Barack Obama floats a plan to get electric vehicles on the road; Ford and GM mull cooperation; and Portland introduces charging stations for plug-in cars.

Obama: 1 million plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2015: After losing some ground in last week’s polls to John McCain — particularly on energy issues — presidential contender Barack Obama on Monday unveiled his vision for a plug-in automotive fleet. Some highlights: get a million plug-ins on the road within the next seven years; big subsidies for automotive R&D; ans tax credits up to $7,000 for consumers who make the switch. (Autoblog Green)

Ailing Ford, GM Look to Save Costs by Partnering on Powertrain Development: Ford and General Motors are apparently in talks to share drivetrain research and development. The move would presumably give Ford immediate access to GM’s plug-in technology. Halving R&D could save both companies billions of dollars a year. Upside to the consumer: more interchangeable parts and service — and more green cars in local showrooms. (Edmunds)

How Offshore Drilling Can Aid Cleantech: A “Gang of Ten” Senators seem poised to push a compromise on the full Senate which would include some offshore drilling — linked to re-investment in cleantech. The $84 billion dollar measure would be funded by taxing oil companies. For now, though, it’s talk: the proposal won’t get a hearing until the Senate returns to session in September.

Latest From Nissan: An ‘Eco Pedal’ Designed to Improve Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency: Nissan has developed a gas-saving “nanny pedal.” A computer would monitor road conditions and fuel efficiency. If appropriate, it would signal the EcoPedal to push back against a driver’s foot, signaling that he or she is juicing the accelerator a bit too much. The EcoPedal could be available in some of Nissan’s cars next year. (Green Car Advisor)

Portland Developing Plug-In Hybrid Recharging Stations: Fueling stations for hybrid and fully plug-in cars are about to leave the realm of the theoretical. Portland General Electric (PGE) is about to toss out a dozen recharging stations for public testing. They’ll be free to use for now, allowing PGE to see how well they work and are understood by consumers. The charging stations utilize fully renewable energy. (Green Tech Gazette)

Stories You Might Also Like: