This is a tough time for hybrids. Gas prices are down, the fuel economy of other vehicles is rising steadily, and the aged Toyota Prius is now six years old and on the verge of replacement. So perhaps it's not surprising that one maker quietly withdraws a hybrid from its lineup--and a low-volume...
John Voelcker August 10, 2015
Tesla Hacking, i-MiEV Driven, Norway's Zero-Emission-Car Plan: The Week In Reverse (Video)
What's Norway's ambitious plan to get rid of gasoline cars altogether? And, who's talking up electric cars in the pickup-heavy heartland of Oklahoma oil country? This is our video look back at the Week In Reverse--right here at Green Car Reports--for the week ending on Friday, August 7, 2015...
John Voelcker August 8, 2015
CA Renewable Hydrogen Rule: Forcing The Carbon Numbers To Work
California's plan to reduce carbon emissions from transportation anticipates a mix of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Recharging batteries from the electric grid is relatively simple, but producing hydrogen fuel requires a good deal of energy to split pure hydrogen out of other...
John Voelcker August 7, 2015

Final EPA Power-Plant Rules: Far More Impact On Coal States John Voelcker August 7, 2015

The completed rules issued this week by the EPA to limit carbon emissions from power plants run 1,560 pages--nighttime reading only for policy wonks.

But the agency's final Clean Power Plan has...
Tesla Model S Hacked In Low-Speed Driving; Patch Issued, Details Tomorrow: UPDATED
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has come under intense public scrutiny after a pair of hackers took control of a Jeep Cherokee remotely through its Uconnect infotainment system and disabled certain features, including its brakes and transmission. Publicity around that vulnerability quickly led the...
John Voelcker August 6, 2015
Plug-In Electric Car Sales In July: Leaf Plummets, Volt Holds (FINAL UPDATE)
While May was a good month for sales of plug-in electric cars, the numbers sagged in June--and they appear to be doing the same for July. Last month's sales data has now arrived, and it looks like the lack of new and exciting plug-in vehicles, plus buyers' continuing infatuation with SUVs, have...
John Voelcker August 5, 2015
Norway's Goal: All New Cars Will Be Emission-Free By 2025 To Cut Carbon
With yesterday's release of final EPA rules for reducing carbon emissions from power plants, the stage is set for a major battle over how--and even whether--any carbon emissions in the U.S. may be limited. Meanwhile, there's Norway. As Ola Elvestuen, a member of Parliament there as well as Chair of...
John Voelcker August 4, 2015
2016 Mazda CX-3: First Drive Of 31-MPG Small Sporty Crossover
The range of small and smaller SUVs seems to expand almost monthly, and the latest entry is the 2016 Mazda CX-3. This crossover utility vehicle slots below the compact Mazda CX-5 in the "Zoom Zoom" maker's lineup. The company expects the CX-3 to appeal more to couples and empty-nesters than to...
John Voelcker August 4, 2015
2016 Chevy Volt EPA Ratings: 53-Mile Electric Range, 42 MPG On Gas
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid has been rated by the EPA at 53 miles of electric range, a nice boost on Chevy's earlier promise of "at least 50 miles." The EPA also rates the 2016 Volt at 42 mpg combined when the engine is running, and 106 Miles Per Gallon Equivalent combined when operating...
John Voelcker August 4, 2015

Next Nissan Leaf Could Become Family Of Electric Cars: Report John Voelcker August 3, 2015

The first Toyota Prius came to market in the U.S. in 2000, but it wasn't until 2012 that the single hybrid model expanded into a family of four different cars.

Now it appears that the same could...
Armored Plug-In Hybrid, Mazda Miata, Tesla Battery Life: The Week In Reverse (Video)
What's our new champion for the greenest sports car you can likely afford? And, who's built a plug-in hybrid with armor plating--and why? This is our video look back at the Week In Reverse--right here at Green Car Reports--for the week ending on Friday, July 31, 2015. Friday, we described the new...
John Voelcker August 2, 2015
BMW Mulls Large All-Electric SUV To Counter Tesla Model X: Report
Battery-electric vehicles with ranges of 150 to 200 miles and prices under $50,000 are now on the horizon from Chevrolet, Nissan, and Tesla, but details of BMW's entry into that segment are less visible. On the higher end, we know that German luxury makers Audi and Mercedes-Benz plan pricey...
John Voelcker July 31, 2015
Congress Approves Tax Fairness Updates For Liquid Natural Gas
Congress has taken an important step to advance cleaner transport with the introduction of new, fairer taxation for natural gas. The 'LNG Excise Tax Equalization Act of 2013' is designed to equalize the discrepancy between taxation of diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). ALSO SEE: Tesla Model 3...
John Voelcker July 31, 2015
Toyota Tackles Hydrogen Fueling Challenges As Mirai Launch Approaches: UPDATED
As this autumn's launch of the 2016 Toyota Mirai fuel-cell car approaches, its maker is taking steps to ensure that the small number of initial buyers and lessees will be able to fuel up their hydrogen-powered sedans with ease. Some of the 70 or so Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell SUV drivers in Southern...
John Voelcker July 30, 2015
Who Buys Used Teslas? Younger, More Middle-Class Buyers, Analysis Says
It's now pretty clear that used electric cars in the mass market depreciate more rapidly than their gasoline counterparts, even after netting out the effect of financial incentives. Early data shows the 200-mile-plus Tesla Model S, on the other hand, holds its value as a used car much better. But...
John Voelcker July 30, 2015